Large Update

We got a CD of Kara's x-rays from the hospital. It's pretty amazing to see the work that God did through the surgeons and medical tools like her intubator. She really did go through a lot!

All the x-rays are taken with Kara facing the x-ray machine (so her right lung is on the left side. The CCAM was in her lower lobe of the left lung which is on the right side in the pictures.)

First x-ray: 14 hours after birth, just after arriving at Children's, before intubation. In the right lung, there is barely any black (air). Not good! The left lung (the CCAM is completely full of air, compressing the heart all the way into the right lung and extends to the top of the right side. (The heart is the white mass in the right side of her chest).


After this x-ray, the intubation was pushed into her right side only, as far as possible so that it would inflate her right lung only and hopefully allow the air in the CCAM to decompress. As you can imagine, her chest cavity was under extreme pressure. This caused hypersensitivity and necessitated lots of sedation. We would agitate her if we sang or touched her too much. She was also placed on her left side to allow her right lung to be "on top" and not be squished.

Second x-ray: One week after birth, just before surgery. The right lung is fully inflated and working well. The CCAM has decreased. This improvement enabled Kara to handle being on her right side (right lung squished) for the 3 hour surgery. Praise the Lord.



Third x-ray: Day 15 (one week after surgery): upper lobe of the left lung is well ventilated, she is off intubation now and breathing on her own.



We have been doing well at home. It takes almost all my time to take care of me and Kara, so we have had some help with Connor and Katie. Connor and Katie sure do love their little sister. They are trying to give her toys and books "so she can chew on".

Kara is eating approximately 1/3 of the calories she needs (gets the rest via NG tube). She has been eating out of a bottle for only 10 days and nursing for just 7. She is doing just amazing when I think of it that way. She has a very sweet disposition and caring for her is a joy!

Here are some pictures:

Kara loved cozying with her Grandma Dot at the hospital:


Ready to come home:


Connor and Katie helping Kara learn how to play (later in the day they commandeered her playmat and pretended to be babies)


Oops! Kara pulled out her NG tube. Daddy did an AWESOME job putting it back in. First try. (Isn't she pretty without tubes?)


Playing with trains who are eating pizza, under the umbrella. "Trains don't like pepperoni, just cheese pizza, just like kids do"... in case you were wondering.


Kara is adjusting to home very well.



Isn't it amazing what God has brought us through? We continue to be thankful for His daily grace and provision as we continue to work through the challenges brought by Kara's breathing.