NICU = Home Sweet Home

After an extended stay in the PICU, the doctors and nurses have finally moved Landry back down to the NICU.  Some of you have asked "What's the difference between PICU and NICU?"  Don't feel bad, we're learning all this with you (along with countless other hospital acronyms).  Here's a quick comparison:
PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) - cares for infants and children up to 17 yrs old (in certain instances even older)
NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) - specializes solely in the treatment of newborn infants

A worthy note, any child who has invasive surgery (like Landry) is taken to the PICU for post-op recovery.  In Landry's case, like any infant, they work to stabilize and return the child back to the NICU as soon as possible.  Our surgeon was hopeful that Landry would return within 3 days after surgery.

Well, let's just say it didn't really go as planned.  The NICU experienced a "baby boom" toward the end of June.  The unit has a 75 patient capacity, but was housing 90+ babies!!  There wasn't a spot for Landry!   For SEVERAL days we were told that Landry would "be taken down to the NICU tomorrow".  Well, "Tomorrow" turned out to be 4 days later.  Each passing day our patience was being tested.  As Landry's biggest advocates, we voiced our opinion to the doctors and nurses.  We even discussed our situation with the hospital administrator.  Although we were toiling with our frustrations, our hearts were reminded each day of the promises from God.  Instead of bearing what seemed to be such a burden, we relinquished our parental desires and trusted our Father.  We knew Landry was right where she needed to be.  Soon, we were taken down to the NICU...home sweet home!

Each unit is staffed with outstanding healthcare professionals.  And each unit "has its own way of doing things".  Landry has continuously received great care, BUT, with all due respect, the NICU provides a level of care that exceeds all other units.  Granted, she is an infant, so the NICU is where she belongs!    

Landry likes the NICU.  She thrives here.  Perhaps it's because the doctors and nurses make a concerted effort to challenge her body by reducing the dosage of medicines, and challenge her lungs by weening her oxygen flow on the ventilator.  This forces her to work a little harder...and she keeps rising to the occasion.  We are so proud of the way she fights!  And her performance doesn't go unrecognized by the hospital staff...she is acquiring quite a reputation as a feisty little girl!  Praise the Lord!

Landry's latests:

-Her weight has fluctuated (specifically water weight).  She is retaining fluid mostly in her head and upper torso.  It will slowly reduce as she continues to recover and her lungs work a little harder.  We are so proud of her and tell her daily, but we don't want her getting a "big head" ;-)

-For the last few days, Landry at times will "clamp down" and basically hold her breath.  She tends to do this when she gets mad and has gunk in her airway or chest.  As a helpless bystander this is terrifying to watch.  Her heartrate and oxygen levels plummet, causing her to turn different shades of colors (from bright red to purple, then to blue).  We hate when this happens, but love the strong willed spirit that she possesses.  We are told these "episodes" will lessen/stop once she's extubated.

-We are days away from extubation and continue to pray for her to have a successful transition.  Please continue joining us in this prayer.  We hope to soon give an update praising the Lord for this answered prayer.

- The last few days have been some of the most difficult for our sweet Landry.  The staff identified the presence of triglycerides leaking from her chest tube.  This forced her to transition from breastmilk (yes, Kacee is still pumping) to a low-fat formula, in hopes of eliminating the issue.  In turn, she has suffered a full body rash, which we first thought was a reaction to an antibiotic, but now are finding that it might be a milk/protein allergy.  Our doctors and nurses have consulted dietitians and are trying to get to the bottom of this.  Inevitably, these variables have added stress on our little punkins body.

Lastly, we haven't held Landry since before her surgery.  We often times feel helpless as we watch our baby endure her struggles.  But through these difficult times, we find peace and mercy in knowing our God is watching over her.  The Holy Spirit is providing her with the strength she needs.  And Lord Jesus is holding her close to His mighty chest!  Amen.

Love Yall,

Kacee & Kyle