NICU Visits

Andrew and I have been splitting the visits to the NICU, which is about a 30 minute drive from our home.  I tend to go in the morning, after rush hour, and Andrew goes in the evening, after the shift change.  We each stay for a few hours which gives us an opportunity to see how Veronica is doing over a period of time.  It also allows for us to get to know the nurses better.  The nurses, by the way, have been phenomenal.  They are gentle and patient, not only with Veronica, but with us as well.  The same with the doctors.  Even prior to Veronica's birth one of the doctors visited me almost daily while I was on bed rest to see if I had any questions or concerns.  We are so grateful that Veronica is receiving the highest level of care. 

My visit with Veronica today was uneventful, which is a good thing.  She remains stable.  Her heart rate continues to drop periodically but it often comes right back up again without any intervention from the nurse - this is a good sign.  While we are not able to hold her, and won't be able to for several more weeks, we are allowed to touch her with sterile gloves.  Today they even allowed me to take her temperature and change her diaper.  Doing so really makes a difference in terms of feeling like a part of the care giving team. 

Veronica continues to gain weight and we can really see it.  She gained 40 more grams which is just over an ounce.  She was 1 lb, 4 oz at birth and is now 1 lb, 8 oz.   Its amazing what a difference 4 oz makes.  Hopefully, we will see consistent weight gain over the coming weeks and months.