March 27, 1994

• Kendra is two weeks old and weighs 920 grams. Today was the first attempt at extubation (removal of the ventilation directly to her lungs). At 12:00 noon, the NICU staff removed the tube and replaced it with a 'short tube' (NPT). The short tube only entered the back of her throat, and did not go directly into her lungs.
• It was a struggle for Kendra. She did not do well and had numerous apnea spells. During the time I was there, she had three spells where her breathing ceased. We had to 'shake her' many times to get her to breathe again. It was a very traumatic experience.
• At 7:00 pm, the ventilation tube to her lungs was replaced. The doctor advised that they would try again once she had reached her birth weight, of 1040 grams.

April 4, 1994

• Again, the 'long' tube to Kendra's lungs was removed and replaced with an NPT tube. Kendra faired better this time.

April 8, 1994

• Unfortunately, they had to replace the ventilation long tube today. She was getting too tired and not gaining weight.

April 11, 1994

• Kendra is almost one month old now. Today they tried her again on the NPT tube.
• I have still not been allowed to hold Kendra. They tell me that once the tubes are gone, I will have the chance.

April 18, 1994

• Today Kendra breathed without assistance from 12 midnight until 4:00 am. At 4:00 am they said they would replace the NPT tube, as she might be tiring.
• At 8:00 am I arrived at the NICU. The NPT tube was still out. The nurse advised that Kendra had been doing so well that they left the tube out. Hooray!
• Today was the first day that I took pictures of Kendra.

April 19, 1994

• Today was the first day that I was allowed to hold Kendra, outside the isolette (incubator). She fell asleep in my arms.

April 21, 1994

• Kendra 'graduated' to the level II nursery today (no more intensive care!)

May 6, 1994

• Kendra was transferred to Peel Memorial Hospital in Brampton, Ontario at 2:00 am. She was placed in the level II (special care) nursery there. Peel Memorial is only a 20 minute drive away now.

May 19, 1994

• Today Kendra was diagnosed with level III retinopathy of prematurity. I never received a real explanation as to why it wasn't detected until now. Kendra will be seen by a doctor at Toronto's Sick Children's Hospital eye clinic, in the next day or two.

May 25, 1994

• Kendra went into cardiac arrest today. During a vitamin feeding she choked and stopped breathing. The nursery called a 'code red' and the emergency staff came to her rescue. I was taken into the next room while they tried to get you to breathe again (CPR). What a relief to hear her cries! It seemed like an eternity, but it was only about 5 or 10 minutes.

May 30, 1994

• Today was the day that Kendra came home.