Day #16- Adult ICU (Upgraded to the Downgrade)

I didn't think that today would end on such a positive and wonderful note. It has been such an adventure to be sure. I was awake and going this morning by 8:00 am. I kept hitting snooze on my alarm. That is a good thing. I needed to extra bit of rest. I was out the door by 8:40am.

When I got to the hospital, my wife was sleeping, but I went into her room anyways. She may have already been awake, I don't know, but I got to kiss her good morning. That was nice. I opened her blinds to let in the morning light and I simply sat and visited with her. That was nice. Nice to hear the sound of her voice that at one point in this journey I worried I would never hear again. To gaze into those blue eyes, that for days didn't open and missed almost 8 days of her life. Yes...I enjoyed every second of that conversation because I knew it meant that I would be privileged to enjoy that many more times in the years to come.

Dr. Lichti stopped by and changed the dressing on her incisions. I got to see them. They look really, really good. He was very pleased with how they looked. He told us he is going to take it slow and be very cautious. He said that infection from incisions usually sets in 5-7 days after closing, and we are at that window starting tomorrow. So he is keeping a VERY close eye on things. The is also concerned that he may have damaged her bowel during the surgeries, so he is being very strict on the amount of ice chips she can have. Her IV's are giving what she needs to live, but she so enjoys the ice it breaks my heart to see him cut that back. Oh well, all in the name of quicker healing and homecoming...

At some point during the early morning we had a surprise visitor. My Aunt Dixie stopped in. It was nice to visit with her for a bit. After she left, we again just enjoyed each other's company. After that it was time for physical therapy. She made it up and down the hall and back (about 180 feet). Afterwards, she sat in the chair that I had been sitting in and wanted to blog. So, she sat there for about 20 minutes and typed her post.

Her Aunt Patsy came for a visit today. It was really sweet of her aunt to drive down to visit (like so many have driven so far to do...I just want to throw that HUGE thanks in at the conjunction). We had just settled in for a good long visit and were in the midst of sharing great tales and stories when the nurse came in and basically told us to PACK OUR BAGS 'cause we were OUT OF THERE! That was at about 3:00pm. By 3:30pm she was moved, settled, and had all the pictures of her babies back on the wall. Wahoo! Dr. Lichti wanted her to stay in the ICU, but they needed that room for patients that were coming in in more critical condition than she was.

I ran to get a bite to eat when Patsy left to meet her husband in Salt Lake. My mom called and reminded me that I was supposed to Skype in our baby with my wife. I shoved my food down my throat (and let me tell you I am paying for that now...) and came back. My wife was able to see her baby. It was a bitter sweet moment to say the least. I am very anxious to get this mommy back to her little one. I enjoyed chatting with my parents as well.

Everyone has been such an amazing support group. We are still overwhelmed at the amount of support we are getting. After all, we are OLD news at this point! :) Anyways, after seeing our beautiful baby girl, my wife did another round of PT. This time she made it over 220 feet (clear around the Adult ICU floor). From there our evening evolved into to watching "America's Got Talent" (which is a huge misnomer if you ask me) and then "The Voice" (which is SO much better than Idol ever thought of being).

I talked to the Grands Millett to see how it was going with my kiddos. They seem to be having a blast which makes me happy. My 2 year-old is a tad clingy, but that is to be expected when he feels uncomfortable and being at the Grands Millett's will be that way for a while until he get to know them a little better. I love my kids and can't wait to get back home to them.

I love being in the Adult ICU (which is simply the floor for those that still need more constant care, but are not as critical. So, by coming here, they have announced that my wife is in less-critical condition- YEA!).  They are much more laid back here. I can eat in the room. In fact, I could even move my stuff here and sleep in this room. However, they would NOT like me to do that right now. I am paid through Monday of next week at the Guest House and will be staying there until then. I am not going to be returning to town until I can bring my wife with me. I am giving up some school workshop hours, hours that I really needed, but can't bring myself to attend. Oh well. I don't regret it at all. This is where I need to be. I think she will recover more quickly with me here- at least I HOPE I am helping in that department...

Well, she is asleep next to me in her bed and I am getting droopy-eyed. So I am going to head back to my room and chill. I am just giddy with excitement that we are moving in the right direction here. Thanks for all the prayers, fasts, thoughts, and support! We love you all.

Later...

P.S. One request...please leave comments here on my blog, as well as on Face Book. When we print this blog in a blog book, I want my wife to see all the comments you are sharing. I know, such a demanding little cuss am I!