Happy One Month Birthday, Amelia!

A month ago today Amelia was born. My life seems to be divided between the time Amelia arrived and after. The two almost seem to be the same length. Before she arrived, I never thought it would be possible to love and worry about another person so much. She is so beautiful and so fragile and I want nothing more than to hold her and protect her. But I have to leave that in the hands of the hospital staff for a while longer. I have been doing a lot of talking with Mother Mary to help Amelia, Todd and me through this time. Mary knows a thing or two about watching her child suffer and I try to take as much strength from her example as I can.

I got quite a few cards in the mail today. One of which is from Ireland! Two masses will be said for Amelia at the Knock Parish Church in Ireland. Knock is a Marian shrine. Perhaps one day we will be able to take a trip there to visit.

Another card that touched Todd and me is from one of my best friends in the world, BAGP. We both shed a tear at the beautiful note she sent us. I knew there was a reason she and I have been friends since freshman year of high school.

We have gotten notes and cards from others as well. Amelia's battle has touched a lot of people's hearts, some we have never met or only know through our family and friends. We are truly blessed and lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love and care for us.

Tonight Amelia is over 3 lbs. She has gained about 200 grams of weight over two days. She is extremely puffy, especially in the face. The edema is not troubling in itself, but what is causing it is what needs to be addressed.

Her blood pressure is still low and she has been put on a different blood pressure medication called dobutamine. It acts differently than dopamine. They largely used the dopamine to increase her renal output. It also helps elevate blood pressure, but she did not want to increase it more because it could have negative effects. Instead they are using the dobutamine which increases the contractility of the heart and cardiac output. After PDA surgery, the side of the heart that did not have to pump fully is not used to the amount of work it has to do and sometimes becomes weak from lack of use. Hopefully the new medication will help the heart do its job. The more it pumps the more the fluid can move around and be ridded from her body.

Her blood gasses have been pretty good and stable today. She has been going down on her oxygen percentage -- she is down in the 70% range.

Also the doctor said now that she is weaned off the morphine she is beginning to move around a bit more. This also helps rid the body of excess fluid.

We don't dare touch her or talk to her. We don't want to upset her apple cart. She has a very delicate sense of well being right now and although we want nothing more than to kangaroo and snuggle with her, right now that would just be selfish.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of death. Amen.

11:00 PM Update: Amelia's blood gas was one of her best. Her CO2 level is 59! Her blood pressure is good. Now if she can just have a good wet diaper, we will know she is getting rid of some excess fluid.