Thursday, January 12, 2012 8:45pm
The last two days not much has changed with Morgan's status. That is good because she is not getting worse. She is slowly, very slowly, recovering from her stint on the C-PAP last week.
She continues to breathe with the assistance of the nasal cannula. Her dependency is a little more than it was in December. We are not worried about that and realize that time, maturity, weight, strength and new lung tissue are going to help reduce the need for the cannula. Please pray for her lungs.
The doctor has not resumed bottle feedings yet. When her oxygen dependency reduces, they will begin to feed her again. Today Morgan weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces.
The doctor explained to us the fine line between pushing Morgan to improve and letting her move at her own pace. It is very important to encourage and prompt her, but we do not want to over do and take more steps backwards. We are thankful for his wisdom and trust his decision making in regards to Morgan's care!
Morgan has had an active two days! She has sat in her bumbo seat, reclined in her boppy, and played on her play mat. She is so interactive. All of the nurses keep stopping by her room to visit, play and hang out with Morgan. They are spoiling her! It is so much fun to see the pictures they take for us of Morgan during her activities. We are thankful for these pictures because it is glimpse into her day when we cannot be there! The doctor has requested that Morgan do some sort of activity at least three times a day. He wants to encourage her development and believes this will help with her overall movement forward. Sitting up helps her lungs and organs, the activity inspires her brain, and her muscles gain strength. She is close to getting full head control.
As a result of all her activity, she sleeps very well. The nurse said last night Morgan rested and slept very well! She didn't have any fussy moments. I hope this means she is learning the difference in day and night!
Thank you for your prayers for Morgan! We are so blessed!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Content and Alert
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 9:50 pm
Morgan had a good day today. She seemed very content and alert. She is staying pretty steady right now and we look forward to her bottle feedings to resume soon. We have not been told when that may be, but are hopeful that it will be sooner, rather than later.
She is so aware of her surroundings. We love to see her with her big eyes wide open! Due to her new love of being awake, her physical therapists told us to bring her a play mat for the hospital room. They will set it up on the floor and begin to have her react to all of the shiny, squeaky things that intrigue her. This request triggered a run to Babies R Us for the ages. There were no commas on the receipt, but it was a shot over the bow, for sure!
Please continue to pray for Morgan's development and also her wonderful care team at UAB. We could not be more in love with our little girl, nor so pleased with her exceptional caretakers.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
Morgan had a good day today. She seemed very content and alert. She is staying pretty steady right now and we look forward to her bottle feedings to resume soon. We have not been told when that may be, but are hopeful that it will be sooner, rather than later.
She is so aware of her surroundings. We love to see her with her big eyes wide open! Due to her new love of being awake, her physical therapists told us to bring her a play mat for the hospital room. They will set it up on the floor and begin to have her react to all of the shiny, squeaky things that intrigue her. This request triggered a run to Babies R Us for the ages. There were no commas on the receipt, but it was a shot over the bow, for sure!
Please continue to pray for Morgan's development and also her wonderful care team at UAB. We could not be more in love with our little girl, nor so pleased with her exceptional caretakers.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Special Visitor
Sunday, January 8, 2012 8:45pm
Morgan's weekend has been up and down. While she is still on the nasal cannula, the doctor has threatened to put her back on the C-PAP.
Yesterday, Morgan was extremely fussy and couldn't find rest. Nor, could she get a really deep, good breath. In turn her CO2 levels began to rise. As happened earlier in the week, if her CO2 levels get too high, she will have to go on the C-PAP to help exhale it from her little body. Her team of nurses have taken extra efforts to keep her calm and relaxed. Their efforts seemed to have worked because her levels were improving. The nurses are spoiling her by holding and rocking her, all the time!
Today, Morgan looked liked she felt better. While they are still very aware of her levels, the nurses felt she was resting better and a little more comfortable. They continue to monitor her and we hope she is moving forward. Please join us in prayer as we pray for her lungs, their healing and her progress forward.
At this time, Morgan is not eating by bottle. The doctor wants to try to get her breathing under better control before trying to feed her again.
Morgan's weekend has been up and down. While she is still on the nasal cannula, the doctor has threatened to put her back on the C-PAP.
