That fiesty Clara

They did a chest x-ray today to see what's going on inside little Clara that's keeping her from breathing correctly. She's showing signs of lung inflammation that the doctors think is a result of the oxygen she's been receiving. I guess some babies are susceptible to inflammation. They started her on a bunch of treatments today to try to clear up the problem - an inhaled steroid and a nebulizer. They also did one dose of some diuretic that sometimes helps as well. They'll give it until Monday or Tuesday to see if it works and they can reduce her oxygen and flow needs. Either way, it sounds like she'll be coming home next week....it's just a question of whether or not she's coming home on oxygen only (preferred) or oxygen and a pulse oximeter (a pain to deal with, but less of a pain than driving to the NICU everyday). So we shall see. She also had her follow-up eye exam looking for Retinopathy of Prematurity. She's still looking ROP-free, but her retinas are too immature to completely rule it out. She'll have another exam in 3 weeks. Evelyn's follow-up is scheduled for next Thursday.

Evelyn is adjusting really nicely to being home. She's just a really sweet, mellow kid. Well, right now she is....that could always change. But, generally she only cries when she's hungry, wet, or dirty. Last night Greg and I had to wake her up for both her feedings. This is a lovely problem to have compared to someone (ahem, I'm looking at you, Alex) who woke up every hour and then cried for 2 hours after his feedings.

That's it for now. Wish us luck for some good news for little Clara...she could use it. We're still hoping for great news for her. Maybe this will be the time we get great news.

Take care,
Kris