today

Twelve days ago, my nearly perfect baby girl was born.
Today I heard her cry for the first time.

Twelve days ago, my nearly perfect baby was taken from my arms just minutes after birth.
Today I held her again for the first time. And her daddy held her for the first time ever.

Just when I convince myself that patience is the best route, little Mia goes ahead and gets impatient herself. She did so well last night on her lowered vent settings, they went ahead and lowered them again this morning...and then removed her vent tube completely this afternoon. By 5:00 pm, she was in my arms, swaddled tightly, and not entirely happy with her new nasal cannula. She still needs some help regulating her respiratory rate, but if she does well tonight, she might be able to try a feeding tube tomorrow. At this point, I would be surprised if Mia doesn't exceed every one's expectations of her. Without a doubt, she wants to get out of this hospital as quickly as we do.

I know a great deal about Mia's medical status, but so very little about her as a person. Tonight, we were able to learn more about the little girl who entered our lives almost two weeks ago. She hates a wet diaper, she likes her head rubbed, and she sounds like a duck when she cries (her voice is hoarse from the tube in her throat). When I look in her eyes now, I can see our future with her.

One thing we've known about Mia since early on is she is a fighter, and she has a lot of people rooting for her. I can't believe how much support we've received during this difficult time. Thank You just doesn't seem to encompass the gratitude we feel. When you read Mia's story, know that your prayers and thoughts helped us get through this.

~ the last picture with the vent tube ~