Recovery Day #2: Another Day, Another Milestone (or 3)

"Okay, I was cute with the oxygen cannula, but I'm so much cuter without it."

Today, Charlotte's doctors okayed the removal of her oxygen, arterial IV, one peripheral, and all IV medications. She still sports one peripheral IV (on her foot), a venus port (being used only for medications and not IV drip) and three chest tubes.

The removal of the chest tubes was delayed due to her high level of activity (between midnight and two a.m. when she woke up to play. Oy vey.). All the wiggling caused the medistinal tube to drain more blood than had been happening so we're waiting a day to let that settle (which it has).

Charlotte and her celebrity surprise visitor, Uncle Hal! Mom has the best brother in the world.

She's been released to the cardiac recovery, but as of 9 p.m tonight they did not have a bed for her. She's sound asleep so I'm praying that no bed will free up until tomorrow a.m. or that the doctors will have the good sense not to wake her since I don't think they desperately need her PICU bed. I know moving to the floor is a huge milestone. But, it is also a huge drag as the rooms are tiny and shared, the floor is understaffed (though the staff they have is excellent) and it seriously not a good place for rest and healing. The less time we can spend there the better.

What a big girl, holding still for the echocardiogram. Let's get a good picture of that heart!

In fact, the 5th floor has become one of my major motivations for being involved in hospital fundraising. We need a new building.

I'm on Philippe's laptop and grabbed the wrong connector, so I apologize for no pictures. Will do my best to rectify that tomorrow. Suffice it to say, when she's not overtired, Charlotte is all giggles and smiles. Her fortitude is an inspiration.