the Mia Page

the Mia Archive Page

last updated: 3 June 2005

The updates are at jp.paulus.com/mia.html

To prevent you browser from being overloaded...some of the older pictures of Mia will be stored here, so you can see some of her progress overtime.

WARNING: Lots of hi-res, big-memory photos...NOT recommended for dial-up internet users...

Day 1

And from Day 7...

At the end of week 2...

Photos from...

Update from April 1-4

Mia had CPR done on her. They called us on 31 March, asking us to come in, saying she might not make it!!!!!. Mia has struggled with the treatment (she doesn't like being poked, prodded and touched; that wouldn't have happened in the womb). So she's had to essentially be sedated so the medical staff can do their work. In addition, Mia's "PDA" (a different one than Daddy's PDA; a heart valve that's open during pregnancy, but is supposed to be closed after birth so the lungs & kidneys can get blood) isn't closing and doctors have said surgery might be needed. Being a delicate as she is, that could be a deadly attempt! (They said there would be ups and downs in this process...)

Update from April 6

Sythera came home from the hospital today (April 6). She spent Sunday night- Tuesday night back in the hospital with a urinary infection. She's doing well
Mia has urinated a lot more, which is a good sign. It allows a lot of junk to empty out, and allow her to get medicines she may need
Mia's heart valve closed (vital for getting blood to her lungs & other organs). The valve closed without surgery (which would have been risky), or even medicine (which couldn't have been used without her kidneys being used)

Update from June 2005

As of this writing (June 2), she is now in the Intermediate Care nursery (one of the next stages before she goes home). She now weighs 3 pounds, 6 ounces!!! (1510 grams, for the rest of the world that is on the metric system). She nursed for the first time today (and did well, another requirement to go home). She may be home in couple of weeks!

Prayer points for June 2005

Pray for Mia's eyes & lungs to be completely developed. Also pray for her vocal cords...we have only heard peeps from her, and no loud crying (which, for us, is a concern)
Pray that she's able to catch-up, and not have developmental delays
Pray for the other factors for her release to come to pass soon: she needs to keep her own body temperature, be able to nurse & drink from the bottle, breathe more on her own, and have stable heart & breathing rates
Pray for mom & dad, as they get ready to receive their beautiful daughter
ALSO -- we ask prayer for Jennifer. She was the mother of one of Mia's neighbors, Robert. He survived for 5 months, but passed away in April. He was one of Mia's closest neighbors in the nursery. Pray for her peace and healing. We hope to see her at the Preemie Picnic at Rush Hospital at the end of July.

Praise Points For June 2005

Mia has been gaining lots of weight (at least an ounce or two a day!)
Her central line (where blood was transfused) has been taken out, and has healed
No bleeding in the head, or any other long-term problems
Her eyesight seems to be improving
She's been less fussy (except for when it's time for her diaper to be changed)
She enjoys her visitors, even smiling at them
She's breathing well, more and more on her own.
Thanks to who who have prayed, visited, called, e-mailed, or in any other way helped out!!!!