5/4 Update

Everlee's Heliox was turned down to 2 LPM last night and she has shown very good blood gasses throughout the night with the changes.

We were present during rounds this morning and the Dr told us the plan today was to increase her feedings to 15 ml, and remove the Heliox machine completely. She will be on 30% oxygen thru her nasal cannula at that point. Mommy is back to being able to hold her again, which is a result of her stability after being extubated. She was a very happy baby this morning when we walked into the room. Her eyes were open, she was looking around and kicking her legs. The nurse told us she had been up for an hour and didn't hear a peep out of her. She is such a sweetheart. She smiles a lot when mommy holds her and she's being fed.

Another very important update: Daddy changed another diaper today! Woo Hoo... I'm a machine!

I was able to experience the feeling I've been wanting ever since Everlee was born. I got to hold my beautiful daughter for the first time! I can't put into words what it felt like to have her in my arms, but I know the pain in my heart started to vanish, and was replaced with happiness and unconditional love. Being able to smell her, study her face, and feel her breath was an addiction that I cannot get enough of.
For the first time in 10 days, I actually felt like a Father.
Everlee's father... and it made my heart smile.