Miracles Continue

Elora is 16 weeks old today and weighs 7 lb, 14 oz., which is over 5 times her birth weight! We continue to be in awe of the healing and miracles in her body. This past week was very encouraging and we think Elora may be coming home in the next 2 weeks (or so) if she continues to take more feedings by mouth.

EATING: We are seeing small signs of improvement in the eating department. First of all - she started to nurse this week. After 2 months of failed attempts, she decided this was the week! Secondly, she seems to be taking more volume by mouth, slowly but surely.

We have been given the option of having a more permanent feeding tube put into her stomach. Right now she has a tube in that goes through her nose into her stomach, but this new tube would go directly into her stomach via incision in her side. The new feeding tube would allow her to come home quicker, but would mean a procedure to put it in, then another later on to take it out (sigh).  However, not getting it put in could mean a much longer stay in the hospital (double sigh).

We will keep you updated on how this next week goes and if we make more decisions about the feeding tube. Please pray for our discernment in this area.

EYES: On Monday she had an eye exam and they found significant signs of improvement which means her eyes are self-correcting from the ROP. They do not have any concerns and she will not have to have the laser surgery. Woot! Woot!

HERNIA: Elora's hernia remains stable. The plan is once we have a discharge date, the hernia will be repaired two days prior. Thankfully she doesn't seem to be experiencing any pain or discomfort from it. The procedure is very routine and recovery is quick - so we are thankful for that!

BREATHING:  Elora is very stable and breathing well on her own, but does still require a little support. She will be coming home with oxygen support, so Peter and I will be trained on the tanks and monitors soon. We used to fear this, but now we are totally fine with it. It means she gets to come home and we'll be confident she is breathing ok. Just don't be shocked when you see us rolling down Minnetonka BLVD with her in a stroller and portible oxygen tanks in tow!