Yesterday, Morgan was extremely fussy and couldn't find rest. Nor, could she get a really deep, good breath. In turn her CO2 levels began to rise. As happened earlier in the week, if her CO2 levels get too high, she will have to go on the C-PAP to help exhale it from her little body. Her team of nurses have taken extra efforts to keep her calm and relaxed. Their efforts seemed to have worked because her levels were improving. The nurses are spoiling her by holding and rocking her, all the time!
Today, Morgan looked liked she felt better. While they are still very aware of her levels, the nurses felt she was resting better and a little more comfortable. They continue to monitor her and we hope she is moving forward. Please join us in prayer as we pray for her lungs, their healing and her progress forward.
At this time, Morgan is not eating by bottle. The doctor wants to try to get her breathing under better control before trying to feed her again.
Morgan had a very special visitor today. Cousin Catherine McCoin! Morgan's new room is very close to the entrance of the NICU. The rule is that no children are allowed in the NICU unless they are a sibling of the baby. Well, Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Seth pulled a few strings. We convinced a nurse to let Catherine, our 4-year old niece from Nashville, to peak in at Morgan through the glass door! Catherine has been writing letters, coloring pictures, and making things for Morgan since she was born. Words cannot describe the look on Catherine's face when she saw Cousin Morgan for the first time! Sheer excitement and joy! I must say there were not any dry eyes in Morgan's room. Morgan opened her little eyes and reached her hands towards Catherine, as if to say "HI"! Before Catherine left to go home, she told me that visiting Morgan has the highlight of her day! Precious!
Thank you for your continued love and support!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Relaxed Day
Thursday, January 5, 2012 9:45pm
We are pleased to report that Morgan had a very uneventful, quiet and restful day! She was able to get some much needed sleep and rest for her little body. She is much happier not having to fight the prongs in her nose from the C-PAP.
We are thankful for her rest and sleep. When she can relax and rest well, her lungs have the opportunity to allow new tissue to grow within them. As explained before, the new tissue will help Morgan breathe better and ultimately allow her to wean from the oxygen support.
When she wasn't sleeping, she was wide awake and interactive. She is a tune to our voices and will often turn her head to look at us. She continues to follow the mobile on her crib and she loves the music that it plays to her. She loves to swing.
Her feedings were suspended when she went on the C-PAP Monday. They have not resumed yet. The doctor is going to give Morgan a few more days to adjust back to the nasal cannula before beginning to try to feed her the bottle again. Please join us in praying in advance for feedings. She will have to learn to eat and breathe at the same time, again.
Today when I walked in her room, there was a different air about it. I wasn't walking in with the anxiety of her being on the C-PAP. Rather, I walked into a room of calm and contentment. That certainly helps put our worries at ease. That feeling provides hope and allows us to look forward to the day when she will be able to come home with us!
Tonight, I picked her up and help her on my shoulder. We rocked back and forth for about an hour. She slept and I melted. I love the feeling of her soft, curly hair on my cheek. The tenderness of her little hands grasping my finger brings hope. Her grunts and coos are music to my soul. I am reminded of the real miracle our daughter truly is! I could hold her forever!
We continue to pray for Morgan's lung growth, development and healing. Please continue to pray for her overall healing and movement forward. Also, pray for Seth and me as we begin to prepare our home and our hearts for her arrival home. Pray for the team of nurses and doctors who take care of her.
Thank you for your continued support for all of us!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
We are pleased to report that Morgan had a very uneventful, quiet and restful day! She was able to get some much needed sleep and rest for her little body. She is much happier not having to fight the prongs in her nose from the C-PAP.
We are thankful for her rest and sleep. When she can relax and rest well, her lungs have the opportunity to allow new tissue to grow within them. As explained before, the new tissue will help Morgan breathe better and ultimately allow her to wean from the oxygen support.
When she wasn't sleeping, she was wide awake and interactive. She is a tune to our voices and will often turn her head to look at us. She continues to follow the mobile on her crib and she loves the music that it plays to her. She loves to swing.
