Sunday, March 30, 2008

Today

Darren and I decided this morning to take the kids out to White Sands Missile Range to witness the annual Bataan Memorial Death March. It was so humbling and awe inspiring to see the surviving Bataan veterans in attendance, and the teams of soldiers and civilians running or walking the rigorous route in their honor. We stayed only long enough to have a picnic lunch on a patch of shaded grass and to watch a few groups of participants crossing the finish line, and then it was time to head back home so I could get back up to the hospital. Darren had already spent about an hour with Kristen this morning, but I feel so guilty carrying on with "normal" activities knowing she's up there by herself.

This first picture is of the park where all the food tents were set up; it was just past the finish line. My kids loved the giant flag, and I thought it was beautiful against the clear blue sky.





When I arrived at the hospital this afternoon, I discovered that Kristen had pulled her feeding tube out earlier this morning so I seized the opportunity to take some pictures of her without it. I'm so glad I remembered to take the camera with me! I knew it would probably be replaced again later in the day (and Darren reports that she did have a new one tonight), so it was a rare treat to see her without it. I also (finally!) got some pictures of her with her eyes open. She's looking so good! And she's finally passed her birth weight: she's up to 4 lbs. 2 oz. now. Woohoo! We expect that she'll start rapidly improving in the next week or two. She's doing much better with her feedings now, taking every third feeding entirely from the bottle, and her temperature has remained wonderfully stable, as have her O2 sats. I am so eager for the day when we'll finally be able to bring her home!





10 comments:

Celeste Creates said...

Melissa, she is so beautiful. Keep those photos coming. I am so glad she is doing well. God bless you all!

Lillian said...

Oh Melissa! She's just beautiful!! I especially LOVE the last picture with her eyes open! I'm so glad to hear she's growing and doing so well. Please know both of you are in my thoughts and prayers!!

Jill said...

How sweet to see those beautiful eyes! Thanks for sharing this latest batch of photos.

Anonymous said...

What a little doll !!! You and the family continue to be in my prayers. Our youngest was in the NICU for 3 wks back in '02, and I know the struggle of feeling that you should be in two places at once. It is good that you could get out on a nice family outing! So glad Kristen's making good progress!
Kate

Jennifer said...

Hey Liss,
what a fun day, I'm sure it was nice to get out, but still wishing Kristen was with the family. She looks so...cute with her eyes open, Ryan said she looks like Meghan..cute!

Michelle said...

Yes, open eyes always make a difference. She's adorable!

Shannon said...

oh, she's just precious!

B-Mama said...

Wonderful news of little Kristen! We will continue to keep her in our prayers.

And I can't wait to show my hubby your shots of the Bataan Memorial Death March. His grandfather was a POW survivor of the march--an incredible story of determination and survival, not to mention fortitude on the part of GG's grandmother. She didn't know if he was dead or alive for over 2 years. Thank you for sharing!

Jen said...

Be still my heart! She is just beautiful! So glad she is chucking up and getting to be a big girl! Happy day huh when they suck down those feedings? :-)

Regina said...

I can just feel that NM heat!
Kristen is magnificent, I love the yawning picture!!