Today Lexie reached the equivalent of 36 weeks gestation. This had been the goal when I checked into the hospital in November -- getting the pregnancy to 36 weeks. Obviously we didn't quite make it.
Last week Lexie was moved to yet another "step down" room for babies who just need to learn to eat and grow. It happens to be on the 6th floor (the regular NICU is on the 2nd floor). And it happens to be within spitting distance of the hospital room I lived in for so many weeks. Every day I see my old door at the end of the hallway. It's always closed. Inevitably, I've been thinking a lot about an alternate universe in which I am still behind that door. In that alternate universe, today I walked out the door on my own and headed home to wait out the rest of my pregnancy, instead of being quickly wheeled out, terrified, heading to the labor and delivery floor many weeks too early.
But things continue to improve in real life. Yesterday Lexie's feeding tube was removed. That's not entirely accurate -- it would be more accurate to say that Lexie pulled out her feeding tube again. And her doctor decided not to replace it as long as Lexie continues to eat enough on her own. So far, so good. She looks like a regular little baby now without the tube taped to her little face.
In other real-life news, we just received our copy of Lexie's birth certificate as well as her Social Security card. She's not even supposed to be born yet, and already she's just a number in the eyes of the government. Welcome to the world, kiddo. We're so glad you're here.
What's the Story?
- Two Shorten the Road
- This blog chronicles my family's journey through life, including infertility/loss, preterm labor, and the birth and progress of our daughter Lexie, born 10 weeks premature. The blog title, "Two Shorten the Road," is an old Irish proverb that basically means a trip is shorter when you have someone to tell stories to. For me, it's very true. Our adventures -- or misadventures -- along the way become woven into the fabric of who we are. I hope you enjoy reading. -- Megan
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All content including original writing and photos is copyrighted unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD, TV, etc.) without written permission from me. You may link to articles to your heart's content.
10 comments:
Here from ICLW. Glad to hear your daughter is taking an active role in her care! I wish you the best of luck as she learns eat, breath and she grows.
I love her fiery spirit - pulling out the feeding tube! I hope she continues to eat well so it can stay out. I just read through your ordeal, and it's great to see the progression she's making.
ICLW #63
I'm just starting to follow your blog. It'll take me a bit to catch up, but I'm so happy there's hope in your post. Sounds like Lexie is one tough little girl.
Here from ICLW. I am so happy to here things are looking good for Lexie. I hope she continues to make progress and is home soon!
Here from ICLW.
Congratulations on little Lexie! She is absolutely beautiful. Good for her for pulling out her NG tube. Sometimes the babies need to help the doctors make decisions. She was ready, and she let them know it!
Congrats on moving up to the 6th floor, too! Hoping Lexie will be home before you know it!
Stacie (former NICU mom to 28 weeker twins)
I'm so glad to hear that Lexie is doing well. I'm on modified bed rest with twins and we're just praying to make it to 36 weeks. I'm lucky that my water hasn't broken, but I keep having contractions and it scares the bejeezus outa me. Good luck!! ICLW
That is good news! I hope that she continues to be a little fighter and that she continues to grow and develop!
ICLW
(ICLW)
Go Lexie! Way to go, telling those doctors you're done with the feeding tube! You're almost home, now!
Our twins did the same thing last year, also at around 36 weeks. We got to take them home a week later...
Mijke (mother of 32w NICU twins who were aproximately the same size and weight as your Lexie at birth)
Lexie I'm so glad you're here too! So glad to hear that Lexie stepped up again in the NICU system..keep the good news coming :-)
Way to go, Lexie! You eat and let them know you don't need no stinking feeding tube!
It must be tough to have such a different labor and delivery than you hoped. Thank goodness you all came out of it okay, and that Lexie is doing so well.
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