Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Today we got news that we weren't expecting. And no. It wasn't bad news. Not bad news at all. Matter of fact, it was the very best news I have heard since the day our baby girl came home. 

Today we had an appointment with Dr. B, our pulmonologist. He looked at Morgan Kate, he looked back at her chart, he looked at her again, he asked me some questions, he listened to her heart and lungs, looked at her one more time and then gave us the news. He said that she looks great, sounds great, isn't requiring oxygen and is gaining weight, therefore, she is showing no signs of still having chronic lung disease. I know. I just about it lost it too. Well, I did lose it. I was actually able to keep it together while in his office, but the minute I got into the car I lost it. Tears of absolute joy. I have been crying those tears all night long. I just can't get over it. I mean I knew she was doing well, but I am no doctor. It's just a miracle. She is an absolute miracle. It is definitely news I wasn't expecting. 

We also no longer need the pulse ox. Goodbye pulse ox, goodbye. Well almost. Dr. B said we no longer needed it. And I do believe him and trust his word. While Morgan Kate might have been weaned from the pulse ox, Mommy dearest has not. I plan to keep it just a little while longer. I won't make her wear it, but I at least want to have it on hand just in case. 

And, once the weather warms up just a little more we will be free to have visitors and do some visiting. How exciting! It's still such a strange feeling. I told Travis tonight that I wasn't sure I knew how to visit anymore. It's been so long. We both agree that this needs to be a gradual process. We don't want to overload Morgan Kate or ourselves. Once it gets warmer we are going to slowly start taking her out and about. You have to remember that for the past six and a half months our lives have been drastically different and we have to slowly find our "normal".

Dr. B gave us some guidelines for "our new life" and we also have some rules. These are in place to assure that Morgan Kate continues to stay healthy - which is our TOP priority. She IS doing very well and she IS healthy, but we must not forget that she was NOT a full term baby and she still does have a fragile immune system. And while her lungs have grown and begun to heal we want them to continue to do so, therefore, she does NOT need to get sick. Her lungs are still smaller and a lot less developed than a baby born at term. Dr. B said that I need to be an "anal mommy" and I plan to be. Please know that we love each and everyone one of you and we can't wait to share Morgan Kate with all of you, but these rules have to be followed. No ifs, ands, or buts.

1. Do not ask to visit or ask us to visit you if you have been sick. If you have been sick you must be symptom free for at least five days before visiting with Morgan Kate. Ask Kaky about this one, she has already encountered this. 

2. Until we feel more comfortable about things please do not touch Morgan Kate's hands or face. She has precious feet that you can squeeze and touch, but not the hands or face. 

3. Wash your hands thoroughly. We will also have hand sanitizer at all times if needed. Please do not hesitate to ask for it. 

4. Do not smoke around or near Morgan Kate. If you have smoked please change clothes before visiting.

Most of this is common sense, but this nervous Mommy here just wants to remind everyone. We can't wait to get out and about and begin to share our little girl. 

Morgan Kate's glider is like my sanctuary. I do a lot of thinking there, a lot of wondering, an enormous amount of praying and I even shed some tears. Tonight as I was rocking her to sleep I was overcome with emotion. It's still so hard to believe that she was born so early and only weighed a pound and twelve ounces. And it's even harder to believe how far she has come and how awesome she is doing. I must thank God a thousand times a day for my baby girl. 

To God be the glory...for the things He has done.




16 comments:

Emily said...

Praise the Lord! This is such wonderful news!

Anonymous said...

God is an awesome God. Prayers have been answered and are continuing to be answered. You and Travis are such wonderful parents. The past six and onehalf months has been a journey you will never forget and has changed your lives forever. We Love you, Travis and Morgan Kate. Give her lots of hugs and kisses for us.

Love,
Aunt Jan

Hollie Heming said...

I'm absolutely weeping as I read this! That is WONDERFUL news. That's such a weak adjective to describe it, but you are right...she is a MIRACLE! I'm so happy that there is a light at the end of this tunnel you've been in for so long. It's amazing to see how your faith has grown through all of this. I will continue to pray for good health for all of you so you can all stay well. We will visit when you are all ready :). Can't wait to squeeze those precious feet! By the way, Will is seven months old and WAS born full term and I STILL ask people not to touch his hands. I guess I'm an "anal mommy" too! haha
My love to all of you!

Anonymous said...

YAY! WOW! I don't know what to say to express how excited I am about the news. I know you have been waiting for the doctor to say those words for many months. I can't believe it's finally true. Much of it is due to yours and Travis' undying love and care for her. Y'all are amazing. Can't wait to see all of you soon :)

Love,
Jessa

Anonymous said...

I am so proud of Morgan Kate and of you Heather (and Travis too). You have stayed so strong and have really stuck to your guns. I wonder how many of the parents I send home with preemies follow the rules like you....probably only a handful.. You are some kind of mommy! Cannot wait to see your precious girl....Hampton is usually very healthy since there is no daycare to expose him...so when it is time.....we'll be waiting. Love you and I am so happy for you....this is such wonderful news....many prayers have been answered.

love, erin

Liz Mitchum said...

What a Happy Day! I know you and Travis are so excited to get such a wonderful report. I can tell she is doing so well, she is precious and looks so healthy and happy. I am so happy for you and amazed at how far Morgan Kate has come, she is such a strong young lady (just like her mommy) and I can't wait to meet her soon.
I will send out a mass text message, so have your cell phone on around 2 or 3. When we get back to Beaufort, I will post pictures. Love you.
Liz

Stephanie said...

Alleluia!!!! What wonderful news!

The Fricks said...

What exciting news Heather!! Morgan Kate...get ready to see the world baby girl!!

Anonymous said...

That's our Miracle Baby! I am amazed not only at the things that can grow and flourish with love but also at the things we can endure for those we love. We love you all and could not be happier for you!

Kara Corbett said...

Awe Heather that's awesome!!! I am so happy for Morgan Kate and you and Travis. Amazing!!!

Anonymous said...

WOW, WOW, WOW! Words can't describe my happiness for you! Your prayers and your hard work and determination have paid off!! :)

Anonymous said...

What AWESOME news!! God is good! Love the pictures...she couldn't be any cuter even if she tried:) Can't wait to see her! We love you. Continue to have a great week. Love, Kelly

Unknown said...

Hallelujah! Praise God. To God be the glory! What a magnificent report. My heart is overflowing with joy for this precious gift of health and healing and growth. What a journey! What a wild, difficult, emotional ride! Again, I thank you for teaching me about trust and faith. Thanks for letting us be a part of Morgan Kate's life.

Anonymous said...

YAHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I am SO HAPPY for you all:) This is such a wonderful time of year to start getting out and showing that pretty girl off! I COMPLETELY understand with the "rules." I was exactly where you are with the germs thing and I am behind you 100%. With that being said, I can't wait to see her again--it's been soooo long. Let me know when she can have a play-date! Love you, Laura

Anonymous said...

How AWESOME! Never doubted for a minute the blessing that were to come your way! PRAISE GOD!

God Bless,
Amy

Anonymous said...

Morgan Kate grows more beautiful and wonderful each and every day. (But GAINED almost 11 pounds???)

Sunday was the most wonderful day; I got to hold my great granddaughter! Can life get any better than this?

God is so GOOD; His love never fails. nacapenda ALWAYS