Hi all,

We knew it would likely happen, but that doesn't make it any easier to hit road bumps. Beatrice’s nurse noticed a little murmur when she listened to her heart this morning and an echocardiogram confirmed that Bea has a small heart problem. A duct that should have closed at birth did not and as a result she is working too hard to circulate oxygen. The docs are putting her on a medication that may solve the problem. In the event that it doesn't, Bea will have surgery. It isn't open heart surgery, but it is heart surgery nonetheless. We'll know in the next 2-3 days whether this will happen.

She is still on the CPAP, has been given a little more oxygen, and is doing ok. Her red blood count is down a bit, which means she may need a blood transfusion in the next few days. As you can see from the photo, Bea is still under the bili lights for jaundice. Deep breath. All these things are within the norm for preemies.

So, a tough day for Team Beatrice (probably tougher on Mommy and Daddy than Bea, who is snoozing away in her isolette). As the docs promised, we have a long road ahead, even with Ms. Bea's valiant efforts.

-Carol (on behalf of Team Beatrice)