Madeline in the NICU

Intense Phototherapy to help break down billirubin 

 "She looked so little and helpless wearing just a diaper and her protective glasses…"

 Isolette to help maintain body temperature

 Madeline's NICU room

 IV for fluids because she stopped eating well and was losing weight fast.

"Started weaning off the IV on 27th.  It took ten hours for her to be completely IV free.  They left the IV in her hand for another day just in case she might need it again.  But she kept doing so well, that they took it out.  And I rejoiced.  There is nothing like having to see a giant needle with tape and tubes in your infant's hand.  I was happy she could be rid of it."

 "Madeline can only be out from under the lights 20 minutes at a time.  I have to rush nursing her and do half her feedings from expressed breast milk in a bottle through the holes of the isolette."

After a couple days, the temperature in her NICU room was cranked way up and she was able to get out of the Isolette.

 "Madeline also has blood tests every four hours too.  It didn't take long for her heels to be covered in scabs and pokes."

 January 28, 2008:  "Billi keeps rising - now at 11.5 - can't go home until billi starts going down.  I have no idea when that will be."