Channeling the Jeffersons

Like George and Weezy Jefferson, we're moving on up...to the IMU! :)

Though I wasn't able to be there today to witness Josephine's triumphant transfer to the IMU (as I am feeling a bit ill and didn't want to risk passing anything to her), she has finally done it!  Over the week she made slow but steady progress toward her goals: gaining weight, fighting off infection and improving her respiratory status.  Early in the week we learned that the urine cultures they took over the weekend showed a small amount of Enterobacter.  (Apparently, this has been a problem among a few of the patients in the CICU.  Since the Infectious Diseases team at CMC is trying to determine the origin of the infections and wanted to prevent further spread, anyone who enters Josephine's room must now wear a yellow isolation gown.  While yellow isn't really my best color, I'll gladly do it to be able to spend the time with our sweet girl.)

Josephine's respiration rate has also steadily improved.  On Tuesday, she was transitioned from the RAM cannula to the extremely loud, but highly effective Vapotherm.  (Truly, at the highest level of support this thing sounded like a jet plane blowing up her nose.  Her reactions - blowing massive spit bubbles aided by the ventilator air and closing her mouth until the flow puffed out her cheeks hamster-style - were incredibly cute to see.)  She is currently on a support level of 5 which is one step above where she needs to be to transition off entirely.

Her most notable accomplishment however has been her weight gain, which was the final piece needed to get approval to move to the IMU.

On a fun note, Josephine transitioned to a big girl bed (she's very long and was outgrowing the baby bed) and got her first experiences in her bouncy seat this week.  Despite her yawn in the picture above, she enjoyed it immensely.  :)

By far, her favorite activity at this point is simply resting in our arms.  The Attending Physician this week told me I might be spoiling her by holding her so much, but I don't mind.  She and I have nearly six weeks worth of cuddling to catch up on...and I intend to reclaim every minute of it.