For the Love of Ivey

Good News Today ! Start singing because sweet Ivey can hear! The hearing test indicated Ivey has minimal hearing loss in both ears. Additionally, the swallowing test that was done yesterday showed Ivey is not aspirating when she spits up. The doctors are still working on getting her reflux under control, but she is improving with her feedings. Ivey was running a fever so more tests are being done to see if she has an infection. They were giving her IV antibiotics to fight off whatever is going on in her little body. Matt and Gwen have expressed how much they appreciate all of the blog posts, well wishes, and meals they have received from everyone. There has been a lot of response with providing meals to the family and fortunately they will receive hot meals MWF until the end of July. Miranda was still filling in with freezer ready casseroles for those who still want to help. Also, some people have offered to give Matt and Gwen gift certificates that could be used for dinners at places ...

Ivey Elizabeth Sirmans was born Tuesday April, 25th at 5:26 a.m. She weighed 5 lbs 11 oz and is 17 inches long. She has beautiful long fingers and toes like Gwen, and her hair is dark like Matt's. She loves to be touched and is happiest when she is being held. Ivey is a strong little one who is breathing on her own. Her strength is a blessing as she will face some challenges in the future. The initial genetic testing showed Ivey has a partial deletion of chromosome 21. There are many tests pending, and as we find out more, we will let everyone know those results. She has a double cleft palate and a cleft lip which will require surgery at some point in the future. She is blind. She has had one hearing test which will be repeated due to the noisy NICU. The aortic valve in her heart has 2 leaflets instead of 3, but despite this, her heart is working wonderfully. Currently, she has a feeding tube in her nose, and she is learning how to nurse from a bottle. Once her feeding is successfu...