Kailey's Leaps

Kailey has made tremendous progress today. I went to feed her in the morning and found out she had been disconnected from the IV unit!!! I had a long talk with the neonatal doctor and she explained in great detail many of the preventive treatments (phototherapy, antibiotics, blood thinner, etc...) because I had requested a list of every single intervention done during a day and to take a look at the log; in other words I asked for nothing short of even knowing when she poops! I am sure they just love me down there.
During the phototherapy treatment she could be taken out of the incubator up to a maximum of two times in a 24 hour period. Needless to say access to her was very limited and even feeding time with her was restricted to no longer than 15 to 20 minutes.
By noon, Kailey was taken out of the incubator, clothed in a very warm outfit and put on an open air bassinet and her 9 hour test began to see if she could keep her own body temperature at an adequate level on a permanent basis and per my request (during my morning chat with the doc) she was moved to the least critical room in the NICU (closer to the window). Moving her to this room also included switching her oxygen instrumentation and was put on a new device.
When I went back to my room to get ready for being released from the hospital I was given a great gift. I was asked by my nurse if I would like to stay a couple of extra nights at the hospital so I could be closer to Kailey. I was so happy I just wanted to shout. So here I am, in room 286 in a quiet corner of the postpartum floor just a floor away from Kailey. I feel so blessed that I can remain close to her. A wonderful woman named Stephanie was also working behind the scenes to ensure I would get the hospital pump with the kit without having to pay the $270 they charge. I found it in my room when I came back from my nursing time with Heidi in the morning. She had worked with the NICU case manager on this and had even called the insurance company.
During my 3 pm feeding time with Kailey I found out she had done so well with the new oxygen device that they took down the level twice. So I asked again (I had already mentioned it to the doctor in the morning) if she could be taken to the bonding room to visit with her siblings and the doctor agreed. So right after her evening feeding she was able to spend some time with Ethan, Heidi, and Gavin. They were delighted to meet her for the first time because no one under 18 is allowed in the NICU.
I went down to feed her at 9 pm; she latched well and nursed for about 10 minutes. But she does like being burped promptly and frequently or she will stop eating all together. I am grateful for every bit of progress she is making and for being able to stay closer to Kailey a little bit longer. Below are some pictures of our little princess.