Doing OK

Sorry that I haven't updated in a few days...I have heard from so many people that they've been checking this blog daily. I am very touched that so many people are interested in our story. I even heard that someone made a phone call to find out if everything was ok because I hadn't posted anything in a few days....oops! We're OK! Just a little tired. Little Lydia has a different time clock these days...I've been pooping out before I get a chance to get to the computer sometimes. I am hoping that she re-programs that little clock of hers soon...though I realize, it is not about me. I know it's not fun for her either. I think the congestion is waking her at night. It seems to be getting better...yeah! But, she's still not completely over it. Audrey is just about back to normal. Elise's ear infection is hopefully getting better...she was a bit cranky for a few days, but today was better. We'll see Dr Wood again next week to re-check her ears.

Blood test fiascos:
I know I posted about Lydia's blood test at the Lake last week ...I don't think I updated more after that....they called me the next day to say that they didn't get enough blood...some of it clotted or something. I asked if we could just get the home health nurse to do it so that we wouldn't have to go back...it worked out that the nurse who was drawing blood this Monday anyway for the routine Chem 7 would also do the TSH and Free T4. Well, the nurse today walked in and said that she had to draw again because Monday's nurse didn't get enough...4 sticks in 2 weeks. Hopefully, they can start to get it right the first time soon...

Super news: We will soon get to skip a shot day!!! Friday will be her first day without a shot in a month. Thank God...her little thighs could use a break...sometimes it's hard to get the bandaid in right spot because you can see so many little needle spots on her legs. After Friday, we will begin the weaning process...one shot every other day... Also, the dose will be cut in half every week. The end of February will be her last shot...you will definitely hear from me on that day!! Then, she is not allowed to have any immunizations for 6 months after that...good for her!! Dr Hollman says that immunizations are for healthy people, and those of us who are not so healthy have to rely on the healthy people to keep their immunizations up to date. I guess after the six months, she'll have to begin catching up...she hasn't even had her 4 month shots yet.

Feedings seem to be going a little better. She is finishing 4 oz in about 15 minutes now (most of the time). That is awesome!!

I am no longer concerned about weight at all...Each time she's been weighed, she is steadily gaining. Today she weighed 12 lbs. 10.5 oz.!! I'm beginning to think that the nurse's scale may have been off on the day that her weight looked to be dropping. Each nurse has their own scale, and we pretty much get a different nurse every day.

More fun news about Elise:
Tonight before bedtime, I asked Elise if she wanted some water...she said, "No..am.....mam" I was so excited....I haven't even tried to teach her to say "no mam" and "yes mam." I figured we'd work more on nouns and verbs for now, and teach manners after the rest falls into place. She's way ahead of me!

Grateful...I am so grateful these days about all of the good in my life. I was driving to Martin's game last night just feeling such a full heart! I've said to some old friends that God has a way of bringing people together, or back together. I have felt so connected to people through this blog and through email about Lydia's life that I am overcome with gratefulness. So many people have offered so much help to us...I'm learning because I've been told by several different people...that their help to us makes them feel good. I am always a little hesitant to ask or accept because I don't want to inconvenience anyone, but I feel better about it knowing that it is doing something good for them too. To my old friends at Brusly Elementary...you can't imagine how touched I am by your overly generous act of supreme kindness...a gesture that was -no doubt- spearheaded by Allison Kirkland. Allison- I have been so encouraged by your kind heart...thank you for all of your care and concern and your encouraging words. I promise you all that Lydia and I will come by for a visit soon...we'd like to thank you in person. I know that you all know that you did not have to do that...and so my appreciation is very sincere and heartfelt.