Our Busy Monday

Before we get rolling with today’s blog on the girls, Heather and I want to thank the countless individuals that have supported us during this last week. There are several churches and prayer groups that are keeping our girls in their thoughts, friends that have dropped by with food, others that have offered to lend support by watching one girl as we go to visit the other and still others that have sent texts and phone calls with encouragement. To all of you, we can’t even begin to tell you the amount of gratitude that we feel. Quite honestly, it’s humbling to know that so many individuals have come to our assistance. Even more so, it’s amazing that some of the aid has been offered by complete and total strangers. To all of you, THANKS!

Now for the important stuff… let’s just say that today was an amazingly positive day for both of our girls.

The Peanut had a pediatrician visit since there had initially been concern with her small size as we were discharged from the hospital. The good news is that Braelyn checked in at 4lbs, 6ozs. That means that she’s already gained back all the weight she lost after birth. The pediatrician told us that typically, that happens after two weeks. So, the fact she did it in just a hair under a week is awesome! She also told us that we no longer will need to supplement Braelyn’s feedings with formula unless she’s had a slower than normal session on her mother’s breast. Needless to say, that was excellent news.

Mom and "The Peanut" Hang Out At Home

Apparently, Braelyn felt a need to continue the momentum that her sister initiated earlier in the day. Before Nana & Poppa left to visit with cousin Ava, they spent the morning at CMH with Gwendolyn and I. During rounds, the doctor told us that there is a “very good possibility” that Gwen will be released from the hospital on Friday. That was very unexpected as we kept being told that 10 days after her surgery would be a “very aggressive” timeline for her discharge. However, they told us that as it stands now, the only justification for her continued stay is the healing of the incision site on her back and that she’s got a real shot of leaving a mere eight full days post-operation. She’s done so well that the only responsibilities the nurses assigned to her typically have to carry out is to feed her and change her dirty diapers… I try to be there for as many feedings as possible but then “step out” anytime there’s a dirty diaper to attend to.

;)

A little after the updated on her possible early release this morning, the plastic surgeon came by Gwen’s bed and removed the drainage tubes from her back. That’s yet another step in the right direction. She’s tentatively scheduled for a head scan and kidney function assessment on Wednesday. If all continues in a positive direction with those, there a very high likelihood that the girls will be reunited this weekend. Also, during tonight’s visit I was informed that Gwen has been put on a “diet” because she was eating so much that her stool was getting too runny. A healthy appetite is a great sign. Apparently, it’s proof of yet another trait she shares with daddy. She also no longer has the IV patch in her head which will undoubtedly please Nana as she came to detest the fact it was in place on Gwen’s head but never used.

Gwen Keeps Looking Better and Better... But Don't You Dare Touch Her Binky

Heather and I are still a little unsure as to the steps we’ll have to take after this hospital visit for Gwendolyn is complete but we’ll get briefed by the Spina Bifida Clinic here at the hospital before we are discharged. We’ll also have a sit down with a case worker to find out what programs we qualify for in terms of her future care.

On a personal note, for those of you that know me well, it comes as no shock that I’ve a fairly open individual. Still, I’m known to hold in my emotions until they reach a breaking point. So that’s why I wanted to issue a personal note of thanks to those that have read this blog. Honestly, it started as a way to share updated information and photos of the girls. However, as the week progressed, I’ve found it therapeutic to put my thoughts and fears into words and share them with you all. This has been quite an educational seven days. For the first time in my life I grasped the meaning of the term “unconditional love.” The moment I locked eyes with my girls in the delivery room, I turned into a mother lion guarding her cubs. I will do anything to ensure their well being. While I know that there are still numerous hurdles we’ve yet to climb, I’d still be remiss for not thanking everyone following of this blog. Know that if nothing else, you’ve helped me realize how to cope with a situation that I hope none of you ever will have experience and yet, one that has taught me what being a man, husband, father and provider is all about.

Until tomorrow!!!