Day 5

Rough morning but the day got better. She very much is still drugged up, which is helping her get through this first week. I just miss her little personality. Sometimes a little smile will come out, and definitely some head shakes that mean "NO"! Even though I have been with her all week, I miss holding, rocking her asleep and carrying her around.  

Little by little she is getting unplugged from things, IV, fluids, catheter. She is getting everything through her gtube except Valium. She still doesn’t want to eat or drink on her own. I think she just is so tired. 

With help I did give her a bed bath and change her diaper on the wedge. Not too many tears, afterwards. So I felt proud of myself. Everyday I am getting more confident. After Clara has one good night and one good solid day of pain control, we will ask to take her home. 

It will be so great for us to all be together again. 

I appreciate all the texts, messages, and prayers. The visits have been so helpful from family and friends this time. It keeps our mind off of it all. 

I can’t say enough about our wonderful experience  at UNC children’s seventh floor. Clara’s team of nurses, pain people, doctors, have been above and beyond great. Well... they always are. We have been on this floor. But this time was the best. 

Clara earned star status with her "rapid response" event. Some made sure to say their goodbyes before they left their shift, and a few have checked on her everyday since Thursday.  We also had some old UNC staff friends stop by to say hello. Ones that have taken care of her in the past.  It’s always great to see old faces.