| Amanda Update |
| (Last Updated: April 5, 2002) |
| This is our ninth online update since the beginning of January when we started this website. Each time we would sit down to write the update, we wished it was time to announce the good news you'll find in today's update. SHE'S FINALLY COMING HOME. The big day will be Friday, April 12th. We look back on the last four and a half months and can't believe we survived. It's been one hell of a ride. From our darkest days when things looked bad to the encouraging bright spots that gave us hope. To Kim and I, it seems like the ride is ending, but the experienced parents we know keep telling us that it's really just the beginning. Bring it on! We're just glad to have the chance. Amanda's weight is up to a whopping 6 1/2 pounds. She's getting bigger every day and her doctors think she'll be back on track for her age within a few years. It will take about the same amount of time for her to overcome the lung damage (BPD) she suffered during her first few months. Unfortunately, the BPD puts her at risk of serious complications from something as simple as a cold. For that reason we'll be asking our friends and family to steer clear of her if they are sick. On Tuesday of this week, she passed her 2nd Stress Oxymetry test. Athough, I think she got a D-. (She never showed us her report card) As a result they took her from 100% oxygen support to 21%, which is room air. We've got our fingers crossed that she'll continue like this and will come home without the need for extra oxygen support. Her biggest problem has been that she gulps her bottles and forgets to breathe. However, she has gotten a little better at pacing herself over the last couple of days. We'll keep you posted as we learn more about what to expect when she is home. We'll also update the web page with some homecoming and nursery pictures. Thanks again for your prayers and support. We plan to update this site regularly so save it in your "favorite places" and come back often. Also, feel free to leave a message in Amanda's guest book on the main page. Kim and John |