Well, we thought today was the day... unfortunately the doctors did another billirubin test and it revealed that Adalynn's count had gone up to 13.3. That's the highest it's been since we've been here! Needless to say, they had to put her back under the lights. That was super hard news to take today.
We woke up this morning with such anticipation. We had everything packed, Adalynn had passed her car seat test... we thought for sure that today was our last day at UAMS. And believe me, the nurses and doctors were hoping to send us home (can't you just imagine how tired they are of us!?). We had a meeting of the minds this afternoon trying to lay out all the options of getting her home, etc. The best case scenario is to keep her under the lights, lower her billy count and then we'd be released tomorrow. We MIGHT have been able to go home tonight, but we would have been out really late and we would have had to arrange for a Home Therapy Treatment to be set up for us upon our arrival. Tomorrow we could have such a good report from Adalynn's count that there might not even be a need for therapy treatment upon arrival home. But regardless, we will have to get Adalynn some follow up checks to make sure that her counts don't creep back up again.
When the doctor mentioned how dangerous it was for an infant, especially a premature baby, to have jaundice. He said that there could be brain damage. Of course, that got our attention. As much as we NEED to be home, we NEED to take care of this little girl too. I will say that I had such an emotional low, I spent my time just crying in the middle of Jason's Deli (normally one of my favs). I think how Adalynn could be in such a critical condition, but she's not... We really don't have much to worry about. But I had just talked with Dane and he was asking in his sweet, trying-not-to-be-emotional-voice when Adalynn was coming home. That just broke my heart. And Crist called earlier and asked if we could possibly pick him up from Swim Ranch on our way through--he's working there this week. We all are just ACHING to be back together as a family. It's been 6 weeks today since I rode down here in an ambulance. I think this has been the longest, most heart breaking, emotional and physically strapping trips I have ever been on... Ready for this emotional roller coaster to come back into it's starting gate.
Tom and I got a final chance to have a dinner out tonight (Italian Chicken Nachos and Tiramasu at Johnny Carinno's--oh yeah!). We spent the time just reflecting on this whole "ride." As hard as it was, we have learned SO much. It's like the analogy that Max Lucado talked about us being "On the Anvil." We are always on the anvil getting hit and shaped into a tool that can be used only by the Lord Himself. It hurts, but it's all for His good! This journey has had lots of highs and lows... but in our heart of hearts, we know that we are changed. That we have a new and different perspective on parenting that could only come from this--watching Adalynn come into this world.
She changed us...
God through Adalynn changed us forever.
And when I reflect on the very beginning, I remember God was completely directing my heart to our home... My "ministry" in these next years were to have a focus on our home--our children and the atmosphere within. He wasn't directing me to another ministry focus, he was preparing for my heart and home to make room for another child, another Olsen!
More that we have taken from our LR excursion:... the Lord through Adalynn gave some precious time to Tom and I. Time for me to physically heal with him by my side every step of the way. I cannot tell you how much I love my husband, but the gratitude for this best friend will forever be altered by our time together here.
...that our whole family just yearns to be together again as a unit. We need each other...we function better together. We, I pray, never ever take that time for granted that we have together.
...that God places people in your lives for a reason. The nurses and staff here at UAMS have been god-sent-amazing. Yes, there is still good in this world! These people are truly angels among us.
...that grandparents are huge blessings... that they shoulder more of a family's burden than anyone will ever know. Grandparents are tangible expressions of God's holy hand in our children's (and our) lives.
...that God still does miracles today. (Luke 1:37) That if we would get outside our finite minds, we would see how active and strong He is in this fallen world. The Lord is faithful to complete his work within each and every one of us! He has not left us and will NEVER forsake us.
...that roller coaster rides are still exciting, full of highs and lows, but it's always nice to get through with the ride and get back to the starting point. (...just to get off and get on another one!)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
More pictures from yesterday and today. This was Adalynn when she was out of her isolette and in her crib. Aren't you just curious what is going thru her mind as she gazes up at her daddy? This should be a "crazy caption contest" picture!
More of Adalynn in her crib. This is when "sleep like a baby" is an accurate saying.
We took this today after finding out we were here for one more night. Adalynn is holding a bat that the Morgans brought from their trip to a Baltimore Oriole game. We think this photo should be titled, "Adalynn getting ready to bust this joint!"
