8.22.2008

And so we say goodnight...

We are back in the PICU for the night...luckily we got a room again.  Grace is still holding steady and strong and we couldn't ask for more.
The plan is to close her chest tomorrow morning around 8a.m.  Once they've closed her chest, they can start trying to wean her off the ventilator, and once she is extubated, we can try slowly feeding her again.  
It will most likely take a few days, or a week, or more, who knows!? but it will all be on Grace's timeline.  She'll let us know when and what she's ready for and that's exactly what we want.
Every once and a while she comes of out of sleepiness and opens her eyes, trying really hard to focus on something.  She's wiggling her toes and moving her arms.  When the nurses move her around, she fidgets and scrunches her face up....so, even under heavy pain meds and slight sedation, she is still feisty. :) We knew Gracey was in there somewhere!! 
Other than that, it has been a nice slow, restful day for her, and we hope she has many more restful days to recover her strength and just work on getting better.  
We thought we'd post a few pictures that aren't too graphic...just so people can say hi to our little strawberry marshmallow!
This is her with all her equipment.  Over 15 different pumps.  A Ventilator.  3 chest tubes and drains.  And then all the wires and lines connecting into her as well...
This one is cute, cuz yes she is super puffy...but she's pink!! and Beautiful! And she still has her adorable mini fohawk.  She likes to suck on her ventilator too...kinda cute....okay REALLY cute.
Here she is with the man of her dreams.  Her Daddy.  The best man on Earth...and don't tell her you think otherwise...she'll snarl at ya.  
So that's the update.  We love her and she is our beautiful, adorable, wonderful, feisty, spunky little miracle.
Please continue to pray for her and a speedy recovery, as well as a prayer for the other heart babies.  
We love you all.  Have a good night!


16 comments:

Allie said...

She looks pink like a girl should. Hope you both get some sleep tonight . love ya Allison

Christi Ann said...

Absolutely adorable! Such a trooper. She is truely one of my heroes. As are you and toph. I hope you guys are getting some sleep and food. I know Gracie Baby would want you too healthy and strong also. I love you guys and are of course thinking of you and praying for you!! I'll keep checking up. :)

Amy Finnegan {BookshopTalk.com} said...

Ahh, wonderful. I feel like I can get some peaceful sleep now.

Thank you so much for this post! I know you're very, very tired, so it means even more to us that you'd think about Grace's fidgety aunties hitting "refresh" every ten minutes :)

I'm just so happy to know that she is recovering as hoped. And also that she is moving and responding, and that her personality is starting to shine through in even the littlest of ways.

We love you! Bug kisses, Gracey!

Super Daysh said...

She is a very cute little strawberry marshmellow! We love you guys so much and will continue to pray for you all. Get some sleep and get ready for another big day tomorrow. We wish you the best of luck (and some information for tomorrow so we know where to find you and can cheer you on!!!)

Amy Finnegan {BookshopTalk.com} said...

Oh, and I want to add that I think Grace actually looks fantastic for what she's going through.

I was pleasantly surprised to see such great color and less swelling than I had imagined :)

kalani said...

I agree with Amy. She looks really good considering all her body has been through. Dallin says I didn't look human when I was in ICU but Grace looks beautiful. I hope you get some sleep and we will be thinking of you.

Sara and Company said...

Hello princess! We love you!

Anonymous said...

Continued prayers for all of you. I'm praying you all have a (more) restful night, and things continue to go well tomorrow.

Your daughter Grace is absolutely beautiful.
T

Rachel's Mommy said...

HEY--where are Daddy's gloves???!!! :>)

The B Family said...

GORGEOUS!!! I wouldn't expect anything other than that from Princess Grace! So good to see those chubby cheeks!!! :)

Praying~ Rebecca

Anonymous said...

i've never met you, yet i feel compelled to read on and continue to pray for your family. perhaps God led me to you. :) glad to hear Grace is doing well!
b :)

Moosie said...

Wow - All three of you are just amazing! Our prayers are with you constantly - Thanks for posting the blogs to keep us up to date - we love all of you LOTS!
Sheila

The Coach said...

I'm so glad she's going strong!
I love you all lots, and know that your family is constantly in our prayers.

I hope she has a speedy recovery, my friend. I'll be checking in now and again ... if you need anything don't hesitate to ask!
-josh

Anonymous said...

Sweet Andersen Family,

Baby Grace, what a miracle! Our family has been so inspired by your strength and faith. We are continually thinking of you and praying for you.

All Our Love,
Aaron, Bonnie, Kenya, Amara, and Xander

Anonymous said...

I feel that Grace will continue to amaze everyone, as she has before.
She will always call her own shots in life. What a fighter.
Keep it up Gracey. As soon as you can run, I challenge you to a race.
love,

Grandma Atkinson

likeschocolate said...

Congratulation Grace on your new heart!!! This is so exciting. We are so happy for here and we will keep her in our prayers.