Wednesday 11/17 Update

Angelica is doing great.  She acts like any newborn baby, eat, sleep, poop.  She gets hangry about 30min prior to each feeding letting us know that it's time to eat.  Typically all is good for 2.5 hours after we feed her and then the hangry Helberg kicks in. Momma is getting a lot of time holding her and is very good at calming her.  Only external sensors and a feeding tube are attached to her now, no IV or PICC lines.
It's a waiting game now. We are in line for surgery to have the PA band placed which probably will happen sometime next week.  The PA band is a intermittent surgery to get her to the big one. Typically there is a 2-3 week recovery time after the PA band surgery and then if all is well we get to go home.  We are hoping to be home for Christmas to spend Angelica's first Christmas at our house.

She was born without ears. This was a surprise to all of us including the physicians. We received good news on Tuesday that her cranial nerves are developed.  Internal hearing structures exist to some extent. Hearing tests have been ordered. She does startle so we think she does have some level of hearing. We won't fully know her hearing capability until she gets older.

This has been such an eye opening experience. We feel very humbled and blessed to be given the responsibility to raise such and amazing little girl. Sitting in the NICU my heart goes out to fellow NICU moms. Thanks to all our family and friends who have been there for us.

Love,
Chris, Amanda, and Angelica