Hugs

Each night before bed, I hold Marlee with her head on my shoulder and sway while I sing her a lullaby. Last night, she wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed me back. Is it possible to die from love? I think I came close!

A New Job

For those who haven't heard, I am officially a full time Mommy. I've been home with Marlee for a week now, and it's been wonderful. We are having so much fun together!

Leaving my job was sad, but I believe everything happens for a reason, and this reason is already crystal clear.

Can You Hear Angels Singing?

Marlee gave me a great gift for her 5 month birthday...11 hours of uninterupted sleep! Ok, so she slept 11...I go to bed later so I got 9. NINE. NINE HOURS OF SLEEP. I don't know how long it's been, but it sure feels great!

Five Months Old!

Marlee June is 5 months old today!

Snowy Saturday Morning

Every Saturday, Michael, Marlee, George and I walk down to a little cafe for breakfast. We stumbled across it by accident several months ago when the place we were planning to go was closed. It's perfect for us-- child and dog friendly, and the owner knows how to make my mocha just the way I like it (nonfat and light on the chocolate), and they serve an incredible ham and cheese biscuit. It's my favorite part of the weekend...Walking with my perfect family through our perfect neighborhood to our perfect cafe for a perfect breakfast. For an hour or so, life is perfect. Today on our walk, it started to snow...a perfect, peaceful snow.

We've had more snow in the last couple of weeks than we have in years. Still not much for those of you who live in parts of the country where it REALLY snows, but it's a lot for here!

Here's Marlee in her first snow (actually third snow, but the first time I got a picture :))

Sitting Up!

Today Marlee figured out how to sit up! She's been leaning on her hands for a few weeks, but today she started letting go. She can support herself for a while, then uses her hands to regain balance when she gets tired. Of course, by the time I thought of getting the camera, it had been a few minutes and she was wearing out, so these aren't the best pictures. Sadly, I think I'm excited most about putting her in a restaurant high chair and shopping cart. This will make my life so much easier! She'll be happier too...she gets frustrated having to be in her infant seat when we go out to eat...she'd much rather be part of the party!

Reaching for my doll...

Gotcha!

Johnny and Marlee

Marlee and I drove down to Peachtree City Sunday to play with Jen and Johnny while they were there visiting her mom. The kids were too cute together! Here's a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBA8ptMgSyg

He's Back!!!

We all went to visit my dad yesterday, and he's completely "back," mentally speaking. He doesn't remember Sunday-Friday but seems to have woken up Saturday morning. He also got to have some broth and juice, which probably tasted like a steak dinner to someone who hasn't eaten in 6 days. All tubes are out with the exception of a little extra oxygen--it's tough for him to breathe deeply with all the abdominal pain. He got up and walked around a bit and was laughing as we told him some of the crazy things he said. He held Marlee and got a kiss, the best medicine! We were all a bit emotional...it's so great to have him back! Doctors say he'll be home soon, but he's on bed and tummy rest for a few weeks. That means the real steak dinner will have to wait :)

Thanks again and again for the prayers.

Progress

My dad was doing better last night. I brought Alexander and Jenna to see him, and he talked with all of us for a while. For the first time, the majority of what he said made sense. It still takes a great deal of effort to talk, but he wants to. He asked me to bring pictures of Marlee and grinned when he saw them. I can tell he's coming back.

We got a call around 3 am (poor Wendy about had a heart attack when the phone rang) telling us that they moved him out of ICU. This shocked us because just yesterday they told us he'd be in ICU until Sunday. We are taking this as a very good sign!

Thank you so much for all the thoughts and prayers. It means so much that we've had all of you supporting us through this horrible week.

New Attitude

On a lighter note, Marlee seems to have developed a bit of an attitude. This morning she wanted something and literally WHINED until she got it. We've been working on sign language for a couple of months now, so hopefully that will kick in soon. Later she was at school playing in the exersaucer, happy as a clam. I went in to give her a kiss, and she pitched a fit when I left. I said goodbye and closed the door, peeked through the window, and she was FINE. The fit was totally for my benefit. Here we go!

No Change

I decided I had to start a new post, because adding to the old one was emphasizing the fact that nothing has changed with my dad. He's still in ICU with no change in condition. It has been over 72 hours now.

Dad **UPDATED**

My dad went to the hospital Saturday night with abdominal pain. It turned out to be appendicitis, and he was scheduled for surgery Sunday morning. An hour before his surgery, his appendix ruptured...thank goodness he was already in the hospital. The surgery went well. He even got a "twofer" when they fixed his umbilical hernia as well. MJ and I visited Sunday afternoon, and he was happy to see us. This morning Wendy got a call from the hospital and called me immediately. Dad has had a bad reaction to a medication and is delirious. He recognizes us once and a while but mostly has no idea where he is or what's going on. They have even had to restrain him because he kept removing his IV and catheter and trying to leave the hospital. Doctors tried to treat him all day today, but nothing worked. They started a new course tonight, so we're hoping for an improvement soon.

Please keep him in your thoughts.

**After being moved to the ICU, Dad finally started coming around at 5:30 today (Tuesday). He's still VERY groggy, but he is making sense and understanding what we say. I'm hoping for major progress by morning. Thanks for the prayers...they worked!**

***Wednesday Morning: Unfortunately, Dad has slipped out of it again. At least now we know that he can come around. More waiting..***

Marlee Swimming!

This is her newest bathtub trick.

Ah, Sweet Sleep

11 hours last night with one feeding! 9:00-2:30, nurse, then 2:30-8:00. It's a beautiful thing. I kind of have a crush on Dr. Ferber. Marlee now falls asleep happily on her own.

Happy New Year!!!