March 5th 2017, 1900

So this afternoon Arlyn's chest X-ray looked a little bit better on only 6 hours of Cpap with aggressive Chest PT from mommy every 15 mins for the hour before the X-ray. The medical provider came in an indicated that it did look a bit better but they would like to see that side open more and they feel like they should intubate her. Mommy advocated for Arlyn and asked if we could wait until the morning because her chest X-ray was better and for three days previous it had show collapse on the left consistently unchanged. I felt since she was not in distress and it looked better instead of intubating her now that it might be a good idea to try aggressive chest PT with mom and see if she continues to better in the morning especially since the bronchoscopy would not be happening until mid morning tomorrow. So the plan is for mommy to stay at bedside and assure she is getting aggressive chest PT and mobility. At 00:00 the tube feeds will be turned off just in case her lung looks the same or worse at 0400 on X-ray she will be intubated in the morning prior to rounds. I have faith that she does have a fighting chance to do better and clear up her X-ray. I understand that while in PICU and out of the bay the nurses have 2 to 1 patient ratio and sometimes they are more laxed about chest PT but I appreciate that they allow me to do this to Arlyn because I truly believe it makes a difference and if by morning she needs to be intubated at least I can say I did everything possible to promote movement and open up that lung. All I ask for is prayer for this little girl to get through this moment and continue to fight through this.

This afternoon I have done Chest PT on Arlyn every 30 mins, she actually quite enjoys being held while she is getting chest PT. I turn her from back to left side up for postural drainage. I have so much time to give to her it's not hard at all to take care of my baby like I would any of my patients at work. Completely enjoying my snuggle time!

 Daddy Snuggles

 sleeping in daddys arms