YAY!

So, heart surgery on your newborn is sure an adventure.

It's an adventure in feelings, and in learning new things, and trust, and fear, and hope, and all the things.

But, we've made it through- more importantly Nora made it through! YAY! She sure is tough!

I am so glad that we were able to do the surgery today and didn't have to wait- turns out waiting for days in the hospital can be quite agonizing.

This morning started the longest wait of all time. I'm certain.

We took the night off and slept away from the hospital. I cried to Kevin, telling him that I felt like it was all unfair- unfair that we had to do all these things, and that we had to live with leaving Nora for the first time at 3 days old, not weeks old- and that we had to do it while in the hospital. BOOOO. But then, we slept in a real bed and rested hard and well in darkness and that felt good.

We got to the hospital this morning requesting only to hold her ALL DAY until we weren't allowed to anymore. So we did. I was actually feeling kind of excited- finally we were getting the show on the road. I was so ready to get the surgery done, quit waiting and fix this little girl's heart. Then, we got close to time and all that excitement turned to sadness. I wasn't afraid something was going to wrong- at least that wasn't at the forefront of my thoughts. I was just so sad to leave her and that she had to go through so much- and then also thought sometimes that something might go wrong. And all the feelings bubbled up and I was thinking about maybe just taking her and her fancy bed and machines home and there we could just snuggle forever. But that was irrational, so instead I cried. Then, we said goodbye and started waiting some more.

The surgery went quite well. There were little things here and there, some technical difficulties, all insignificant to me because at the end of the day she was just fine! We finally got out of surgery and were able to go and see her. This is what Nora looks like now:

Nora, post surgery. 

So that is sort of tough. But she is starting to wake up. She is recovering well- and we are so very anxiously awaiting the moment we can hold her again. YAY!

The path from here seems less scary than the path behind us- so that is really good. They tell us things like, "Just a day or two here in the CICU, then a day or two in the CPCU, then you could be headed home." That sounds completely unreal and awesome and we are pumped. But there are MANY variables and tests Nora must pass in order to do that, so we aren't holding our breath just yet. But also very anxiously awaiting the next steps, hoping for the very best!

We are positively exhausted as well. Hospitals are exhausting, and my body has been through the ringer while my emotions are barely even obtainable at this point. I'm numb to all the things and am on auto pilot doing all the things we must in the hope that someday I'll find my way home, Nora in hands ready to take life on. SOOOOOOOOOON, let's hope. !:)

We are a happy little family. Feeling more complete than ever before.

Just before surgery, feeling a wee bit nervous. 

 Except, we still miss Nora's big sisters- Luna and Torrey. But they are home getting royal treatment and cheering Nora on from afar! We'll see you soon little pups, we sure hope!!

Luna doing what she does best, posing for the camera. 

Torrey, being Torrey. 

Thank the good Lord above for all the things- for Nora, for all of you and your unending support, for the nurses, the doctors, and the strength to do all this stuff. Thank you!!!