Highlights from the beginning of 2005

Since I'm starting this blog (thanks for your help, Bobbie) almost a year late, I'll list the high level details of 2005.

* Julia and her twin sister Katelyn were born Jan 8th at 27 weeks 4 days gestation. Julia (aka PJ) weighed a whopping 1lb 14oz and Katelyn was cubbier :) weighing 2lbs 2oz.

* Both girls spent several days on a HFV (Katelyn more than Julia).

* Katelyn had a much harder time then PJ. She was diagnosed with a Grade III brain bleed and then contracted Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). The infection caused cysts to form on her lungs and surgery was required to remove the cysts. She made it through the surgery (to everyone's surprise) but was so sick, she passed away soon after. Katelyn was 8 weeks old.

*As with any preemie, there were many good and bad days. Somedays it didn't seem like Julia would ever catch a break. Few rounds w/pneumonia, almost four months on the ventilator, feeding problems, etc.

*When Julia transitioned to canula, the speech therapist began working w/her on feedings. They tried and tried but Julia wouldn't take anything by mouth. It was determined she had reflux and the doctors said we should consider a nisen and a g-tube. They wanted to get PJ out of the hospital as soon as possible. They didn't want to run the risk of her getting sick. So, nisen and g-tube it was.

*Ms. PJ FINALLY made it home on May 23rd!