3/15 Update

Madeline had another good day today as she had zero complications and continued to increase her feedings. She's up to her maximum of 5 mLs per hour and she'll stay there until she can gain more weight. The next steps on our journey are to keep reducing her help from the ram cannula (ultimately to switch her over to high-flow and then one day, she'll be breathing on her own). The fact that we've had over a week without any major complications is fantastic and a blessing. Hopefully, she'll continue to get stronger which will help allow her body to recover from any setbacks she might have.

One thing that gives me hope is that one of her roommates was born (the family had twins) at 23 weeks and had been there since October. Yesterday, they got the joy of bringing their first baby home and the second will be coming soon thereafter for them. It really helps me keep it in perspective when we feel like Madeline will be there forever and makes me excited for our special day when we'll get the same experience.

She was wide awake for Kristen yesterday and a bit snoozier for me but she's still able to tolerate being held for awhile which is great for us. We have visitors this weekend as my parents are in town and Grandpa Esch got to take a turn holding her last night which made for a huge highlight for him.

Here are yesterday's action shots: