A big step forward

Tricia went all night without the vent! And her CO2 levels (carbon dioxide) are all good. Because she's had such a difficult time getting off the vent, they're going to take the cautious route and get her through tomorrow morning in ICU. Then, barring any kinds of setbacks, she'll be transferred to a step-down unit tomorrow.

Keep in mind that before the tx Tricia had not breathed on her own since the first week in January when she was ventilated. So her body has had to relearn how to breathe on its own. The muscles that we use to breathe had to be revitalized in a sense. So they're wisely delaying the transfer one more day. They don't want to send her out only to have to bring her back again.

Gwyneth is doing great in her new bed. She's tried to crawl out a couple of times, so they've had to put the sides up on the crib.

Those of you who got suckered in by the smaller pug (on April 1) just got taken again, I'm afraid.

She is maintaining her body temperature, which was the main concern. They've cut back a little on her bottle feeds simply because she's so small and it's such a workout for her, burning up calories. But they're still working with her on the bottle. She's now tipping the scales at 3lb. 2oz!

To give you an idea of how small she still is, I saw a news report on TV last night about a baby born the day after Gwyneth who weighed 1lb. 4 oz (that's 2 oz. less than Gwyneth), who has already gone home and weighs 6lbs! So this has been a fight for her. But she's incredibly strong.

Tricia's brother Joe and his wife Carolyn are driving down today from PA for a visit. Tricia and Joe are just weeks apart in age (remember, they're adopted), so they're very close. Like twins.

Nate's still enjoying his time off. And the skies are Carolina Blue today for the first time this week (at least here on the OBX).

Rick Lawrenson