January 22, 2012

When Blair and I arrived over in module three this morning we found out Harli didn't have a real good night.  The doctors were not sure if Harli is getting tired or if her blood count levels are low because last night and this morning her energy levels were down.  They ended up turning the vapotherm machine up to four liters, which it has been set on three liters since she was taken off the ventilator.  They are going to check her blood count in the morning to see if she needs another blood transfusion, or see if she is just tired from all the breathing and moving that she does.  Harli laid pretty still most of the morning which is something we have not seen in over a week when the doctors found out she had a whole in her intestine.

9:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Harli did not have one episode during this stretch of time, so it was very apparent that by turning up her vapotherm machine to four liters helped.  Around noon Harli started regaining much of her energy which was very comforting to watch.  Harli has now turned into a normally preemie, she loves her belly.  Every time today when the nurse tried putting her on her back she would through a huge fit and just quit breathing.  So now it is a constant battle from side to side and on her belly.  Even though occasionally they have to put her on her back to see how long she will tolerate that position to help keep her head uniformed.  Today I was able to witness Harli "attempted" to roll, which was very unsuccessful but interesting to watch. I will give her credit that she does try to get what she wants she just does not quit have the strength.

The nurse did the usual Sunday routine and that is to weigh and measure her length.  With much surprise she gained two ounces over night which puts her weight even to her birth weight.  The biggest surprise was when they measured her, she has grown two inches since last Sunday.  The nurse couldn't believe it and actually double check herself to make sure she had not made a mistake.  So now our little girl is 14"long and weighs 1lb 14ozs.

Tomorrow is a big day for the Culy family.  They are going to do Harli's Upper GI, where they give her the dye and take multiple x-rays throughout to make sure the dye is going through her system properly.  They have not set the time which this will take place, but I was told if they are able to do this procedure first thing in the morning we should have results tomorrow.  If the results are positive then they will start Harli on breast milk, but if the results are not positive then they will have to discuss surgery to fix the intestine.  If the Upper GI does not take place until later in the day then we probably won't know results until Tuesday morning.

I ask that you continue to pray for our family, and keep us in your thoughts tomorrow as this is another pivotal moment in Harli's growing process.  I also wanted to thank all the friends and family that have been able to come and visit or who have been in touch with Blair and I. It is amazing to see first hand the power of prayer and support.  Thanks to everyone

Sleeping peaceful most of the morning.

One of the poses I got after changing her diaper. Legs sticking straight out.

When Harli realized I was done changing her diaper her legs fell and she started falling asleep.