Queen of the Pod

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 10:35 pm

Morgan would first like to say, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE PATRICK!"

Today was a good day for our sweet Morgan. She tolerated all that was asked of her and her parents could not be more proud. Uneventful days are great days for parents in the NICU.

Not much has changed with Morgan. She continues to accept her feedings, there is still no sign of any infection and there is hopeful news regarding her lungs, heart and brain.

The uneventfulness of the day starts with Morgan's lungs. This is her most crucial organ to develop at this time. She stayed on the high-frequency ventilator all day and her dependency on the provided oxygen stayed low. It seems that yesterday's strengthening is carrying over. Our feet continue to harden in concrete, but our hopes are high.

Also, we found out that her heart vessel may be able to be treated through medicine without surgery at UAB. As we all know, surgeries can be a bit scary and an alternative solution is always easing to those around the patient. We pray that the solution will be least invasive as possible.

Next, we have been worried about a small deposit of blood in Morgan's brain. The neurologist read Morgan's head ultrasound today and indicated that the deposit was not blood and simply fluid that should cause no alarm. You can only imagine the elation we felt with this news.

Our prayer points are consistent at the moment; 1) lung development, 2) that her feedings continue successfully, 3) that there continues to be no sign of an infection, 4) that her heart may grow stronger and develop without surgery and 5) that nothing appears to change our current understanding of the deposit in her brain and the continued protection of her brain. As always, please continue to pray for the doctors, nurses and all those involved with our sweet Morgan's care.

This afternoon, as the neonatologist made his rounds, he approached Morgan's bed with the statement, "Now for the Queen of the Pod..." (as there are four rooms [Pods] in the NICU). The entire staff at St. Vincent's has given our Morgan such wonderful care and they have decidedly made an attempt to know her sweet, little personality. As we stood at Morgan's bed this evening, she continued to wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, while her wonderful nurse and her nurse practitioner spent time to explain Morgan's status and simply "hang out" with us. It is so special for us to, not only, have a connection with our daughter, but also to understand that those taking care of her also care for the parents. We feel so blessed to have our daughter under their watchful eye(s).

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers for our sweet daughter, Morgan. Words could never express our love and appreciation for all of you.

Seth and Elizabeth McCoin