Kinley had her surgery last wednesday the 14th. It was more complicated than they expected, but the doctor was able to repair her. He was even amazed that it came together so well. A miracle. She was on the breathing tube for a day, and they decided to take her off. She did ok, but wanted to keep us on our toes a bit that night... She was re-intubated. The NICU pediatrician decided that we''ll leave it in until she is absolutely ready to get it out, which was Saturday morning. I came in really early that day and was just hanging out with her. She woke up around 9 am and was just happy as could be, staring at her cards that I put on top of her incubator. The doctor cleared her from the venitilator. As soon as the tube was out, she started chatting with us! Everyone came over to talk to her, and she had tons to say! She stayed like that until noon. She also got her first feeding of breast milk since the surgery, through her button still, and then had a bowel movement right after. We also know that she has been swallowing because she had a lot of mucus in her pooh. I was so excited about that... I get excited about everything with her because it's all amazing! Everyone continues to compliment her on how well she is doing, and how quickly she's recovering. I have no doubt that she is going to be a strong resilient little girl with a love for life. She has the sweetest disposition and looooves people! She'll stare and talk to anyone, as long as they talk back :)
The NICU peds told me today that if everything goes smoothly she'll be home by next monday!!! She has a dye test tmrw (monday) to see if there are any leaks. If not, then she can start feeding by mouth! Then she has a kidney test on tuesday, and after that she's in the clear. We just have to keep practicing eating by mouth and gaining weight consistently before she gets discharged. I'm praying, and asking that you pray too, that she is able to have her button removed before going home. That thing scares me, and it's uncomfortable for kinley too.
She's almost home!
-Amanda
