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!

Day #14- ICU (Up and Around)

Today marks the beginning of something new!
My wife was up out of bed today and walking around a little. This is fantastic news in regards to eventually getting home. Way to go babe.

My mom and dad are amazing. They woke up early today and brought my kids up to see me before they left to go with Grandma and Grandpa Millett for a week long stay. The kids  had a lot of fun today. We ate in the cafeteria, played outside on the grass, and had ice cream. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it was to have almost all my babies around me. In fact the kids got a special treat today. My wife was able to make it to her outside window which is on the second floor. The kids were abel to wave to her and yell up that they loved her. She was able to yell down that she loved them and have a short conversation with a couple of the kids. I loved watching it. I know my wife was feeling a little down because she misses holding all her babies.

This evening we had a friend from Nevada stop by and see us on her way to her 10 day cruise. It has been 6 years since we have seen each other. She used to volunteer in my classroom all the time. It was nice to visit and catch up. I was also able to visit Colter and Becky and wash my laundry and enjoy their company. (Thanks for letting me come over again!).

I know this is a shorter post, but I am exhausted and it is after 2am. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, love, and prayers. They are felt and really making a difference. I will elaborate on how we are not out of the woods yet later. The nurse gave us some information tonight that might set us back a bit, but I am not worried. I feel at peace when I think about my wife and her recovery. I love you babe! I am SO proud of how well you did with your Physical Therapy today! Keep it up.

Later...

Day #13- ICU- (Tubeless in Provo)

Saturday the 13th...Hmmmm. I could have sworn it was Friday the 13th. I have been in an interesting mood today. Grumpy with a touch of down right snotty. I can't really explain why I feel this way. I was angry at myself, at my wife, at everyone who looked at me...

I think my mind decided that since she was going to be okay, that she was closed, that she was off her tube, that since all the doctors today had very positive outlooks- I think my mind decided that all the worry, frustration, anger, concern, and "why us"-ness melted into one moody day of release. I hope that it mostly came across as annoyed, not flippant or rude. So sorry to those who came to visit today if my attitude and mood was a little off-putting. I really did try hard to repress it. But, at the same time, I am thankful to have let it out and I am ready to move forward.

This has been a very monumental day for my wife. She was able to get clearance from her surgeon, her respiratory therapist, and her ICU doctor to have her breathing tube removed. Her parents arrived just as they were beginning that process and for some reason, the removal of the tube was the beginning of my mood. Anyways, the tube came out and you could see her attitude, her countenance just lighten up. It was a great thing for her. She was also able to get her hair washed and cleaned up.

I enjoyed a nice lunch with a family from Green River (thank you Pettit family). It was nice to see people from home. Makes it seem like we really DID live there and we really DID have a life before all of this. Kristin also stopped by and stayed with my wife for quite a while today. I am very glad she did as well. I love that people care so much about my wife. She is one amazing lady, and needs the love and support right now to make a speedy recovery. My sister was also a trooper today and hung out with me even though I was a bit grouchy. She even took me to dinner. Thanks sis (and family).

The doctors have made it pretty clear that it will depend a lot on how well she responds to therapy as to how fast she gets to go home. So, when we get started in the next day or so, please keep her in your prayers so that she can come home soon. I long for the routine of a "normal" day with a "normal" family (if that is possible).

Well, all seems to be going really well. The nurses are very positive that she should be out of here in the next day or so.

Thanks for all the love and prayers...

Later...