Cheering for Team USA from the NICU

As Jason prepares to go across the pond in a few hours and work for/support/watch the USA Wrestling Team at the London Olympics, Lucy and I are cheering for Team USA from the NICU. Thanks to 2-year old Julia for sharing some of the clothes she outgrew with Lucy - one of them being this USA sleeper. While I am not convinced Lucy is actually cheering for Team USA in this photo (it could have been a reaction to the camera flash), the picture was too cute not to post!

Lucy's had a great couple of days. Her brady episodes have decreased and she continues to gain weight. Last night, she was up to 6 lbs, 7 1/2 oz and she is finally showing an upwards trend on her growth chart. She does, however, HATE baths. Now, bathing in the NICU is a production in itself, because of all the cords that cannot be disconnected, but even with lots of fresh towels, a warmer and Jason and I to bath her, she cried pretty much the whole time we bathed her on Saturday! After not being able to cry when she was on a ventilator, hearing her pitiful little wail is still a welcome sound to our ears, though!

While last week's news was a big disappointment, we have found a huge advocate in our pediatrician, who actually did her residency in Minnesota! She has been a great sounding board for me to talk to about our options and Lucy's long-term outcomes. We are fortunate that God chose her to be Lucy's primary pediatrician during this time. I think some of the nurses felt almost as bad as we did that she would not be able to have surgery - we received many words of encouragement from the many nurses that have taken care of her and our nurse today told me that everyone loves Lucy and that she is somewhat of an unofficial favorite on the floor (she's pretty much hard to resist!)

An especially hug THANK YOU to everyone for the outpouring of support after we found out Lucy cannot have surgery this week. We can't wait to introduce her to all of the wonderful people who have prayed for, supported her and encouraged us along this journey.