9 days post op

So sorry it has taken so long to update. Since I last wrote...I left the hospital Monday evening for a while and Adam and I took Luke out to spend some time together. Nothing like fresh air and hanging out with my boys. Then much later that evening, went to our place physically and emotionally exhausted.

Said a prayer that night..."Dear Lord, the moment Abigail was put in my arms I thanked you for blessing Adam and I with her. I remember telling you that we know she is your child sent to us and we pray that you always keep her safe in your arms. We know she is safe in your arms, but Adam and I feel so weak right now and we need you to please place your healing hands on our baby girl and please start healing her little body. I also ask that you help Adam and I to feel the strength that we feel we no longer have." Amen

SO...I could not sleep so I decided to turn on my computer. AND there it was a message for my sweet friend Kat she reminded me (in Kathie version) about when the disciples were in the raging storm "freaking out" (she made me smile by saying that) and Jesus was just sleeping. The thing is, Jesus was there the whole time, it was his perfect plan. Maybe he was just waiting to see what they would do. She went on to say:

They cried out to Him. LORD Save us. He did. Who is this man? Even the winds and the waves obey him? He is the man, the one who holds Abby dearly, who loves her a gazillion times more then you do. Who hold her life, her surgeries, her lungs, her heart in His hand and yet still has room to hold you tightly under his wing as if to hold you like a newborn and comfort you as you want to comfort Abby.

So, after reading that I was finally able to sleep. I was reminded:

1. God has never left our side. Every time we have felt weak, he has used each and everyone of you to send over notes validating our feelings, loving on us, encouraging us and praying for us. He has picked the perfect time for us to receive each note. Another perfect example of "if you just have faith."

SO....I woke up 5 hours later and Adam said bring the bottles and pacifier, she just was extubated! Yaay! Thank you Lord. So here is our recap...

Tuesday-Extubated, Left Lung was doing better, having withdraws from medication (so sad to witness) very lethargic. Not to interested in food. (who would be after having a breathing tube for 5 days) She remained stable and they kept her as comfortable as they could. They removed all drips.

So, we tried to stay focused on the blessing of the day "extubation" and prayed that she continued on the path of recovery. Other great part of the day was receiving a package at the hospital from our dear friends (Gates Family)....The largest box of Jelly Belly's I have ever seen! Thank you Gates family, the best sugar rush ever. :) and Luke loved the puzzle. Then got a very special visit from Moriah's daddy, Justin. I was so excited to see him and even more excited to give him a big hug. I truly adore the Nelson family. Missed seeing Victoria and still dying to give Moriah a hug, hopefully soon.

Wednesday-mostly all lines removed except for two and one chest tube. Moved to Intermediate ICU, Unfortunately, left lung partially collapsed, starting to notice possible damage once again from breathing tube, chest tube is causing so much discomfort, developed yeast infection, still on oxygen and doing a little better on feeds. I was sad to leave the CVICU because I had just met a heart mom (Lindsey). However, I know we will be staying in touch...it's that instant bond you find from one heart mommy to another.

Thursday-Not too much has changed accept our frustrations. :( Abigail seems to be having less withdraws which is good and more interactive. Best part of the day, she finally gave a little smile.

Friday-Left Lung is still collapsed but is looking a little better. Only two things left in, Chest Tube and IV. The Chest Tube my be in for a few days to make sure she does not have a Chylous leak. Doctors are ultra conservative here. Which does not mean that is a bad thing, just not what we are used to. LA is much more aggresive, good or bad...not sure? Just takes some getting used to.

Unless something unforeseen should come up and we pray that it does not we might be leaving the hospital by next Wednesday.

I'm not sure how some families do it with out support of family and friends near by, but we feel so very blessed for having such support. Our moms have been here day in and day out. Adam and I are not the best "kids" under pressure, but our moms love us unconditionally :) and are doing so very much for us. I'm trying to figure out where I can send them and then I am going to figure out how I can Tag along.

My little guy Luke...Oh how I miss him. Adam comes in for the night shift so I am here all day and do not get too see him much. However, he is doing great and loving being spoiled by his grandma's. I have a feeling it is going to take weeks of boot camp to get him back. He was so excited the other day when he opened the mailbox and received mail from his friends at school! Thank you to the mom's at St. Pauls....so sweet! Luke's school has been so supportive during this time with all their love, prayers and support. Thank you!!

They called Abigail a "He" one day...so mommy took

care of that....girly sign, pink bow and pink blanket.

Still very medicated, but mommy wanted a picture of baby girl extubated

Our dear friend Justin

Thursday..great to see her finally grabbing her toys!


Luke enjoying one of the beautiful parks in Palo Alto


HMMM....where are my Grandma's? Anybody

know where the nearest casino is?
Maybe I can use my "casino" finder glasses



Thanks for checking in...all our love..Chez Family