Evening Six

For a day that started out so busy, its ended up being a fairly long day. Its crazy how something is always going on here but then it doesn't really seem like it. Beau's given a mini-recap of the day, I'll see if I can offer anymore details.

One of our guests from this morning has also offered his home to us. I just cannot believe the people willing to do this for us. I think no matter what, we'll stay at an extended stay place near the hospital for the first two weeks. I'll be coming off of a c-section and we think it will be worth it to stay close to the hospital until we figure the whole NICU business out. He also mentioned something that we hadn't thought about before and I'm not sure how it will work with such a tiny baby so if anyone knows, fill us in. He has a connection to a cord blood storage company that has offered to store Gaines' cord blood. I think it is an awesome idea considering we have no idea what we'll be dealing with once our tiny one arrives. Does anyone know if there is a minimum age for this?

Let's see, what else...Beau mentioned all of our guests but he didn't mention the gifts they came bearing, a sister of one of our SS class members brought us some snacks from Trader Joes...we aren't familiar with Trader Joes but I imagine that we will be very soon. One friend brought us muffins and flowers, and Mrs. Bright came with flowers as well (ps..pizza was delicious). Anyone who knows me knows how much I love fresh flowers...I bring them in from my yard all the time. I'm so sad to be missing spring at my house, the azaleas had just started blooming. One set of flowers didn't come in a vase so Beau had to arrange them himself. He did a pretty good job. I just thought it was funny watching him arrange flowers. He'll love me sharing that with the world.

We got one other package today from two of my oldest friends. There was all kinds of good stuff in there but I think I am most excited about having my most favorite cereal (Oh's for anyone out there that's never had them).

Also we are now the proud owners of a deck of cards so if you can think of any good card games for us send them our way. I know there are some good ones out there I just can't remember any of them.

Medically, we've had another boring day. I did get my FIFTH IV today. Apparently I have sensitive veins...who knew? This one actually took 3 tries and they sent their best IV nurse in. I was wrong earlier on something...I don't lose the antibiotics yet. I have one more day of them thank goodness but I keep my IV. They like to keep acceess to a vein on all ruptured patients. I guess I'd rather have one and not need it than need it in an emergency and not have it. Right now I'm waiting to have my vitals done and heart and lungs listened to but thus far no fever so no signs of infection. It's also time to listen to Gaines again soon. I've felt him all day so I'm sure that will go fine.

A few people have asked why they don't keep me on the antibiotics. According to my nurses there are no studies that show that keeping you on them for longer keeps an infection away but more importantly when and if I get an infection, they wouldn't have anything to fight it with. I know there are people in the medical community out there rolling their eyes at my assessment of this situation. I just pass info along as I understand it.

Here is my request for today...please pray really hard tomorrow for no infection. Tomorrow is day 7 and the start of the 7-10 period that infection most likely sets in. I'm doing pretty good about not worrying about it but every so often a little fear sneaks in. I know this has been in God's hands the whole time but after tomorrow the doctors aren't doing anything proactive to prevent things. Also, please pray that if an infection does start I'll be able to notice it. They will be relying on me to report tenderness, cramping etc and I don't want to miss any of the signs thinking its nothing. As much as I want to keep Gaines inside, he'd be better off out here than inside with an infection.

I guess that's about it for me tonight. Beau asked if I wanted him to proofread this. A few of you have mentioned how good Beau is with words and its gone to his head. Told me its because of his private school education...don't even get me started on that. That may be a good topic for tomorrow...

Much love to all,

Brittany