Sunday, September 27, 2009

Goodbye to the PICU



Mia was moved today to the step down unit which is a great milestone but it has caused some anxiety in her. We do not have our own room and are currently sharing the pod with two other families. The only "privacy" we have are the curtains that divide the patients. I notice a look of fear and uncertainty on her face as she listens to other children cry and I wonder if it brings back memories of the orphanage. I am sure it does and it breaks my heart. It certainly is less than ideal for a child that has lived most of her life in and orphanage. She looks at me with an emotionless look on her face and has cried off and on. I can only imagine the confusion she is feeling. She also needed to have the chest tube placed yesterday and it has drained quite a bit of fluid. Hopefully that will subside within the next few days. At this point I am not even going to guess when we might be going home. I am grateful that we are in step down unit in spite of it being "less than ideal" for Mia. It does mean we are closer to being home.

Mia enjoyed her short visit with the boys today. They were here for about a 1/2 hr and then had to get home to get ready for Ethan's soccer game. *Good news*.... the nurse just walked in and asked us if we would like to share a room with a family and their daughter that we have become friends with throughout our stay! Of course I graciously took them up on their offer so we will be moving yet again and having a slumber party tonight! Praise God that He cares about even the smallest details! This will make our extended stay a bit easier.

15 comments:

Tara Anderson said...

Rejoicing with you that you have been moved out of the PICU...and that you will be having a "slumber party" with friends tonight! Our God is good!!!!

Valerie and Jeff said...

Oh break my heart about her expressionless look of fear when hearing the other cries of children in your shared room! To think about all she has experienced in her short lifetime and the not all happy, maybe even very lonely memories from the orphanage. That hurts my heart to not reach out to them. Thank you for reminding us about the other children who wait Mia! Even if she only says it with her eyes she has spoken so loudly through your words to everyone around her and those who read your blog.
We are SO happy to hear that you continue to make progress and that you will be with friends now. Continue to cover Mia with your joy and love.
Blessings!

Musings from Kim K. said...

Goodbye PICU! Enjoy your slumber party. I'll be thinking of you both tonight. Hugs!!

Anonymous said...

Yeah for moving out of PICU! Glad little Mia is doing better and hopefully she adjusts to her new surroundings soon. I'm sure she loved her visit with her brother! I'll am praying for home for you all very soon! Continuing to keep little Mia and all of you in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs!

Jeanie

Sarah said...

Wow Melinda, you all have really been through it. I had no idea it would be such a complicated road for you guys..right after your trip to China too; you must be absolutely worn out. I am so sorry it has been tough but so happy things are looking better and so glad you have family around for support; that must be a huge blessing.
I am sure you are more than ready to have your precious Mia home. Hang in there! God is good and He won't give you any more than you can handle.

Hugs~
Sarah

Sue said...

What awesome news! Thinking of you Mia....Get well soon, your Mommy needs her little girl home!

TanyaLea said...

So glad to hear that the PICU is a thing of the past...and that God is into DETAILS and cares even about the seaminly smallest things...praying you have a nice 'slumber party' with your friends. How nice is that!?! :)

God IS Good!!! <><

Dani said...

I loved seeing these pictures and hearing the news you are in the step down. One STEP closer to getting home!

Sending love from Florence, Italy :)

Dani & Brian

Grandma said...

This is for Mia, someday sweet girl, you will read this blog and be amazed that so many people prayed for you and supported your family through your adoption and your surgery. Your birth parents are special people who loved you so much that they wanted to give you the chance to live a healthy life and so they gave you to us. I can't imagine how broken their hearts must be but I pray that God will let them know that you are so loved and well cared for. You are a gift from God and an answer to a prayer. You are truly our own-you may have chosen a different vessel to get to us but you are no less ours. We will always be here for you to celebrate the milestones in your life and to comfort you when you are hurt or disappointed.You will never feel alone again. We will encourage the beautiful spirit and talents that God has given you. We will teach you about kindness to others, to respect our differences because we all are a rainbow of God's people-none more beautiful than the next-to be generous to those in need, to always look for the positive and best in people and circumstances, to hold strong to your faith and never compromise your morals, to understand that it is not the love you receive but the love you give that brings you true happiness. And no greater love is the love that God has always had for you-despite what you have been through He loves you most of all. I can not thank Him enough for bringing you into our lives-our wish is that someday you will say the same. I love you sweet girl always and always. Grandma

Lindy D. said...

So happy to hear that Mia has graduated from the PICU. I am sorry that her first shared room upset her and hope that the new room will be a better fit. Today I am praying for Mia to understand that she is secure with her forever family.

How sweet to see her brothers leaning over her crib. (Think of what they are learning about care and compassion.) I love her little face looking their way.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to be reading about all this good news. Glad everything is getting easier for you guys.

Gail Ray

Karin said...

I remember getting out of PICU and having to suddenly share a room. It was a big adjustment. I am so glad you are going to be able to be with a friend. It will make the time pass much faster and you can comfort each other.

Hopefully not much more time in the hospital for you guys!!

Julie M said...

How wonderful to be out of PICU and be able to share some time with family. We continue to pray for all of you and you move toward HOME!!!!!

Wife of the Pres. said...

Bless her heart. I have no doubt the cries and close quarters are making her scared. I'm so sorry!!!

Wow, I am so grateful for private rooms at our Children's Hospital. I had no idea it was not standard. They have only private rooms except in PICU. I am glad you got to room w/ someone you feel more comfortable with. A true blessing indeed!

Praying Mia continues her road to complete recoverym and you are SO WISE to get away and get some rest.

Wife of the Pres. said...

Oh my! Grandma … what a heartfelt post!!!