March 14, 2023
Today was a special day. Not only did Emmy progress in her breathing by needing less oxygen, but we also got to celebrate mom’s birthday too! I slept at our house last night and made a stop on the way to the hospital to pick up some balloons and a sugary treat for Julie. When I got to the hospital, Julie’s nurse saw the birthday surprises and we conspired to make the day as special as we could for Julie.
During one of our trips to see Emmy in the NICU, Julie’s nurse decorated her door and inside her room with a sign and some streamers. She also left some treats for Julie as well. When we got back to Julie’s room she was pleasantly surprised with the decorations and felt loved. Julie and I watched some TV and even got a chance to have a little coffee date downstairs to celebrate her birthday. We made the most of her birthday in the hospital.
Emmy has been doing better each day. They seem to be able to slowly decrease her oxygen as well as the flow that is being pushed into her lungs. While she still needs the support, she seems to be progressing in a positive trajectory.
Julie, 9:08 am 3/14 - Emmy had her first bath! When we came to see her in the NICU, she was freshly cleaned and has the cutest combover. We can definitely see the Ramer resemblance! She looks just like her sisters did as newborns. She just sleeps all the time, which is consistent with how calm she was in utero. She has an IV in her little hand giving antibiotics because the doctors think she may have an infection and it will take too long for the lab to test a blood sample so they decided to just put her on antibiotics as a precaution. Greg and I were taught how to take her temperature and also change her diaper in the midst of all the tubes and wires running everywhere (it’s more difficult than I thought!), but I appreciate the small steps we are allowed to take to make us feel like we’re taking part in her care.
Julie, 1:39 pm 3/14 - Returned to our recovery room and it was all decorated for my birthday! Apparently, Greg and my nurse had been conspiring to give me a birthday surprise. I honestly haven’t even thought about my birthday in the midst of everything and I’m so grateful for such a sweet husband who loves me so well to do something extra special. He even went out and bought balloons and cupcakes!
