Charlotte moved off the ventilator today and is now wearing a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Where the ventilator prompted her breathing according to the rate set on the machine (20 breathes/min for example), the CPAP only provides pressure to keep her airway open. So it's sort of inbetween the ventilator and breathing no her own.
There is very good chance she will go back on the ventilator at some point, but the nurses emphasize that it is typical and should be viewed as part of her transition, just like the feedings.
Katie is feeling so-so. No trips to the ER today (I'm sure all our friends down there miss us) and she has been resting more. Her BP was down a bit so we'll see if that trend continues with her new medication. We got out for a walk (wheelchair for Katie) down to Beacon House with my mom today.
We may choose to stay there long term once Katie is feeling better. They have a nice, full kitchen and a good freezer for milk. For right now its nice to be so close - especially when I have to sleep-walk milk down to the NICU at 12:30 a.m.
The Birth Center here has been busy this weekend. Yesterday three women gave birth within 50 minutes of eachother and another one was wheeled in at the same time.
Marquette General does something really nice whenever a baby is born - they play a snippet Brahms "Lullaby" over the PA throughout the entire hospital. When Katie, my mom, and I were eating dinner in the cafeteria tonight it came on again. The only drawback to all the births is a very busy waiting area.
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