It was a good day today, despite the fact that we’re in a hospital. Nora is still continuing to tolerate the sildenafil without any complications. I realized today after a handful of e-mails and texts from friends / family that I wasn’t very clear on WHY we are here at the hospital. I mentioned this next step way back in Day 94 but I suppose that was a while ago. The days fly by so fast, I can hardly keep track of them. The sildenafil is being administered to her in increments with the hopes of bringing about symptoms of congestive heart failure — as awful as that sounds. If she is able to exhibit symptoms, it will prove that her hypertension is reversible and she will be a better canditate for heart surgery. I hope I explained that correctly. The sildenafil does not bring about permanent congestive heart failure. Symptoms will only show while she is on this medication. We’re hoping to be discharged tomorrow morning!

This afternoon I had my lunch outside and enjoyed the warm breeze, the heat of the sun on my skin and the antics of the little sparrows all over the place. They were like little wind-up toys hopping around to inspect every little bit of substance that might be a bite to eat. A juvenile fluttered her wings begging for food from her mother as a tasty morsel was tenderly dispersed into her beak. Another robust little male buried his feathered belly in a pit of dirt, vivaciously fluttered his wings, partaking in a lavish dust bath. Yesterday there were about 10 – 15 of the little “rat birds” enraptured in these amusing little dust baths. William suggested that the section of mulch was a sparrow bath house. I find such pleasure in watching these “common”, “diminutive” little birds because they remind me of Ava. Ava was far from common or diminutive; she had an incredibly unique and beautiful personality. I knew that because she lived with me for 9 years. The longer I watched and studied these sparrows in nature I began to observe distinct differences in their personalities as well. Some were bold and audacious, while others were cautious and wary of my every move. All different, all unique, each an individual piece of God’s creation. Easy to assume they were mass produced with a standard mold, void of any individuality, one-size-fits-all. Look closely and you will discover otherwise. Every little sparrow is different and known by the same God that also created the universe! Amazing to think about. “God sees the little sparrow fall, it meets his tender view, If God so loves the little birds, I know He loves me too.” (thanks for that samm!)

I left this afternoon to take Gavin and Greta to their dentist appointments. No cavities, but the crystal ball reveals lots of orthodontist visits for both. I’ll let you know when the orthodontia fund raisers will be.  (kidding!… kind of… 😉 ) While I was gone, Miss Nora Stinky Pants loaded up THREEEEEEE diapers! We talked about this while Daddy was at work and she agreed that she’d wait until I’d left to stink the town up. Way to go, NorNor! (no pun intended)

Here are pictures from today:

Nora, you have stinky hands!

WHAP!!

Sleepies

Arrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!

Yo ho ho and a bottle of milkies!

Nakey cakes

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
( Matthew 6:26-27 NIV)

I’d planned to write a little more, but my eyelids feel like they have 10 lb. weights embedded in them. It’s been a physically and emotionally draining day.

Hospitals. Blah!!

Nora was admitted around 1:00 this afternoon and they started her on sildenefil shortly thereafter. We’ve been made to feel at home and as comfortable as possible. The purpose of our stay is to monitor her on the sildenefil to make sure her blood pressure stays at a healthy level. If she does okay we might be able to go home on Friday.

We have an amazing crew of nurses (and doctors) who are taking good care of Nora and of us. We weren’t there for but 15 minutes when we were blessed by a visit from Linda M., who was my angel on earth during our last stay here when Nora was about 12(?) days old. She even rocked Nora for William and I while we went to grab a quick bite to eat!! I heard that she and Nora had quite the conversation while Mommy and Daddy were away! Thank you, Linda, and Happy Anniversary!! 🙂

I was able to get out for a little bit to go spend time with the other kids this evening at Nana and Papa’s while William and Nora stayed behind and watched the Red’s game. I am so grateful for that time with the big kids. I miss them when they’re away!  My Dad fixed me some kale and I watched half of a movie with them, and then was pestered to repeat things in “Nora’s voice”. Yes, she has a “voice” which you may have heard in the Milkies Cafe video. 😉

Real sweet kids

We appreciate your prayers more than I could ever express in words. I enjoyed a generous portion of peace today, but still incredibly exhausted!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)

(Thanks for reminding me of this verse today, Kim! I know and believe in God’s goodness, but I need the reminder, the daily moisturizer for my soul!)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
(Matthew 10:29 NIV)

There were actually sparrows flying all over the place, in and out of garbage cans, etc. being the filthy little rat birds that they are - - wink - -, but I managed to capture 3 of them together for a split second!