Turning Point…
Well, I just spent an hour writing a post that then timed out on my wi-fi purchase here at the hotel…it’s too late to re-create it, so just the basics:
The Bee is taking liquids! From a Haberman Feeder (look it up, I had the link embedded for you, but lost it…) I stood by her bed for several hours and every 20 seconds, sent a squirt into her mouth. It broke the spell. (She doesn’t use cups–hates them–and is refusing jello and milk. But 230 cc’s is a good start.) We can go home tomorrow.
R. is at the hospital with her tonight. I miss her. I keep looking out the hotel window at the lights of the hospital down the road.
She slept for several hours on my chest today, which made me think a lot of her birth mother. I think because her heart was so close to mine–as close as her heart had been to her birth mom. It made me sad. I thought a lot about the little village of Donggou, where The Bee was born. It made me want to take her back there, as soon as she’s able to understand.
So, tomorrow we’ll return home, where we can commence feeding all sorts of goop-meat-smoothies that I’ve been copying recipes of for several months…yippppeeeee for home.
Despite the fact we were here longer than anticipated, it made me see what a fierce spirit my girl has, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. She fights for herself, and I hope that carries her far.
Yes! Ah, this is great news.
Comment by: Jacquie - 09.07.2007 - 3.35 am
Hooray! Congratulations! Let the meat goop feasting begin!
Sleeping heart to heart is incredibly tender - and one of the biggest joys of motherhood, I think. And I think it’s achingly beautiful that you shared that moment (even if only in your mind) with the Bee’s first mom.
Comment by: Maia - 09.07.2007 - 4.13 am
You are such a good mom. Such. A. Good. Mom.
Comment by: christie - 09.07.2007 - 5.01 am
SO glad to hear she’s doing well. Go Bee Go!!
Comment by: Brooklyn Mama - 09.07.2007 - 5.28 am
Oh gosh, I’m just catching up on the last few posts. I’m so sorry the Bee has been having such a difficult time, but so glad that she has finally turned the corner. Oh, and SO glad the surgery went so well.
P.S. I think a whole posse of us would be willing to come over and give a good kick in the ass to the DTB and anyone else who needs it over there.
Comment by: Anne Marie - 09.07.2007 - 5.59 am
Nice.
Comment by: Johnny - 09.07.2007 - 6.19 am
Oh good, so glad some liquids are going in…that is probably huge yes? I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had conversations like the one you had with Dr. T Be…and it makes me want to scream each and every time. How could someone so presumably smart be so damned stupid? It kills me every time. But the important thing is Bee is doing better, yeah, Bee.
Comment by: Perrin - 09.07.2007 - 6.45 am
Lovely post. Fly home,little Bee & SBird & R. Fly home.
Comment by: barbara noblog - 09.07.2007 - 7.14 am
Phew! Breathing again over here for you. I’ll keep those Haberman things in mind, just in case. Hoping the Bee finds your meat goop shakes delicious!!
Comment by: Carolyn - 09.07.2007 - 7.23 am
This is wonderful news. Christie said it perfectly - you are an amazing Momma.
Back to the high plains, where you all belong!
Comment by: holly - 09.07.2007 - 7.50 am
Sweet. I’m so happy to see this good news this morning. Hugs to you. XO
Comment by: wzgirl - 09.07.2007 - 7.53 am
Yay! I’m glad she’s taking liquids for you. I’m glad she’s a fighter too.
Comment by: Jessi - 09.07.2007 - 8.27 am
Great news that she’s taking liquid and even better news that she had all of the palate repair done in one surgery.
You had me in stitches with your post about the doctor to be. It never ceases to amaze me how stupid supposedly smart people are.
Comment by: Karen - 09.07.2007 - 9.00 am
great news that you’ll be going home soon! Carrie & I are sitting at my table drinking coffee & were anxious to read about the BEE and you & R. Glad to hear that she is on her way to mending & you’ll be going home tomorrow. Take good care of yourselves!
Comment by: Kelli - 09.07.2007 - 9.08 am
Yay, Bee! Now git yerselves home, ASAP! (I know the heart-to-heart sleeping. It’s a joy.)
Comment by: OmegaMom - 09.07.2007 - 9.34 am
It must be strange to have your mouth change so suddenly! Thanks for telling it so well, as she seems to be telling you. What a kid you and motherhood is suiting you well.
Comment by: Cavatica - 09.07.2007 - 9.59 am
Oh, my…
Here I missed all the trouble and get back in time for the Happy Ending. Well, good on ya. Glad to hear that things are going better.
Character in children (as a parent) has always struck me as a double-edged quality. It makes them more fun, more interesting and probably helps them in life in general. As a parent - whose job it is to try and lead, push or deflect this little strong-willed person in ways that will lead to gentle and happy outcomes - that strength of character can, frankly, be a flippin’ pain in the ass. I REALLY have to bite my tongue when the Peeper says “I can do it myself!!” knowing he CAN’T do it himself but not wanting to tell him that. I want him to be willing to try, even if he fails. But, ai de mi, does that make parenting harder work than it already is…
Comment by: FDChief - 09.07.2007 - 1.37 pm
Just catching up, glad to hear things are looking better.
Comment by: lisa - 09.07.2007 - 5.51 pm