Ava Update with video

Here is the latest from Jennifer... Pics and video! She's a superstar!

This is from the 12th...

Dear Family and Friends,

I got to hold her today. I am tearing up just thinking about it. I got to hold my precious Ava today. When I came in this morning (thanks mom for babysitting so I could stay at home with Todd and Jason), the lead ECMO specialists, Ralph, said they needed to change her bedding today. He said I could lift her off the bed while they swapped blankets and he held her cannulas in place. The cannulas are what connect her to ECMO. I've had many happy tears today! By the way, she's solid and seems to be at least 8 pounds!

We have officially started the weaning process. It started yesterday so it's been over 24 hours and Ava is tolerating it well. Her numbers have stayed steady the doctors are pleased. Her kidneys and bowels are still quiet but they seem to think they will be fine once off ECMO. Her ECMO flow is currently at 75 cc/kilo and once she gets to 30 cc/kilo she will be idle. They will clamp the cannulas to see how well she tolerates just being on the oscillator. When she passes that test (because we all know she will) they will perform surgery to de-cannulate.

I am excited, nervous and so thankful we are at this point. Team Ava is too! I will keep you updated over the weekend. Thanks to everyone for their continued prayers and support.




Much Love,
Jennifer

This was from yesterday...

Just a quick note that if you are interested you can see Ava on You Tube. I recorded a short (2 minute) video a few days ago when she was awake, alert and looking around. She wakes up intermittently during the day and night and those are our favorite times. We read, sing, tell her stories, and talk about all the fun stuff we are going to do when we get home.

Go to www.youtube.com and search ava elaine dickerson. Scroll down about 10 or so videos and you'll see her. It's my first time on you tube so please excuse if I did something wrong. And please excuse my singing - Ava does not seem to mind but you may want to turn your speakers off :)

Isn't that great!!! I love reading updates from them. Watching the video reminded me of when Kamryn was in the nicu, and just how helpless I felt. I remember me wanting to breathe for her, and endure all the pain she felt. If I could have switched places with her, I would have in a heartbeat, and I know all mothers feel that way.

The twins have a cold right now, and Kamryn's cough is pretty bad. They are both on antibiotics, and it's slowly helping. Despite their colds, they are in great moods.

Will post some pictures of the twins later this week or next.

Love,
Stephanie