Q&A

I thought I'd answer some questions (as there have been a lot the past few weeks) first. I still have over 2000 comments I've yet to read from right after the transplant (I've already knocked out about 2000 over the past few days), so, as always, if I don't answer your question, it's because I can't, don't want to, already have or just haven't read your question yet (or because I plan on answering it soon in another post).

> Gwyneth is wearing clothes...has been for several weeks. The primary purpose of her clothes is to keep her warm. All of the clothes she wears are just like regular onesies, only a whole lot smaller, and most have been given/sent to us as gifts as we have yet to buy anything for her. Some come from the NICU, but just when she runs out of clean stuff we've brought in. The nurses usually dress her. Mico-preemie clothes are difficult to find except on the internet. Hopefully, someday, we can give what we're receiving away to somebody else in need.

> "Blood gas" is the level of O2 and CO2 in the blood. They take a few blood gases (draw blood to test for the levels) from Tricia every day to make sure her lungs are working the way they're supposed to. They're especially watching for dangerously high levels of CO2.

> Somebody left a comment a few days ago saying that organ donation NEEDS to be outlined in a living will...this is NOT true (at least, not in most states). Yes, a living will is one good way to insure organ donation, but most states (and soon, every state) have new laws that declare that either the drivers license or online registry is all that is needed for the deceased to insure that their organs are donated.

> I take 99% of the pictures you see here on the blog...even the ones of me holding Gwyneth. Thanks to family and nurses for the shots that even my long arms can't handle.

> Gwyneth doesn't have reflux issues. Her crib (as was her incubator) is tilted to help insure that it stays that way.

> As I've mentioned before, I'd prefer not to go into great detail about the transplant surgery....as you can imagine, it's pretty hard-core and I don't want to gross anyone out. You can very easily find lots of reliable (and lots of unreliable) info with a quick google search...I've even been told you can find a video of an actual surgery. I'll give you some of the basics of the surgery in anther post soon.

> To answer This Puzzle (like anyone even remembers), Rosie owned a house in Nyack, NY while I was a student there at Nyack College '99/'00...I could even show you which house it was (actually, could just show you the really tall fence and gate).

Thanks!

Nate