Wow, what a week!

As we went through this week, Abbey and I decided to name each day so that we would remember the things that happened and we wanted to share it with everyone. 

So we had Terrific Tuesday - Abbey has had a feeding tube in her nose to give her added nutrients that her restricted diet couldn't give her.  The feeding tube would pull as she would swallow and  was also causing bloody noses that lasted sometimes for an hour or more.  They gave her the option of drinking the protein drink and she jumped at the chance.  So out came her feeding tube.  It seemed like even the limited diet tasted better now that she didn't have to fight the feeding tube.

Next came Wild Wednesday - Physical Therapy is scheduled for 2:00 so we tried to plan lunch before this but for some reason it never came.  So it was big out of the room walking day to the hallway and back.  This was Abbey's first adventure out of her room.  Still no lunch....then just as lunch came the technician was at the door to take her to x-ray.  A stint was put in the bile duct during surgery, so they wanted to see if this had passed yet.  We were leaving the 4th floor and I felt like I could see the germs.  At the imaging department they wanted her to get onto a flat metal table and "I said I don't think so."  The technician actually called me a "mother bear" because I was wiping down the wheelchair and asking for the x-ray to be taken sitting down.  It is amazing how you can find your voice and speak up!

Onto Thrilling Thursday - The kidney doctors couldn't be more excited about the way her kidneys are recovering.  All of her tests are showing improvement and she is getting stronger each day.  She is working on word searches, coloring, making snowflakes and painting.  Alyssa washed her hair and painted her fingernails and Randy is in charge of the foot massages.  She was able to start wearing pajama pants and a shirt instead of the hospital gown.  Every little thing is a step to her independence and going home.  Bishop and Sister Pratt sent a treasure box full of hair supplies and she chooses a new headband to wear each day. 

Fantastic Friday - The words she had been waiting for were finally said, you can eat anything you want no more diet restrictions.  Her first choice was a bag of Doritos and a root beer!   

Super Saturday - Today she was able to have the catheter removed from her neck that was used for the kidney dialysis.  She also has 2 drains on each side of her incision and one of those was removed today. 

What amazes me each day as I think back is her acceptance of each step in this process and her calmness.  Today as her grandparents visited along with Alyssa and Tyler, we were all just looking at her, and she said "why are you all just staring at me" and I thought to myself we just can't take our eyes off of you because it is such a miracle to see you doing so well we don't want to miss a thing!

Thank you so much for all of the prayers and wonderful acts of service to our family.  We have been so blessed receiving your generosity and I hope that you have felt the Christmas spirit in your service. 

Love,

The Owen's