Page 37 - Journey of Hope by Raymond Moldenhauer

DAY68

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

Today was a very quiet day for Alyssa. The care team reduced
her oxygen from 23% to 21% (normal air) and the flow was
reduced from 2 ½ liters to 1 liter per minute. As a result, the
nasal canula may be removed soon. The temperature of her
incubator has bee reduced to 29 degrees (when she can
maintain her body temperature with the setting at 27 degrees,
they will move her from the incubator into a crib).

Heidi was able to breast feed Alyssa on two occasions today and
Alyssa did very well. But mostly it was a day for Alyssa to just
grow, gain weight, develop her strength, and bond with her
Mom and Dad – and sense how much they love her. There were
no new real “first time”, but all in all, it was a very good day for
Alyssa – and another day closer to her homecoming.

It was also a day to count the many blessings that have been
realized in Alyssa’s life. That became especially evident today
as one of the babies that just transferred into the NICU died.
During the nearly three hours that the Doctors, Nurses, and
Respiratory Therapists frantically worked to save the baby, Heidi
quietly sat in the corner rocking chair, holding Alyssa, reflecting
on how God had blessed her so. We are so thankful for all that
He has done.

Alyssa will have her eyes examined again on Tuesday, so please
continue to pray that her eyes will improve and totally heal from
the ROP.