Eliza Update - 2/28 8pm

Dear ones,

We greet you from the twilight of our longest February on record--and yet, we hardly noticed its passing.

The respiration saga continues. Eliza's breaths are gaining more volume. The respiration technicians will wean on a regular schedule, which we hope will lead to an attempt at extubation next week. For Eliza, with growing alertness comes growing annoyance at having a tube down her throat. Thus, Eliza gags violently at times. At other times, she shows clear signs of crying but is prevented from uttering any sound due to the tube. It's hard for us to watch, no doubt harder for her to suffer. Nevertheless, we understand that this should not cause any permanent damage.

The increased efficiency of Eliza's liver has reduced her phenobarbitol level. Phenobarbitol is the standard anti-seizure med, one which Eliza has had "on board" from the beginning. There was some suspicion
that some rhythmic arm movements were seizures resulting from the decreased phenobarb. Therefore, the doctors unanimously decided, after lengthy consultation with us, to get her phenobarb level back to a therapeutic level. This seems to be the best course for supporting Eliza's progress.

Thanks to everyone who has offered freezer space. Mama-moo-cow (self-titled) has it all worked out but will be in touch if she becomes the dairy queen.

Yes, we insist on holding Eliza long and often. In typical newborn fashion, she is mostly awake in the middle of the night, which is not surprising since she endures most of the poking and prodding during the day--better to sleep through that bit if you can.

Praise the Lord.

Love,
dixie jax