Here we go again...

Well this post brings poopie news -- Grace is back in the NICU. Here's the updates post...read the bottom for the most recent news.

* Sunday PM, Grace developed a cough; by Monday AM we decided to go to the pediatrician as a precaution -- we wanted to avoid RSV hospitalization. We saw a new doctor in the practice, henceforth known as Dr. Evil, and were told "chest is clear. all is well."

* As the week progressed Grace's cough worsened and she developed a snotty nose.

* By Wednesday PM it was becoming difficult for Grace to catch her breath during her extended coughing spells. She began to sleep for longer periods of time and she began eating less.

* Wednesday overnight we had to wake Grace for her to eat at midnight and then she only ate about half her normal. She slept through her 3AM feed (and so did I). I had to wake her at 730AM Thursday to feed her. She nursed about 3 minutes, began to cough and then vomited. At that point I called the pediatrician.

* We saw a different doctor in the practice, henceforth known as Dr. Awesome. Concern was raised at the level of congestion Grace exhibited as well her rapid respiration rate. Dr. Awesome did a rapid flu test. It returned positive and we were sent to Texas Children's.

* TCH ER docs did a lumbar tap, catheter, blood cultures and nasal wash. Based on Grace's level of lethargy the decision was made to admit to NICU -- at least 2 days while we wait on cultures.

* Rapid result flu test done at TCH returned negative -- but given the previous positive test, we have to wait on the blood test to return for a solid diagnosis. Rapid result RSV test returned positive. Thursday PM -- we're bunking down for the night. Grace is in an isolation room in NICU level 2. There was talk about discontinuing the IV fluid but nothing has happened yet. Plans for the night -- hold our baby girl.

* Friday AM -- doctor came by this morning. IV fluids have been discontinued. Grace has been waking on her own every 2.5-3 hrs to feed. She is anything but lethargic! Still being given antibiotics as a precaution while we wait on cultures to return. based on the rapid improvement we've seen, there is talk that Grace could be discharged late this evening. doctor said there is no point keeping her here waiting if she is improving. currently he is attempting to figure out a way to get a follow up done once the cultures come back (tomorrow) since he won't be here. once the logistics are figured out we should have a firm decision on discharge.

* Friday PM -- doctor just left our room. Because Grace is a rock-star eater and is getting livelier by the moment she is being discharged this evening. We will wait for one more dose of antibiotic at 930pm and then we will be free from this place! I have to call back Sunday afternoon/evening to follow-up on the cultures but doctor did agree that there is no point in waiting in the hospital while things may or may not grow.