Photobucket

Monday, April 21, 2008

A new kind of normal...


I still continue to Thank God that we are home! I was so behind on everything, that I just made dents in what really needed to be done. I do know eventually it will all get done. I took a break from the internet, but we did take lots of pictures. My daughter will add a slide show later in the day. My intentions Saturday were just to stay home and let her rest, but my mom and sister came to Beaumont so we had lunch. It was nice and Annabel was full of her smiley self. She did go home to have a long nap. On Sunday we did attend Mass and she was her Angel self. We returned home for a short nap then off to a good friends baby shower. Everyone was amazed at how good she looked and how long she has gotten.
As far as her care, I am trying to work into a routine. She obviously needs her rest, so we will take off of therapy for this week. Due to the antibiotic and the effects it has on her tummy, most of her bottle feedings during the day are being given by tube. She still continues with the two extra feedings of Pediasure at night. Our new pump came in and it is much easier, but I still need to learn a bit about programming it so I am not up and down all night. She is taking her three meal by spoon as before. She has cut back a little herself, but I am sure this will increase after the 10 days of antibiotics. I just felt all weekend I constantly was cathing her, or doing her antibiotic wash in the bladder, or tube feeding, or giving medicines though her tube. OK, that is my whining for the weekend. I am so blessed that she is feeling better and we are home. That is my mantra!
A HUGE THANK YOU:
This thank you is to my family. Without them I could not be caring for Annabel to the extent that they allow me. They know I am not a big fan of hospital food so from the time we arrive to discharge I have numerous calls asking can they bring me food. Also for the many visits, even though they are coming to see Annabel, I get to spend time with them. For my husband and the older ones that drive, that they all pitch in to pick up and take the younger ones to and from school and their many activities. All of this continues when we are home and I fail to mention how grateful I am all the time. I love you all!
Our next prayer request will be that this antibiotic works. She will be on it for 10days. She will be taking it until April 26th. Before, usually within the week of discontinuing the infection comes back. Hopefully, with the IV antibiotics and this to follow up she can stay clear for a bit longer.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Cathy,
Your family is wonderful! Will be praying that the medicine does the trick and you have some clear sailing after the 26th!
Love,
The Bonds :)

Laurie in Ca. said...

Cathy,

I am praying that this round of the antibiotics will do the trick once and for all for Annabel. I am praying for you too as you get your routine all worked out and that you are getting good rest. Let's hope you won't have to see the inside walls of the hospital for a very long time. I am so glad you are home and had a good weekend.

Prayers continue here, Laurie in Ca.

isb6243 said...

mrs cathy,
i just wanted to say that i am truely greatful that i have been able to meet both you and annabel. i miss her, and cant wait for her to feel good enough to come back to therapy...her smile lights up the entire building and we all miss her terribly. I hope that she continues to improve and that you remember to take care of yourself as well. please let us(me) know if there is anyway that we can help.
Katherine(R4K)

Laurie in Ca. said...

Hi Cathy,

Just checking in to see how our little girl is doing. I am praying that this infection goes away for good and she can continue with her therapy. I hope you are getting rest when you can fit it in. I am praying for all of your needs to be met, each and every one of them. Take care my friend. You are special and loved.

Laurie in Ca.

Kathy said...

Hi Cathy!

Love the pictures! Thank you all so much for taking the time to share those with us who are too far away to personally visit!

Annabel's smile sure does light up a room. Beautiful!

I am agreeing in prayer with Laurie in Ca. for perfect healing of the bladder infection and for some rest and recovery for Annabel, yourself and family as well.

Reading your "whine" made me hyperventilate(!) at all that you do on a daily basis. May the Lord bless and strengthen you as you get Annabel and your family back in sync at home. I praise God for all of you!!!

Love,
Kathy

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Cathy, I love the pictures of Annabel - what a beautiful family you have. Thinking of you, glad you are home and we will continue to lift you all up. You can see God's blessings in these pictures!
With love,
Kim