11/8/08 - 6:53 - The Vent is Gone!!!





Let's just hope and pray that it stays off too! Aimee and I were talking that this could very well be the last time she ever has to see the vent again. The more and more progression that she makes, the brighter the light is at the end of the tunnel. We are so blessed to have such great care here in the CVICU. They have made us feel so comfortable and whenever we have a question, they take the time to go in to details to educate us.

Kayleigh has certainly enjoyed being off the vent today that her sats are looking so wonderful. Because her VSD has been repaired, it seems like her recovery time has tremendously improved. Going in to this whole open heart surgery procedure had us scared to death about how Kayleigh would be able to recover from it. She has done better with this surgery than any others she has had and I bet it is due to that hole being closed in her heart. We were told that she should take off full steam ahead now that this heart defect has been repaired.

Aimee and I kind of got to hold Kayleigh today for a short period of time. I say kind of, because we basically just picked her up in her bed and held her there. She was so calm and relaxed, which was so surprising considering she would almost have one of her hypertension spells when her skin was touched. I guarantee it had something to do with the vent and not being on sedation medication anymore.

The best news we heard all day is that if Kayleigh continues to show great signs, they are weaning her off several things tomorrow and she may go back up to the NICU in the next couple days. How awesome would that be??? Woo Hoo!

Thank you SO MUCH everyone who sent in emails for Kayleigh's caretakers, and if you haven't yet, you better get on it :) Read the last post to see what project I am talking about. I am just in awe of all the wonderful emails/comments posted already. This is truly a blessing and I can't wait to put it all together and give it to them. Thank you all tons and tons!!!


This is cutie pie Connor, and he is only 10 weeks old. He sent me a cute email today about how he and his Mommy & Daddy (Chris & Michelle) have all been praying for Kayleigh from the beginning when we first posted on the Baby Center (September Board) asking for prayers. Well, Connor wasn't born yet, but he was in Mommy praying for Kayleigh the whole time :) He is adorable and we are blessed to share Connor, who is also a preemie, to everyone out there. God Bless you all and thank you so much for your prayers. You have definitely made a difference in our lives and we appreciate the support. Thank you Chris, Michelle and little Connor!!!
God Bless,

The Freemans :)

10 comments:

Heather Plis said...

Awesome! It is so great that you got to hold your sweet little girl! Praises that she got her tube out and is doing so well! Thank you for sharing this journey with so many people. It is a blessing to be able to pray for you all!

Martha Compton said...

I'm glad she's recovering well! Your pictures remind me so much of the pictures of me and Robbie holding Campbell when she was still attached to all of the tubes and wires.

GiGi said...

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.'

The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.'

'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'

God said, 'You will simply call them “Mom and Dad”

You are Amazing! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

I am beyond thrilled she is doing so well! I update my Mom every night. Its bittersweet because I can't get Rachel out of my mind but I am no less happy for your family. :)

I was tickled pink to realize I was right! That nasty hole was making things hard and fixing it was actually better for her. I'll continue to pray nightly for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I had to check to see how she was doing and was thrilled to see she is off the vent. Your smiles in the pictures are great!I can't wait to hear the next good news, keep it coming Kayleigh!

Anonymous said...

She looks so good ! Keep surprising us all Kayleigh ! You truly are a fighter ! I am so glad you were able to hold her today, you look like you were both on top of the world in the photos. My family sends it's love.
Karen Smith
Calgary, AB

Anonymous said...

Well you don't know me, but I've been following your story from babycenter. Your amazing little girl has been thru so much in her life already and I hope she continues to make great progress. I have two little kids of my own (my youngest daughter was just born in May)and I thank God everyday for them and can't even begin to imagine how you guys feel or what you're going through.....you guys must be very strong!!!! I KNOW Kayleigh will pull through this with flying colors and God will guide you through this journey just has he has already so that soon you will be able to be together every night in your own home. Your little girl's a fighter and brings tears to my eyes everytime I see a picture. God bless you and your family and may she continue to heal sooner rather than later......she's such a doll! =)
Anne

Cheyenne, WY

Nelson Family said...

I am so excited that she is off the vent.. what a big step, I hope she stays off and it is in fact the last time you will ever see it. I love it when we got rid of the vent for my little girl. I just love how perfect the music is that you play when I open this site... I have one more for you to listen to that I have always thought of for these little miricles. It is called "So Small" sung my Carrie Underwood. Maybe you have heard it. It just helps me remember that this is "just a little grain of sand" not a mountain.
I pray she get better fast and that she is home with you and your family soon!!!
-Karen
from facebook preemie support group!

Jennifer in NM said...

I am again so happy to see that Kayleigh is doing so well. I hope that she gets to go to the NICU soon, and then after that she should grow and grow and will soon go home. Just a little bit more time until you guys have her home! Keep going precious baby girl, your almost ready to go home. I am anxiously waiting for the time your mom and dad post that your going home!

Anonymous said...

OHHHH, those were some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen! She looks wonderful! I am so happy to hear she is doing so well. I can't wait to hear she has made her way back to the NICU and then the even more awaited word that she is going home!
Love from Southern NH!