Thursday, June 30, 2011

Wednesday, June 29th

Today Andy and I headed to McLeod after dinner and plan to stay at the McLeod Guest House. A program they offer to let out of town visitors stay overnight for a greatly reduced rate. The rooms are clean and right across the road from the hospital. It reminds us of staying at our grandparents house when we were young.

On our way to the hospital we get a call saying Whitney is off her ventilator! We are so proud and can't wait to get there to see her.
When we arrive she looks SO GREAT, there is no more tube and tape across her face. We can see her little mouth for the first time.

We were able to dress Whitney in her "party dress" and hold her above her bed. This was the second time we got to hold her and it feels SO GOOD. She is BEAUTIFUL!
Whitney had her eyes open for a good amount of time tonight and was moving her arms and legs even more than the day before. Her bruised arm is looking better every day. She now has an IV in her left arm, but she doesn't seem to mind. She is also eating milk through a tube and gets very sleepy after feeding time. She eats about every three hours, but since she is such a big girl they are going to try feeding her every 2 hours.
She has some congestion in her lungs and she is coughing slightly to help break that up. They are also placing her on her stomach to help aid in breaking up that congestion.

Whitney is still on a bit of oxygen and the next step is to ween her off of that. Andy was also able to help change her diaper.
When we left around 11:30 pm she was snug in some cozy pajamas and we read her her first bedtime story, Puppy Love (since Tilly couldn't be there to see her...)

Andy and I cannot even begin to thank EVERYONE who has sent gifts,  prayers and thoughts to our family. The out pouring of love is overwhelming and much needed. I cannot even begin to think about all the support without crying. We have a long, long journey ahead of us and each and every prayer and warm wish really goes a long way. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, for all the support and please keep it coming.

6 comments:

  1. Whitney is beautiful and such a miracle! I am so happy you two are able to hold her more now and to hear she is drinking milk and going off the ventilator! God is so great!!!!!! I am glad you decided to begin a blog, too- that way I'm not bothering you 24/7. But, I do wish I could in SC for support. Little Whitney is constantly in our thoughts and prayers! We love you guys. Brook, Bryan & Garrett

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  2. Congrats you guys. She's beautiful. I'll send lots of good juju in your direction. Sounds like she's a little fighter. -- Krista

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  3. Welcome, Whitney! Congratulations, Sarah and Andy! Whitney is SO beautiful and healthy looking. I'm glad you're able to have more hands-on time with her. Your joy radiates in the photos. Praise God for miracles and answered prayers! We'll keep lifting up your family for continued healing and strength. <3 Brenda

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  4. I'm so excited for you! My eyes have been welled up all morning as I read your blog between phone calls. She's a fighter!

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  5. YAY YAY YAY! Jeremy and I have been sending our prayers daily you all of you! You are an amazing, strong couple with an INCREDIBLY strong and amazing Daughter. I will not forget to mention how absolutely beautiful she is (love her party dress too). I can not stop crying, God is good! Everything is going to be just fine.
    Wish we could be there with you.

    With love, Michelle

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  6. Congratulations Sarah and Andy and a joyful welcome to your beautiful little Whitney!! I am happy I read the last entry of your blog before the first - those positive comments helped me get through reading about the first agonizing days. We are praying for all of you - for healing and strength. Wish I could give all of you a big hug. God bless you - Love, Ken & Betty

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