Doing Wonderful :)

Madison is doing great! She was able to nurse twice today. She took over half her feeding from me the first time. They only want her nursing every other feeding right now so she can build up her strength for it. The next one (9pm) she nursed a little, but fell asleep. They gave the rest of her milk through her gastric tube. She gets 60cc's at a time. I loved being able to hold and cuddle her though.

Tim was able to hold her for the first time tonight. I can't believe how special each event is. You take so much for granted!

She was able to meet both her grandpa's today. My dad and Tim's dad both came to see her. I'm amazed at how fast the days are going by, yet it seems I've been here a lifetime as well.

So, Madison had an ultrasound yesterday, and there is still no hydrocephaly. It confirmed some of the findings from her previous ultrasounds, which indicated the spina bifida to begin with. Arnold Chiari II malformation is almost always present, but doesn't always cause complications. This is what may cause the hydrocephaly. So no new news in that regard. They will keep her here long enough to monitor her ultrasounds, and make sure she's taking all her feedings either from me, or a bottle. (not through the gastric tube) I really don't know how long that will be. Several more days at least.

I'm feeling well. I was discharged yesterday, and am staying at the Ronald McDonald House. What a wonderful place... I am amazed at the generosity of people. My experience with the people up here at OHSU has been so good. I can't say enough good things about my stay here so far. The people have been so nice and caring, it's overwhelming.

So, I better get to bed. It's harder to rest now that I'm not staying at the hospital with her.

Goodnight!