Part of the mystery solved

Well, we now know for sure that Emma has an infection. The cultures from the trach aspirate came back positive today, indicating a bacterial infection is growing in her trachea (likely related to the ET tube), resulting in excess fluid accumulation in her lungs. After consulting with the Infectious Disease team again, the NICU docs have changed one of her antibiotics and discontinued another.

Unfortunately, she had several "spells" again today (after not having any last night), so her ventilator and oxygen settings remain rather high. Overall, though, Emma seemed to be a bit less agitated today and the nurses weren't suctioning as much gunk out of her lungs, so we hope the meds have started to work and that she'll feel better very soon.