Just kicking Back

She's just learning to take it all in stride. Ashley Kate is no longer stressed out about being here. She has stopped grinding her teeth and she no longer screams every time someone approaches her bed. This is what she is up to today. She's just kicking back while mom does her laundry. Looks like she's on vacation!

I am so very proud of this baby. She is growing up! She has learned the drill. Every 4 hours they come in and she puts her leg in the air and allows them to put the blood pressure cuff on without throwing a fit. When she sees the thermometer she no longer fights to keep her hand behind her head. She throws that arm down to her side and allows her temperature to be taken. She doesn't do it with a happy heart, but she does do it without a fight. The look on her face says a thousand unpleasant things, but I won't try and interpret them. I'm sure it wouldn't be polite reading. The point is that she is maturing and learning each and every day even in this environment.

I think she looks great today. It was a rough night, but she woke up in a great mood and has been sitting up in her bed for over 2 hours now. She is looking at her books, playing with a couple of toys, and watching you know who. We will not be taking the drain out of her chest today. She put out 120ccs in 12 hours last night. Where in the world is all of it coming from? We have removed close to 1000ccs of fluid of her left lung. The blessing in all of this is that she can breathe easily with it in. How grateful I am that she is able to breathe without any support. I know the tube is uncomfortable for her, but without it we would be in a lot of trouble. So today I am trying to be thankful for the hole we have cut into her side because it is allowing the extra fluid to drain out rather than having it put her in danger. Its all about perspective in this place!

On the home front, Allison's soccer team entered today's play ranked in the first position. They lost their first game which knocked them down to play for the 3rd or 4th place overall. After an exciting game(which I listened to by phone) they won 2-1. The girls were thrilled to win a medal and we are so proud of Al! The Tarheels won their second game last night 5-4 and began today's place ranked in the number 2 position. Their first game of today was 13-3 by the Tarheels and now they get to play at 4:00. Go Tarheels!

I have exciting news to share with you later on tonight (if it actually happens). I don't want to say anything just in case it doesn't, but if it does I just know`you will be smiling as big and wide as we will be.

Have a great day and may God Bless. Trish

P.S.

Michelle J- the mezuzza arrived for Ash yesterday and it is precious. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Emily- We received your letter and Alivia's stickers. I can't express how very touched I was that you thought to share them with Ash. Your Livi was beautiful, and I am so thankful the Father allowed you to be her mommy. You are being prayed for.