Introducing Your Little Sister!

The big news for the day is that Dannika, Salise, Ataya and Kinlee met their little sister! through the window. Because of the risk of spreading germs, Tenna is not allowed any visitors other than her parents.

Kim shared the exciting news that Tenna is still improving. She is now taking 20 cc's of milk at a feeding. The ultimate goal is 60 cc's (2 ozs.). If she continues to handle this much well, they will increase the amount.


Her oxygen is turned down now to a 16th of a liter, sometimes it needs to be turned up during a feeding. Babies with Downs Syndrome often have trouble coordinating sucking, swallowing and breathing, Tenna is working hard to learn to eat.

She was also taken off her T-COM. This is a machine that monitors her CO2 output.

Recently when Kim went in to feed her, Tenna stayed awake for 1 1/2 hours! what a special time to spend together. Kim was so excited to see her alert for so long.

We are continuing to pray for little Tenna's progress and love to hear of her success.

posted by Steffany

Graduation

This is just a little late...but we are thrilled to announce that Tenna graduated from the Critical Care NICU to the Transitional NICU. She is officially a "feeder-grower". This means that she is mostly in the NICU to learn to eat and to grow. This is quite an accomplishment.

She is eating approximately 5 cc's of milk at a feeding. She is also no longer using the C-PAP for oxygen. Tenna is receiving oxygen in intermitent puffs. We are so happy for her, she is doing great!

(posted for Kim, by Steffany)

Fresh from Heaven

Tenna Kristine joined our family on Monday, September 21st, 2009 at 4:12 pm. She weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. and is 20 1/2 inches long. She was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome and also has heart and lung problems. She has two holes in her heart and will need to have open-heart surgery to repair them. The surgery will likely be when she is 3-6 months old.

Tenna is using a C-PAP machine to help her breathe; she was taken off the machine for a short time but is back on it now.

Kim was able to hold Tenna on Wednesday and she fell instantly in love with her little angel.

Because of the danger of spreading germs, Kim and Kyle are the only visitors that Tenna is allowed to have. Dannika says that she always thought that she was a patient person, but waiting to meet her sister is changing that. Once Tenna is able to be off the C-PAP she will be able to meet her four big sisters through the window.