More good news...

FINALLY........

Things have been going great lately with Lilah. I went in Thursday and the nurse informed me they decided to keep the drain in an extra day just to be safe. I wasn't really dissapointed because I would rather they do that, than have it not work because they decide to take it out too early. Her nurse happened to be the fiance of one of Josh's customers, and she was extremely nice. She allowed me to take her tempature and change her diaper! I never knew I could get so excited about changing a diaper, but for me it was like Christmas morning, getting to do something as simple as that. They were able to lower her oxygen, so that was another bit of good news.

Friday came, which happened to be Good Friday, not that I am religous, but I had to admit if I was going to recieve good news, this day seemed highly appropriate. I was going to meet Randy and Ryan over at the hospital around 5, but Kristin was over and had nothing to do, so around 1 she asked if I wanted to take a ride out there to see if they took the drain out. I really didn't want to wait until 5, so we hopped in the car and rode over there. I walked into her room in the NICU, and there she was, drain-free! She had a little tiny band-aid on her head, it was too cute. The nurse immediately asked if I wanted to hold her, and I said ummmm yeah duh! She said we could do skin on skin contact because it keeps the baby warmer, and allows for bonding, so they let me hold her without being wrapped in a blanket. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. I wanted to remember every second of it, so I could replay it in my head when I am feeling down. The time I got to hold her completely washed away all the sadness and heartache I felt over the last week, and replaced it with joy. I don't think I will ever appreciate a moment more than I did this. She was awake most of the time too, just staring up at me. I was supposed to go home, than come back, but I didn't want to put her down, so I just stayed until Randy and Ryan came. Dr. Allen happened to show up while we were there and told me that the re-scanned her head and her brain had expanded out, and filled the space where all the fluid had been. He said it was just what they wanted to see. He also informed us that there was a little bit of blood left over in the ventricles, so he probably will have to drain one more week, until they are flushed out and can continue to drain on there own. He said as she grows the ventricles will grow with her, so it should completely avoid the problem of fluid build-up again. I don't mind if they have to drain it 3 more times, in the long run it will save numerous trips to the hospital for shunt problems (for which there are many). The only thing that stinks about that, is she can't be held when she is "draining". I told him that I would just make sure I held her as much as possible in between.

I went back Saturday, with the kids. They wanted a chance to get to see her out of the Isolette (incubator), and when I arrived, they had just given her a bath, and she was actually dressed in a cute little onesie with hearts on it. She is almost completely tube-free, they took out the nutrition line in her belly, because now she is getting enough from my milk. They also removed the IV fluid, they only needed it to replace all the fluid she was losing out of her head. She is almost completely weaned of of the oxygen, and the only other tube she had was her G-tube (feeding tube) which they had removed from her nose, and inserted down her throat ( I have no idea why they did that, I'll have to ask). I was able to hold her for an hour, and they let me change her diaper again. The kids were getting restless and bored, so we headed home to cook supper.

Today is Easter, and my in-laws are coming up from Mass to eat dinner, and go visit Lilah. I am sad that she won't be home for her first holiday, but I got her a big pink bunny to bring to her hospital room. My family and Josh's parents will be here, so I count my blessings that I have the rest of my family here, happy and healthy, and I know Lilah will have many holidays to celebrate with us. I am looking forward to having an easter egg hunt with my kids and nieces. I will post pictures soon. Happy Easter!!!!!