A Special Day
From Kate:
It seems as though slow and steady has allowed Getty to “win” this race so far. We are going at her pace, we are being guided by her cues, and even though this is a relatively long stay, we know that with every passing day, Getty is getting better.
Since yesterday Getty has been breathing on room air while on bi-pap. This is a big deal on the road to recovery. While on room air she has been able to hold her sats around 94. We did not try Getty off bi-pap today. We had a really special day today and I think after all of the festivities, she was one tired little owl.
This morning brought the clearest x-ray to date. We couldn’t be more elated with today’s results. Since she is doing so well the doctor has recommended that her bi-pap settings go from 19/4 to 18/4. She is doing great on her new settings.
After her noon breathing treatment Getty got her first bath since being here. The nurse laid out several towels and we all took part in giving her a sponge bath and she loved it! We were joking that she was really going to get used to all of this special care and expect it when we get home. Sounds good to me. 🙂 It was rewarding to wash her arms and hands and upper body. She cooed the entire time.
After a good wash and dry we put on a new diaper and arranged a way to have Getty lay on my lap. After careful lifting of not only her but all of her tubes, cords, and IV, Getty and I were reunited once again.
It has been so hard for me to adore her from the sideline. I touch her all the time and talk to her. I massage her and nibble on her, but there is something so precious about being able to cuddle and it has been killing me internally knowing I had to wait until we got home.
Our nurse was so great about initiating that I get a chance to hold her today. After careful planning and execution, Getty and I got to hang out and physically catch up. It was fantastic to feel her wait on my lap. It was awesome to hold her whole body. It was equally terrific that Mark and I got to share this special time with her today.
I want to thank Angie for coming by today to bring us food and to visit with Getty. She also captured some very special pictures of our time together. Thanks Ang!
Since we adopted Dr. Schroth’s acute care treatments last week, Getty has been getting treatments every 4 hours. Even in the middle of night our little pumpkin has to be awoken so we can clear out her lungs and help make them stronger. As of tonight in collaboration with the doctor, we will only be doing one treatment in the middle of the night. So instead of being woken up twice, Getty will be able to get in a good 6 hours before her next treatment. It is very exciting to get to this point and I know she will appreciate the extended nap.
Here are a few pictures of our special day.
6
Jul
2011
11 Comments
Jul
2011
11 Comments
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Wow. Getty Owl you are the biggest blessing to all our lives. These pictures are magical. I am so glad you got to hold her Kate. Your family is so precious 🙂
She’s so precious! So glad you got to hold her and so glad things are looking up! Hugs and prayers!
So wonderful!!!!! So happy she was able to come into momma’s lap, I know that must have been heaven for you!!!!!!! Love and Hugs to you all
Excited to see you closer to going home – just adorable pictures!
We are so happy that every day Getty is getting better. Mark and Kate you are doing an amazing job with that sweet little lady. We love you all very much and we send hugs and kisses your way.
Thank you for sharing these precious pictures. Miss Getty is adorable. It’s great to hear that things are moving in the right direction.
Those pigtails are like little fountains! So cute. Keep getting better, Getty girl. We love you. Auntie Krista/Chris & Cousin Pixie
Awesome to read that she’s doing better
Beautiful pics…when Amanda has been hospitalized it has also hurt me that I can’t hold her. But once one nurse helped get everything settled so I could hold her in my shoulder. I don’t know if you are used to holding Getty like that or if she would like it. I love to hold Amanda like that and she can stay hours in that position…I can’t see her face, but it feels so good being so close to each other. I put her over my left shoulder with her head to one side. It actually makes breathing easier and gives them a break from being on their back/side the whole time! When she isnt on Bipap I hold her like this and walk around and she loves it!
Hope she keeps getting better!! Hugs…
Angie ~ you did such a great job of capturing daddy, mommy & little Owl enjoying such a precious moment! What a wonderful feeling for mommy & Getty to have that needed closeness ~ we’re sure LOTS MORE TO COME!!
Getty – you are getting so Strong – what an amazing little warrior you are! With Mommy & daddy’s loving care and all the wonderful caring staff to help all of you ~ won’t be long and you will be seeing Mr. Cooper! We send LOTS OF LOVE YOUR WAY & PRAY EACH SECOND YOU GET CLOSER TO COMING HOME~~~~
Oh Getty, you are such a doll….your poor Mommy and Daddy have to miss squeezing you! Keep up the good work you little cutie and you will be home soon enough! Sending lots of hugs and kisses! <3