Update: Day 5

"Turbo" is the nickname Miss Maddie has earned around here. The girl is a go-getter with her walking, as long as we have her up and about with the right combination of pain meds. She had a rough day off and on with pain today and slept more than she has in a couple of days. Her drainage over night was high, especially her right chest tube but today the numbers are improving. The total for today's output was substantially less than previous days, although her chest x-ray hadn't shown much change. She is peeing more and this has really helped get the fluid off and ultimately, getting her up and moving has probably helped the most. She lost her last IV today since the Toradol is only given 3 days post-op. She doesn't need Prevacid anymore either so no need to keep that line in, all the meds she's getting right now are taken oral.

My mom stayed the night with Maddie so Bryan and I could go back and be with the boys at the RMH. Maddie had a great night and we got some great rest...don't know how much Nany got though :) This morning we tried conquering the rat's nest in her hair and made some progress but after her crying and eventually throwing up, I decided it probably wasn't worth it. She was in need of some pain meds at the moment too which didn't help. Our nurse, Stacy, french braided the matted mass right into her braids! We have loved our nurses here on the floor, luckily getting the same ones day and night for a few days now. Jessica is our night nurse and so sweet too, they both are very good with Maddie and can get her to do things that I can't. It's a real team effort around here! They are awesome to work with, always making sure we're set with what we need and making sure their princess patient is in good shape.

Aunt Kerry, Cindy and Kaylee came to see us today and help out. It was fun having them, they got to experience "Turbo's" crazy walking, helped hold drain tubes and oxygen cords, and we all enjoyed a fun time in the playroom downstairs. Maddie loved painting and playing with the bubbles while we were there. It will be a fun place to visit daily and change of scenery. Kerry also finished up some of our laundry, took the boys swimming this afternoon and even brought us pizza for dinner. It's been nice having family come visit and it lifts all of our spirits.

The best part of the weekend has been having the boys here. They have been so great for Maddie in her recovery...perking her right up and giving her a sense of home by being here. It's a challenge for her too, which is good. They love her so much and watching them grow through this experience will be one of the most rewarding parts of being their mom. I'm so amazed by Jace and Caden, their empathy, understanding and love for their baby sister.
After her detangling, cleaning up and pain meds
Pink toes! Haven't noticed her nail beds so much but the ends of her toes and fingers are so much pinker, as well as the bottoms of her feet! She often is rubbing the tips of her fingers together...I wonder if they feel differently with the higher sats and perfusion???Maddie with our favorite day nurse, Stacy. Maddie sees the same Pediatrician that Stacy grew up with, Dr. Milnes! She's pretty, funny and has such a kind voice...she and Maddie are good pals.
Our entourage heading to the hospital playroom. It's a long ways and required some wheels.
Painting was her favorite past time today