Day 2: Changes
Well today has been an exhausting, long day, but we made it through! It all started at 5 this morning when we had to feed Norah and get ourselves ready to go to the hospital. Then we were at the Stollery Children’s hospital from 6:30 til after 2!! Needless to say we’re all a little tired (as I write this Daryl and Norah are both having some well deserved sleep!), but we survived today and we’re still smiling!
It all started when we were shown what would be our little room (home base so to speak) for the day. Then Norah got her vitals taken -still hasn’t broke 10 pounds-, and went to go get a chest xray done. You would not believe the contraption they put her in… it was a clear tube and a little bicycle seat. They got Norah to sit on the seat and then closed the tube around her while she had her arms above her head… needless to say it wasn’t her favorite thing of the day! Then the poor girl had to get poked to get blood work done…. but she did settle down really quickly after, so I don’t think it was too bad for her. Then we met the surgeon and the anesthesiologist and got to pick their brains and ask all our questions. We also met with the physiotherapist and the social worker, who were both friendly and very helpful. Then Norah was sedated, so she was in a deep sleep, and she got an echocardiogram done (for 2 HOURS!) and an electrocardiogram done too! They were thinking that they might have to operate on the pulmonary valve, but after closer examination they are thinking that they probably won’t have to (although they won’t know for certain until they are operating). Please pray they won’t have to cut open the valve as there is a higher chance of complications that can happen with the surgery then.
Everyone who came in contact with Norah fell under her charm as she smiled and talked to them. The words “happy”, “beautiful”, and “content” were used A LOT! 
We were very proud of our little girl… she was such a trooper! And may I say I was quite proud of myself as well… I never cried once! (I’m saving up for the surgery!)
Today was also a lesson that nothing goes as planned, and that there is always a positive way to think about it. The first change we discovered was that Norah would be having her surgery on Friday instead of Thursday. Now we could be all frustrated and annoyed, but you know what? I’m not. There were 2 emergency cases that presented and I wouldn’t trade places with those families for all the money in the world. Yes, Norah’s case is serious, but the fact that I don’t have to worry she might die until she gets this surgery is something that I can be very thankful for! So now we have a full day tomorrow with nothing to do… I’m thinking IKEA (Daryl’s thinking Hobby world…. maybe we can compromise – hey, I said maybe!). Another change was that we found out there was room for us to stay at the Ronald McDonald house. All I can say is WOW!! This place is amazing and such a huge blessing! Our room is fantastic and it is wonderful to be with other families who can all understand what we’re all going through! We are already loving it, (and Daryl is really happy to be reunited with technology once again!).
I will try to take picture and post them another time, so show you our new home. It could be our home for a little longer than expected… they are thinking that it might take Norah 10 days or so (after the surgery) to recover because she is soooo small. It’s not that much longer than we thought, but I realllllllly didn’t want to be away any longer than I have to. I am already missing libby like crazy!
The fact that we are going to be away longer has only increased our gratitude to all those who have helped us pay for all our costs. Thank you to everyone who has given to us! Such a huge blessing to not have to worry about finances and instead just focus on Norah and her needs!
We are going to find out the time for Norah’s surgery tomorrow afternoon and we will post it as soon as we know!
Thank you so much for praying for us! Please pray for our parents and Libby as well. This week she is with Daryl’s parents at the farm. Even though we know she is having a fantastic time, it is hard to not miss her like crazy!! Pray that she has a special time with her grandparents!
Until tomorrow!
-Dawn
