Early on a monday morning, lia was born. earlier than we thought, but appearing healthy. as the morning wore on, she gradually declined in strength until we decided to take her to the ER next door.
Once there, she Coded and required immediate support with oxygen. The NICU staff came and got her immediately from the ER and brought her upstairs. She continued to decline throughout the following days while the diagnosises began pouring into our ears and crushing our hearts.
Late-term Preemie - 35 weeks 5 days
PPHN - Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Meningitis
Group B Strep
Sepsis
Pneumonia
These were just the beginning, as her battle in the NICU added more problems and concerns. Before we left, lia had had many procedures, infiltrated lines, infiltrated PICC line, spinal taps and more. Today she is home with only a few of the remaining problems:
Hemiparalysis of the Right Diaphragm
Hypothyroidism
Chronic Lung Disease.
Delays related to being premature
Delays related to illness requiring ventilator support and immobility.
We are gifted beyond compare to have been able to add Lia to our home.
5 comments:
Oh, Rhys. I have no words. And that's really saying something for this writer. You express it so that I feel as though I'm standing there next to you, watching something painfully beautiful, tears running down my face. Here's to this imperfect life, indeed.
AMEN! Beatifully written.
Andrea
So your name is Rhys?? I was just about to ask you because I wanted to address you by your name instead of just Tumbleweed Girl. This is a beautiful post. Truly. Your heart and thoughts are what makes you beautiful... but I think you already know that. Blessings.
Rhys:
You are beautiful..inside and out. I've known you in the blog world for over a year now....I've been witness to your beautiful heart.
I stop by often to catch up....Lia is growing up so fast. Keep doing what you are doing....because it is working!
Hugs
Rhys, I loved these pictures...you and Lia? Both are beautiful, no question about it. The most beautiful things and people fit no molds; they are simply real and make you smile to look at them.
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