God may not provide us with a perfectly ordered 

life, but what He does provide is Himself, His 

presence, and open doors that bring us closer 

to being productive, positive, and realistic. 

Judith Briles

Seven days since my last post. I started school last Friday. It has been an adjustment, trying to get back in the groove of things. Monday and Tuesday were very difficult. I felt and still do out of sync not being at the hospital. Even though I saw her Monday night, I missed her so much and still do. Nearly everyday for four months I have spent with her. I am so blessed to have had that time with her during the most critical time of her life. Since she is stable and ready to come home soon, I decided to work a little longer before all my leave runs out. Hopefully it will not be for long, and she we be home. 

Clara is now 5 pounds 13 ounces. She has moved to an intermediate POD. She has new nurse practitioners and soon new nurses. There she no longer considered critical and can simply work on feeding. She is drinking from a bottle. Today she was up to 20 mls (30 is an ounce). Friday she will have a swallow study with the speech therapist. She is also officially off the ventilator. It was wheeled away Tuesday morning. She is just on humidified air with the trach collar. This is huge! It means she will not have to come home with a vent! 

Tomorrow afternoon Jason and I have a family meeting with her team to go over the next phase of her stay. I look forward to learning more about that. 

Tonight our bellies are full from a delicious dinner that church friends brought us. I looked forward to that all day! We belong to a fabulous church family that is so supportive and giving. Here are some recent photos taken.

Clara's first room. She was here almost four months

moving day

making our way into POD G

finally we are all settled and decorated. Clara is fast asleep in my arms. 

who's that pretty baby asleep in the mirror?

On this day Clara just wanted to be held. This was POP's first time. 

Papa dresses Clara for bed after a warm bath. 

Maddie and her lovey Raffie. We hope to get Clara one of her own, but in a different color. 

Snuggle buddies in front of the fire.