Good evening ladies and gentlemen (or maybe it's good morning for you early risers).

The last two days have been quite the experience.  I got to do some trach care last night, and after suctioning Lauren, (I'll tell you in advance that she's doing well now), but after I suctioned her, she decided to lower her heart rate and her oxygen saturation levels.  Thankfully, Rita and Lauren's nurse last night, Loiuse, were just coming in and were able to bring Lauren back up to where she should be.  I learned that head position can be very important, and may play a role in how well Lauren's trach works for her.  Admittedly, I was terrified and felt guilty/incompetent.  I know that this is NOT the case, but I do have some education to go through, and some of that started today.

Earlier in the day, Rita and I had the wonderful opportunity to practice trach changes on a baby manniquin with an RT named Jody.  She, along with Rita who already went through this, taught me the steps and what to expect.  One thing I learned, is that you don't have to clumsily fumbly with a trach, trying to replace it as quickly as you can if it pops out.  It takes about 2 hours for the trach to start closing.  The more you know!  I've also learned a lot of medical terms like "Stoma", which is the hole of the trach. 

Rita had a milestone today.  She got to change Lauren's trach, and did, well, words cannot describe it.  I know she was nervous beyond my own comprehension, but she excelled and I am so very proud of her, as should everyone else.  Rita is handling everything that has transpired and everything that is coming our way with such strength and bravery, and she makes everyone around her know that she would do anything for our baby girl.

I'm trying to rack my brain to feed all you avid readers of news.  Oh yes!  There is talk of Lauren coming home around the week of Nov 19.  We still have paperwork and funding to look into, as well as more education, but the time is coming.

I have a long day a head of me tomorrow, so I'm gonna head off, post some new pics, and hit the hay.  After which, I'll go to bed.  I must be getting tired if I'm making such lame jokes like that.  But I'm sure anyone who knows me is thinking that I must be tired all the time then, because I always make lame jokes like that.  And to those who think that, I raspberry you! :-P

From the bottom of my heart, well, and the top...and everything in between, thank you for your thoughts, support, love and prayers.