Ending 2016 and Beginning 2017...In the Hospital

We did not have a very good end to 2016.  Lucy contracted RSV (and possible pneumonia - we are waiting for the cultures to come back) and was admitted to the hospital on Friday night (12/30).  She is in the Pediatric ICU for now.

So far, she is being treated for a respiratory infection with steroids, antibiotics and a LOT of breathing support (oxygen and nebulizers).  Of course, her little GI system is shutting down again, so she has had a lot of throwing up since Friday during the day.  She's gotten the standard NG tube to her stomach with a low dose laxative going into it, an enema and basically no food or drink by mouth since we've gotten here.  While her lungs are slowly improving, her energy level is not so the docs are doing more tests tonight to understand if she needs a different type of breathing treatment to help with CO2 levels.   She is pretty lethargic and is sleeping most of the day away (after being awake most of last night throwing up - not a fun way to ring in the new year.  I could here the midnight fireworks going off as I was holding a puke bucket for her in her hospital room!).  As of now, we have no idea when she'll turn the corner, or even a really clear picture of how and when she will improve.

Please pray for healing for miss Lucy...we miss our ray of sunshine so much; it's so difficult to see her like this (again!).

When we decided to have another baby, one of my main concerns is who would take care of the baby when I had to be at the hospital with Lucy - because I knew it was inevitable that she would eventually be back in the hospital.  That part is a huge struggle for me - not being able to be with baby Ruby in the middle of the night and barely seeing her during the day...also she is battling a cold / ear infection so is pretty miserable herself.  It's also been hard to let go of being in a little hospital bubble with Lucy and having to leave her at the hospital with Jason or my parents so I can take care of Ruby and myself for a few hours.  So, prayers for all of us as we get through this tough emotional and physical challenge.

We choose to believe in God's greater plan and to continue to pray through the challenges and will keep you updated on her progress.  Thank you so much for your calls, texts and messages - they mean the world to us!