We had no idea when heading to the hospital that today would be so special. We were about 10 minutes away when we got a call from the NICU. When you see that number on your phone, you don’t know if it is just an update or if something is wrong. This time it was the doctor providing an update and then letting us know that she approved us for a skin to skin session. We were shocked because Olivia is still on two ventilators, but so overwhelmed with joy that we both immediately broke into tears.

It took two nurses and a respiratory therapist to move her to me with all the wires and tubes, but once she was there it was perfection. Literal best day ever! She did so well, I got to hold her for an hour. They say that many times at this point many babies won’t make the whole hour. I can’t wait to be able to do it again and to see Jer hold her.

She is continuing to be stable on the ventilators, but the major thing we are hoping she improves on is her sodium and CO2 levels. Once her CO2 is better she can get taken off the jet ventilator and just be on one. So, if you pray, those are our specific requests.

At the end of Liv’s updates I will provide her important dates:

Age: 13 days

Gestation: 27 weeks and 3 days

Quick update on me: I am healing well from the surgery and my blood pressure is still stable with the reduced medication. Unless anything crazy happens, I am planning on going back to work soon. I want to save as much time as I can for when Olivia comes home.

OK, I think that’s it for now. Until next time…