The Fairy and the Mermaid

Cora's blood culture tested positive for a bacterial infection. She has a type of staph infection. The doctor feels this is not the really bad kind of staph. We will know the exact name tomorrow. After her blood culture tested positive, they began to grow a subculture. This will tell the doctors exactly what type of staph she has and what antibiotic she needs. Fluids, lipids, and wide spectrum antibiotics are still being administered. A new IV was put in this morning. A preemie's veins are very fragile. Normally an IV will only last for 24 hours (if you are lucky), then their fragile vein may rupture. For this reason, IVs need to be changed and removed frequently. The tube from her mouth to belly is for removing air and fluids. The doctor feels he may start her back on her feedings soon. She is starting to get cranky from her lack of food. Amazingly enough, she gained weight. This brings her total weight to 3 lbs. 7 oz. With the exception of a few things in her blood work and a couple bradys, Cora is doing amazingly well considering. She still does not act sick and remains calm. The doctor said we caught this early and not be be overly worried.

Hazel does not want to be out done by her sister. Her weight is now 2 lbs. 14 oz. She is tolerating her feedings very well, having fewer bradys (expect when we are not paying attention to her), and not having any aspirates. She had two big spit ups on her mama today and, judging from Hazel's smile afterward, both were very funny. She continues to wiggle and squirm in her bed. The nurse, Debbie, said she was "packing and moving." Debbie does not know where Hazel was trying to go but she went from one end of the isolette to another. Hazel would be moved back to bed just to start the process over again. She just wanted everyone to know she was in charge, again.