Day 20: An amazing day

Another good day! I stopped in for Lily's 8pm care and got to hold her for the first time! She's still doing well on the SiPAP at moderate pressure settings and oxygen of between 35-40%. She's not really de-stat'ing too much, and when she does it's only to the 70s - she generally pulls right out of it without needing any additional oxygen.

Lily's sodium level did come up a little low in last night's blood test, so the doctors have her a small booster of sodium chloride.

It's been a few posts since I've listed out all the positives, here's another quick run of the top 5 - we have so, so much to be thankful for. Each breath is a miracle breath - each day is a gift.

1. Lily is doing well on the SiPAP, and she isn't de-stat'ing often or with great severity. She's breathing on her own!
2. Lily is now off of the electrolyte/nutrient solution (the gatorade looking stuff) - which means all of her nutrition is now coming from breastmilk!
3. We're able to hold her now! When I held her this evening, she really seemed to really enjoy it. It was one of the happiest times of my life.
4. Lily is up to full feeds, and is tolerating it well so far! She is now receiving 6mL/hr of fortified breast milk, and if she tolerates it well through the night they're going to remove the PICC line tomorrow! Amazing!
5. No brain bleeds and no infections to speak of!

And, we are about to celebrate three weeks of life!

When I look into Lily's eyes, I see a warrior. I see someone up against all odds, fighting for her life... and so far, she is winning. When I started writing this blog, I had no idea how the story was going to end... it was a terrifying, horrible thing, but I just felt like I had to write it down. Here we are, 20 days into Lily's Battle... about to celebrate three weeks of life! Thousands of people all over the world are rooting for, and praying for, Lily - and I am confident that this story will have a happy ending. Here's another picture of our rather peaceful looking fighter - (it looks like her skin is peeling around her nose, but it's not - it's protective tape for her breathing mask.) 

Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes - they are working miracles, one breath at a time!

Also - A huge huge thank you to the very generous family who today donated $5,000 in Lily's name to benefit Tri-State NICU families. Our family is deeply touched - thank you.