"Today was a good day" - Ice Cube

Lots of changes today and that all appear to be good. Kristin and I both got a little bit of sleep last night, but not much. Early in the morning we learned that Kristin was allowed to start the "post surgical diet". This included a list of soft foods and liquids. She was also able to get the foley catheter removed. After that Kristin took a nice long shower. Feeling like a million bucks we were visited by Dr. Jones who told us that the morphine pump and TPN would also be removed. We also learned that one bag of TPN, which lasts 24 hours, cost $2,500 US. Once again we are laughing all the way to our insurance statement. Later we spoke with Brenda, our RN for the day, who told us we were going to be moved to a different room. Brenda arranged for us to move to a much larger room without a roommate. She told us that she spoke with the charge nurse and requested that we remain by ourselves if at all possible. For this, Brenda earned our FAVORITE NURSE AWARD. With a grand prize of a plate of Penny's no bake cookies. So it appears that tonight we will be able to rest much more comfortably and Kristin continues to feel better each day. Dr. Jones told us that she sees Kristin going back home before next weekend. We are certainly enjoying 2006!

Victoria also had a progressive day. She was returned to small feedings to see if her stomach would tolerate food, which it did. They are still testing Kritin's breast milk to see if it can be used. Hopefully we will have an answer for that question sometime tomorrow. Victoria appears to be doing well and they will do more blood tests in the morning. Last night, shortly after midnight, I went up to the NICU to see and hold my daughter for the first time in 2006. Once I got to her bedside, I noticed a small dark object on her bed near her diaper. I picked it up and quickly discovered that it was her umbilical cord. The picture is her new belly button. Enjoy!