Reality Bites

12/17/12

It is a common reality that kids get sick...even while in the NICU it is possible for kids to get common childhood illnesses.  Things were going very well after surgery and Etta was content.  She was eating fairly well and progressing toward going home until the addition on Thrush.  Her nurse noticed that she was having issues eating an entire bottle and was more fussy than usual.  While screaming in protest to basically every aspect of the day, her nurse noticed white spots in her mouth and cheeks.  She began a regiment of anti-fungal cream immediately, but continued to struggle eating and was very vocal with her discomfort.

Meanwhile, Spencer and I attended a class at Primary Children's Medical Center on Stoma care.  Man, am I happy to be taking care of a small, cute little Stoma....we saw the size of some adult Stomas and, I'm not going to lie, were appalled at the baseball sized site.  Although it may sound a bit discusting to think of the intricate details of a Stoma, we will just be glad to get her home.

While we were attending the class, Etta efficiently boycotted sleeping from 2am-3pm, keeping the nurses on their toes with incessant screaming.  It is these types of days that can drive parents to the crazy house...not only do you hear your baby screaming, but the vitals monitors are constantly ringing and beeping because her heart rate and respiratory rate is too high. When you go home at night, the silence of the house is somewhat of a welcome relief.  Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow...