I got to hold Lorena today!

I went to Topeka today for a visit.  Lorena's nurse practitioner (Deb) said Lorena was doing great.  She is still on the CPAP to help force air into her lungs but it is on 21% oxygen, which is basically room air that adults breathe.  She hasn't needed oxygen for 2 days.  They are going to try to feed her again tomorrow.  She is still getting enemas to help her bowels, which they say is fairly typical for babies this age.  I am hoping that she will be able to digest my milk tomorrow.  Lorena still has a tube in her stomach in order to suck the bile periodically.  Nan was her nurse today and I really like her.

Lorena without her goggles

I got to help change Lorena's diaper (which was an eye opening experience).  I have only changed a diaper a few times in my life.  Several months ago I changed my niece Abigail's diaper and put it on backwards.  I put Lorena's on the right way today.  I also got to take her temperature.  Most importantly I got to hold her for 45 minutes!  I had lots of mixed emotions while holding her.  I hadn't really gotten to touch her until today so I was feeling disconnected.  I feel so much more attached to her after today and did not want to leave the hospital.  I miss her so much more now and it is hard to be away.  It is weird to have a baby and not bring her home with you, but I'm so thankful I finally got to hold her.  I can't wait to hold her again.


First time holding her...she is so tiny