Making Progress

I got to watch Noelle's chest tubes come out tonight which was very interesting and a little bloody (I'm glad it was me and not Joel, he hates that kind of stuff). Noelle was given some good pain meds before they did it but as usual she fought against it and wanted to watch what they were doing to her. It did hurt a little bit but she was so brave. Her catheter is out too and now she is sleeping peacefully with her daddy watching over her in the ICU. I am fairly certain that she will be moved to the peds floor tomorrow.

I am about to enjoy a blissful night's sleep at RMH curled up next to my little boy.

***I have to give props to my hubby! He watched the nurses take out two of her IV lines this morning (sunday)! Nice work! ;o)

Long Night

It was a long night with my poor, cranky little girl. She just couldn't get comfy for long and sleep eluded both of us. It really bugs her that she can't get out of bed, can't get up to go potty, can't take out all the tubes and wires, and can't play with her friends!

I'm so tired today but really enjoying some quality time with my little Zman at RMH. We got to play outside, eat snacks and watch videos. Good normal stuff! Feels good.

I haven't had chance to ask Joel how rounds went this morning so I'm not sure what the official plan for the day is. Hopefully Noelle will be moved to the peds floor if they can just get her weaned off drip blood pressure meds and regulate the blood thinner.

Singing Praises for Mya!

Sweet little Mya is doing very well after her surgery today! See her update on her mommy's blog here.

Pictures

8/11/09 Day before surgery at Ronald McDonald House8/12/09 Day of Noelle's surgery (aortic valve replacement and Konno procedure). This is where we waited for the anesthesiologist before they took her back. The location of the infamous Versed spitting incident!
Listening to the iPod helped Noelle feel calmer and she could tune out all of the doctors.

Zman fell asleep (eating his "Cheetas" as he calls them) while waiting for his big sis to get out of surgery.

Post-surgery in the ICU. She has her breathing tube in, 3 IVs, 3 chest tubes, pacer wires, and a partridge in a pear tree! ;0)
8/14/09 Friday- Nap time after getting her ventricular pacer wires out. It was a little ouchy but she did great.

Having a Good Day

My Noelle girl is napping peacefully right now after a good morning. She has been much less agitated and more comfortable so far. She even asked to play with toys (although she fell asleep before we could bring them to her). She has also been eating and drinking a little bit.

Today's plan is to wean Noelle off the drip blood pressure meds and onto an oral one. She had one blood pressure pill this morning with her yogurt and it seemed to be helping. As soon as they get her off the drip then she can go down to the peds floor, possibly tonight although tomorrow morning is more likely. They won't be taking out her chest tubes today because she needs to drain more. Her catheter may come out later today. Heart rate and temperature are great today! We just have to get that blood pressure under control!

Each thing they pull out or take off of her is cause for celebration in my book! It is so good to see her looking more like herself.

Uncle Beau and Jessa are taking care of Zach today so we don't have to worry about keeping him busy. I miss him so much though! Yesterday he had a blast at the Woodland Park Zoo with grandparents, cousins and Aunt Genia. Our family has been so awesome, supportive and truly helpful! We are so blessed. Auntie Anna and Uncle Matt stopped by too! Most of the fam is leaving today so I'm praying for safe travel for them all!

My Determined Girl

Anyone who knows Noelle can tell you about her determined personality. She loves to be in charge and she wants to know about everything and everyone around her!

Here are some nuggets of Noelle from yesterday:

After she came out of sedation and her breathing tube was out she asked me if her heart was still open. When I told her no then she yanked up her gown and said "I want to see it now! I want to see the scar! I want to see the tubes!!!".

She often asks me "How many IVs do I have? Where are all of them? What are they for?".

She knows who she wants too! Yesterday she said "I want my daddy RIGHT NOW!" followed by a very impatient, "and where are all my grandparents?".

Ha ha, that's my girl! She's in better spirits today. We aren't hearing the words "right now" following every statement anymore.

Breathing tube is out!

Noelle was extubated about 20 minutes ago and she was SO happy to get that thing out of her! When the doctor asked her if she wanted to get her breathing tube out Noelle gave her a huge smile and nodded her head.

Now that she is able to talk she keeps asking us "Did I have my surgery yet?" and when we tell her yes then she smiles and says "Yay!". She's pretty frustrated though and wants to get out of bed. She was upset that she can't walk yet.

She had a good night but today they are having some difficulty keeping her blood pressure and heart rate down. She also has a bit of a high temperature but hopefully the tylenol will kick in soon.

Joel and I are tired but doing well overall. Zach has been busy having fun with grandparents, his aunt and cousins. They all went to the zoo this morning. I miss my little Zman, though I know he is being well cared for and loved!