Our roller coaster ride

Thursday morning, Kiya was transferred to Primary Children's hospital. UVMC has an incredible NICU, but they do not have neurosurgeons and neurologists on staff. Kiya had fluid accumulating around her brain, and they felt that surgery would be necessary to drain the fluid surrounding her brain. She had developed a blood clot, and they weren't sure if the blood clot was the cause of the blockage, or if the "flap" in the brain was not functioning correctly.

Today, (Friday), Matt was able to meet with the neurosurgeon. The doctor said they are going to wait to operate and see if Kiya can drain the fluid on her own. They will do another ultrasound on Monday and check her status. This was the first good news Matt and Kris have had since Wednesday night.

Kiya has been one miracle after another. As mentioned earlier Kiya is the first baby they have had live with a hemoglobin count of 1. This is incredible, as the neonatalogist at UVMC has personally treated over 27,000 babies during his 30+ year career.

Kiya has made incredible progress on breathing. She has gone from a big tube in her mouth, to a C-pap machine, and is now down to a little breathing tube in both of her nostrils. Having surgery in itself is heartbreaking, but the thought of Kiya having to go through all the tubes again was additionally devastating.

Although Kiya has/is being treated by world-renowned physicians and the absolute best medical care available, none of us think for a minute that any of this progress is short of miraculous. We strongly feel that all of your prayers and faith are helping little Kiya progress each and every day. We can't thank you enough for all that you have done. Our prayers are being heard and answered.

Thank you, and we love you Kiya!
(Grandma Slatter)