Her feedings were suspended when she went on the C-PAP Monday. They have not resumed yet. The doctor is going to give Morgan a few more days to adjust back to the nasal cannula before beginning to try to feed her the bottle again. Please join us in praying in advance for feedings. She will have to learn to eat and breathe at the same time, again.
Today when I walked in her room, there was a different air about it. I wasn't walking in with the anxiety of her being on the C-PAP. Rather, I walked into a room of calm and contentment. That certainly helps put our worries at ease. That feeling provides hope and allows us to look forward to the day when she will be able to come home with us!
Tonight, I picked her up and help her on my shoulder. We rocked back and forth for about an hour. She slept and I melted. I love the feeling of her soft, curly hair on my cheek. The tenderness of her little hands grasping my finger brings hope. Her grunts and coos are music to my soul. I am reminded of the real miracle our daughter truly is! I could hold her forever!
We continue to pray for Morgan's lung growth, development and healing. Please continue to pray for her overall healing and movement forward. Also, pray for Seth and me as we begin to prepare our home and our hearts for her arrival home. Pray for the team of nurses and doctors who take care of her.
Thank you for your continued support for all of us!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wonderful News
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 10:30 pm
Our little rock star did it! Morgan came off the C-PAP tonight. We are so thrilled, but we are even more thrilled in the way it all took place.
After a long night last night, Morgan did not show signs of being able to make the switch this morning. At lunchtime, she was still fussing up a storm. There was no consoling her. She stayed on my mind all afternoon as I tried to get the smallest piece of tax work to completion. I want her to do so well and it's so hard to watch her in any discomfort. The sight of the prongs in her little, bloody nose stayed in my mind all day. I wanted her to just get better.
I left the office later than I wanted to, but I knew that I had to at least get one thing done today (and I'll surely finish it in the morning). After I left, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then it was off to the hospital. We couldn't stand the waiting as we talked to our wonderful nurses and waited for the doctor to "round." When the minutes had passed and the doctor arrived at her bedside, Morgan's nurse began to explain how uncomfortable Morgan had been and that her breathing had been steady enough to retreat from the C-PAP. The doctor agreed and before he had even left the room, the respiratory therapist had been called to bring in the equipment for the nasal cannula..."now."
Sweet Morgan fussed all the way through the transition and my thoughts ran wild, tempering my excitement. The process was finally at it's end and you would not believe how calm this precious child became. Her eyes opened, she stopped crying, her daddy melted and, I promise, the world began to spin more evenly on it's axis. The immediate change in her disposition was emotional to watch. The sounds in the room changed from lullabies drowned out with cries to lullabies occasionally broken up with her little "piggy snorts." It was a great moment to be her father.
We will continue to pray for her improvement. She will take her meals from a feeding tube for a few days to allow her some rest. We pray that when the bottle feedings resume, she will soar like a cute, tiny rocket. Further, we will continue to pray for those at UAB that are so wonderful at what they do. I've told many people that I can't imagine the hearts that lie inside of these great folks to be able to work in the NICU. To be able to love these babies and to comfort the parents takes so much and we are so thankful for each individual, at St. Vincent's and UAB, that have heeded their calling so well.
I love writing these types of updates. I love my daughter so much. I just can't tell you what it feels like to watch her navigate through this. It is nothing short of inspiring.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
p.s. Morgan crossed the 6 pound mark today. 6 lbs, 2 oz. She's gettin' a little chunky and I love it!
Our little rock star did it! Morgan came off the C-PAP tonight. We are so thrilled, but we are even more thrilled in the way it all took place.
After a long night last night, Morgan did not show signs of being able to make the switch this morning. At lunchtime, she was still fussing up a storm. There was no consoling her. She stayed on my mind all afternoon as I tried to get the smallest piece of tax work to completion. I want her to do so well and it's so hard to watch her in any discomfort. The sight of the prongs in her little, bloody nose stayed in my mind all day. I wanted her to just get better.
