Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Making a statement

Today, Juliet opened her eyes for the first time in almost THREE weeks. She was awake and alert and looking at the people talking to her. At one point, she even cracked half of a smile. Juliet is not ready to give up. I think she was telling us that she is still in there and wants to stick around.

Her weight last night was down 700 g - that's 1 1/2 pounds - from the day before. She basically has been shrinking before our eyes. Her nose is finally the tallest point of her face again and not buried under all of the swelling. Her chest tubes continued to get more fluid out today and her kidneys continued to do their job. This morning, she had an echocardiogram to check her heart function. The report showed a significant improvement from Monday morning. Her vent continues to be weaned and her blood pressure was not an issue. What we need now is several good days moving in this direction, making progress towards getting off of the ventilator.

Oh, I almost forgot. They started feeding her today. She is getting a tiny bit of Pedialyte continously dripped into her stomach from her nasogastric (NG) tube. Another step in the right direction. What a difference 48 hours (and 2 chest tubes) make.

6 comments:

  1. I am praying for this to continue! What an amazing baby girl!

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  2. I am overjoyed at the progress Juliet has made! Thank God for answering our prayers. I knew she had that fight still in her. She is already showing her personality. Hopefully she won't be too hard on you in the future! I am truly amazed at how quickly her body adjusts from one thing to the next. She has been an inspiration to so many of us. I have learned so much from such a little Angel! There are times when we don't understand why God does what he does. Juliet has been put through this for a reason. It may be strickly for her but may also be more for us. She has brought new meaning to me about LIFE and how precious it is.
    I hope she has taught us all a lesson or two.
    Although I haven't met or held her yet, my love for her has grown each day. She deserves to be with her family and grow with the love that surrounds her.
    Praying for all good things to continue and for her to have a quick and complete recovery from here.....love and strength to you all.

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  3. What wonderful news...prayers are answered and they will continue from many folks around the world...Juliet is one special child that has more fight in her than anyone can imagine. God Bless and Juliet you have so many people, Dr.'s and family pulling for you and you just can't give up! Hugs are coming your way..Becky Hinkle

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  4. Again I have tears in my eyes after reading your posts. I have been praying for you and Juliet and will continue....May God's hand be upon your little family in a mighty way. Corky Johnson, Owen's grandma

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  5. Best news ever! I have been hitting refresh on your blog over the past few days, hoping that Juliet's condition would start to improve. It seems that she is in excellent hands with the NICU team and I am so happy to read that she is responding to the latest treatments. E.J. and I have our hearts in our throats with every post; we are just so happy that Juliet is taking a turn for the better. All our love to you and Chris.

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