Get used to the Stairs

The hospital staff was sad to see Millie leave today, but we have never been happier to say goodbye to a group of kindhearted, sweet people. Traffic was never lighter and the drive was never easier than it was coming back from the hospital. Millie keeps progressing like the six million dollar man and just continues getting better, stronger, and faster. Her doctors reminded her upon her release today that she'll feel like doing things in the coming days/weeks/months, but she has to discipline herself to be a sloth. She can't really go anywhere, or do much of anything other than stay in bed and occasionally get up for carefully supervised grooming activities. It sounds kind of like being in prison. Millie asked me how I thought I would be able to handle bed rest and I said I thought I would be well suited to it. I've always been naturally inclined to sloth-like activities. That's one of the beauties of our marriage, where one is weak the other is strong. I'll...

Millie's brother and sister-in-law presented her with the most wonderful shock the other morning. They surprised her by flying her dad down to be with her for the weekend. When he came into her room she just started crying. As difficult as this process has been, it has been tempered by the presence of caring and attentive friends and family. We're grateful that while we're so busy at the hospital our son and dear daughters are in such good hands. I can only hope that our pet turtle is faring as well in our absence. Everything is progressing exceptionally well. Our fetal surgery team has gone to Austin for a conference, but Millie is on track for discharge on Sunday. Her pain is sill omnipresent, but every day it gets a little better. She'll be sent to her brother's house tomorrow where she'll be on strict bed rest. She returns for a followup appointment on Friday. Her folks will head home Sunday night, then Davey and I will fly out Monday morning. ...

All of Millie's IV stuff has been removed from her left hand. She thankfully didn't punch anyone during the process (ask her sometime about getting her wisdom teeth out). She'll be so happy not to have to look at the image posted above anymore. She covers up the six holes on her right hand with a bandaid. Apparently they tried to place one of her IV's in that hand after the surgery but didn't have any luck. It's a good thing they didn't, otherwise she would have been completely immobilized. I know why everyone who meets her loves Millie (and her family as well). She's one of those people that makes you feel good to be around. She helps you find good in others and yourself. I read this in a book and think it describes her perfectly:  There is something in Millie. There is a fire. Life can be cold and dark at times. Millie gives off light and warmth. You want to stand close to her. To warm your hands, and melt the ice from your shoes. To ...

Millie had a difficult night. It's been tough getting on top of the pain that she's feeling. She tries to keep a brave front, but one of the surgeons came to check on her and she just broke down. He was so kind. The head nurse came in and kept asking Millie if she could make her some hot tea, or cold tea to calm her stomach. Millie was so touched but had to say, "I don't drink hot tea," then "I don't drink cold tea." The sweet nurse said, "I've got to make you something!" and came back with hot apple juice. The medical staff has been so amazing. We keep expressing our gratitude to them. They (like so many of you) will never truly know just how touched we are by their actions. Finally this morning Mill's body has started responded well to the oral pain medications and she has been able to rest more peacefully. Her mom helped her put on some makeup and do her hair. Millie was so happy to feel somewhat normal after a ...

The physical therapist came by to help Millie get out of bed. It's been a difficult afternoon as Millie's body transitions from the epidural pain medication to the meds she's taking orally. She's finally feeling like the pain is somewhat under control but I know she's being really tough. The doctors told her not to be a martyr but to make sure to stay on top of the pain by taking her medication every four hours. As bad as she's felt the past few hours I don't think that will be a challenge for her. She was a champ with the walker, Davey was especially impressed. He may have felt like she was stealing some of his thunder though as he began to really step up his game on his wheelchair whenever the nurses or therapists came in. He really is the expert on those devices in our family. Davey and I will be heading back to Millie's brother's house soon and her mom will stay with her for the rest of the night.

Millie's been out of surgery now for about 47 hours. She had a good night last night and has seen all three of the pediatric surgeons this morning. They all say she's doing just great. Today's a big day. They've already removed her epidural and she's started taking pain medication by mouth. She's experiencing a lot of pain and occasional mild contractions but she keeps enduring. Every contraction scares us, but the doctors reassure us that it's normal at this point because the uterus has been through so much. Millie had solid foods for breakfast and will need to get up later today for a shower. She faces every new challenge with her characteristic humor and courage.

Millie's doing so much better. They've taken her off the magnesium sulfate (the anti-contraction med) and now she'll take pills to prevent contractions. Her vision is no longer blurry and she can open her eyes. She's starting to move her legs on her own now and she's got more strength and stamina. She can start taking clear liquids and is enjoying her gourmet meal of apple juice, cranberry juice, chicken broth, and cherry jello. I'm excited to get the leftovers, YUM! Her surgeons keep coming in to check on her and are pleased with her progress. One of her IV lines was removed and she didn't even bat an eye (that may have been because she couldn't open them). She remains my hero. Hopefully she can have a restful night.