I left the office later than I wanted to, but I knew that I had to at least get one thing done today (and I'll surely finish it in the morning). After I left, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then it was off to the hospital. We couldn't stand the waiting as we talked to our wonderful nurses and waited for the doctor to "round." When the minutes had passed and the doctor arrived at her bedside, Morgan's nurse began to explain how uncomfortable Morgan had been and that her breathing had been steady enough to retreat from the C-PAP. The doctor agreed and before he had even left the room, the respiratory therapist had been called to bring in the equipment for the nasal cannula..."now."
Sweet Morgan fussed all the way through the transition and my thoughts ran wild, tempering my excitement. The process was finally at it's end and you would not believe how calm this precious child became. Her eyes opened, she stopped crying, her daddy melted and, I promise, the world began to spin more evenly on it's axis. The immediate change in her disposition was emotional to watch. The sounds in the room changed from lullabies drowned out with cries to lullabies occasionally broken up with her little "piggy snorts." It was a great moment to be her father.
We will continue to pray for her improvement. She will take her meals from a feeding tube for a few days to allow her some rest. We pray that when the bottle feedings resume, she will soar like a cute, tiny rocket. Further, we will continue to pray for those at UAB that are so wonderful at what they do. I've told many people that I can't imagine the hearts that lie inside of these great folks to be able to work in the NICU. To be able to love these babies and to comfort the parents takes so much and we are so thankful for each individual, at St. Vincent's and UAB, that have heeded their calling so well.
I love writing these types of updates. I love my daughter so much. I just can't tell you what it feels like to watch her navigate through this. It is nothing short of inspiring.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
p.s. Morgan crossed the 6 pound mark today. 6 lbs, 2 oz. She's gettin' a little chunky and I love it!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Brief, But Hopeful, Update
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 8:45 pm
It seems that the switch back to the C-PAP has brought upon the intended results. Morgan's little body is responding well to the additional help. Her carbon dioxide levels have returned to a comfortable state and we are hopeful that her stint on the C-PAP will be over soon. There are whispers that we may try her on the high-flow nasal cannula in the morning, bringing her back to being off the C-PAP.
Please pray that little Morgan is able and strong enough to cooperate. Please also pray for the continued wisdom of her wonderful care team.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
It seems that the switch back to the C-PAP has brought upon the intended results. Morgan's little body is responding well to the additional help. Her carbon dioxide levels have returned to a comfortable state and we are hopeful that her stint on the C-PAP will be over soon. There are whispers that we may try her on the high-flow nasal cannula in the morning, bringing her back to being off the C-PAP.
Please pray that little Morgan is able and strong enough to cooperate. Please also pray for the continued wisdom of her wonderful care team.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
Monday, January 2, 2012
Setback
Monday, January 2, 2012 9:50 pm
Well, little Morgan gave us quite a scare this morning. We woke up to find out that Morgan has returned to the C-PAP. The reason is because she is unable to fully exhale the carbon dioxide in her lungs. There was so much carbon dioxide in her that at the time the decision was made to put her back on the C-PAP, her carbon dioxide levels were, literally, off the charts. The testing machine was unable to read the amount.
Since that time, she has slowly crept back to a reasonable range. We pray that this stint on the C-PAP will be short and a return to the nasal cannula will be sooner, rather than later.
Of course, this is a setback. We do not like to report this kind of news, but it simply goes with the territory.
Please pray for Morgan to get stronger and to not need as much assistance as she is currently requiring. We will also be lifting up prayers of thanksgiving for the doctors and nurses and UAB who continue to give our daughter such wonderful care.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
Well, little Morgan gave us quite a scare this morning. We woke up to find out that Morgan has returned to the C-PAP. The reason is because she is unable to fully exhale the carbon dioxide in her lungs. There was so much carbon dioxide in her that at the time the decision was made to put her back on the C-PAP, her carbon dioxide levels were, literally, off the charts. The testing machine was unable to read the amount.
Since that time, she has slowly crept back to a reasonable range. We pray that this stint on the C-PAP will be short and a return to the nasal cannula will be sooner, rather than later.
Of course, this is a setback. We do not like to report this kind of news, but it simply goes with the territory.
Please pray for Morgan to get stronger and to not need as much assistance as she is currently requiring. We will also be lifting up prayers of thanksgiving for the doctors and nurses and UAB who continue to give our daughter such wonderful care.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
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