Foto Friday 2, vol. 16 - In between the heartache

** Update: Gracie's fevers have stabilized... low grade only. Her blood cultures are now negative and need to remain negative until Monday. At that point, they will do a full eye exam, liver workup and echo to make sure that there isn't any damage from the yeast infection. The pulmonologist also wants to do a Bronchoscopy and a Chest CT to rule a few things out. Provided all of these tests are negative, we could be looking at surgery by the end of next week. Also, I have had several discussions with the Infectious Disease doctor (whom I adore) about Gracie's history and she will be doing a full immunological workup once all of Gracie's labs and tests are negative. **

Foto Friday, in its traditional form, has been at a standstill for weeks now, though not because we haven't taken any pictures. In between the hospitalizations, and even during, we've tried to keep things as normal as possible for both of the kids, and therefore, the camera was still on hand to capture plenty of moments.

In the lobby of the hospital...
waiting to be admitted.
Gracie was so happy to be at the hospital because she thought she was going to therapy. No matter how many times I tried to explain that she wasn't going to "swallow work," she kept signing "eat" along with the names of her two therapists, Ally and Hema.


Hospital Stay #1 - Getting the PICC
June 15-June 19
While she wasn't entirely thrilled to be inpatient, Gracie thoroughly enjoyed some moments of her stay, especially those that included getting a bath, having her hair done and brushing her teeth. Her most favorite part, though, was the visit from her brother.

June 21 - The day before she was readmitted for Hospital Stay #2
It was obvious to us the day we took this that Gracie was not feeling well at all... she had just come home two days before. By the next day, she was in the PICU.


Hospitalization #2June 22 - July 2
While we don't let Preston hang out for more than about five minutes, it's important for him to see Gracie and know where she is while she is inpatient. He understands she is sick and that she goes to the hospital to get medicine that she can't get at home and see all of her doctors every day.

Fourth of July
Gracie had only been home from the hospital (stay #2) for a day and a half. She was super tired and this two hours out for a walk and some time at one of the school playgrounds was all she tolerated. John took Preston out to see fireworks, but for the most part, it was a very quiet day spent at home. We did get some cute pics at the school, though, I must say!



Little Man loves himself some soccer!



Home from Hospitalization #3July 16 - July 22
Though she still didn't look or sound all that great (fluid overloaded), Gracie still wanted to make Preston get on the floor with her. Every time they sit together she tries take him down.

So cute chillin' with Daddy


Pool time
No matter how hard I tried, Preston would not let me get his picture! I had to chase him around his little pool to get one - - he was cracking up the entire time! I took tons of pics that are only a portion of his little laughing face... and I love them all!

Finally, got him!

Little Miss got to sit in about an inch of water and splash a teeny bit - - that's all she could be trusted with! She wanted to splash and do a full "dive," which, because of the PICC, was out of the question.


Addison's 3rd Birthday Party

Preston had so much fun celebrating with "his best girl, Addie."

Gracie is signing, "ready" - - as in, "Ready for the bounce house NOW... stop taking my picture and help me get in there!" She signed bounce the moment she saw it in the backyard. She spent about an hour and a half total hanging out in there while all the kids bounced around her - - as always, she loved all the input it provided. (I, of course, was also in there, supervising!)