Morgan Kate

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.