PHEW!!!

     So, remember me telling you about the "roller coaster ride" anology that the doctors have been warning us about this whole time? Well, we got our ride, thats for damn sure.  I haven't been posting about this as its been happening because quite honestly, I've been too terrified too.
     I'll start off by telling you that Olivia is fine now.  In fact, she is awesome!  However, a couple of weeks ago we discovered that she had an inguinal hernia.  This is the most comprehensive explanation I have found, "An inguinal hernia occurs when, during fetal development, a sac surrounding an infant's normally descending sexual organs (for boys, the testicles into the scrotum and for girl's, the uterine ligament into the groin area) does not close as tightly as it should, allowing a portion of the intestine to bulge through the sac's channel-like opening. Normally the sac closes completely during the ninth month of intrauterine life or soon after birth." 
     So, since Olivia was so premature, its no surprise that she got one, but still, this was a set back we did not expect and were not prepared for, duh!
She had an extremely succesful surgical hernia repair yesterday, and today is back to herself.  She is even off of her feeding tube and is now not only taking 100% of her feedings from a nipple but is also on an on demand schedule! 
     It is such a relief to see her doing so well because on top of her hernia, she was also ill last week.  We think it was in response to the vaccinations she recieved, but, her symptoms made it seem like there was more too it, i.e. infection.  After running tons of tests and starting her on antibiotics, she seemed to turn the corner for the better.  We never did totally determine whether or not it was the vaccines, but, all other tests came back negative.  Either way, I'm just grateful she's ok now. 
     So, we lucked out in the sense that this was a minor complication considering everything that could have gone wrong.  However, we were just so hopeful that being 3 months premature was as hard as it was going to get for Olivia, if that makes sense.  Its not her fault that she came early, and yet all the "torture" is being done to her to keep her alive.  I realize that not everything is torture, but, no one should have to be stuck with needles, intubated, have surgery, have a catheter...etc. especially not a teeny tiny baby that has no clue what is going on.  UGH!  I just can't wait to have her home, cozy and comfy. 
     Which, brings me to the big news I found out today!  The Neonatologist told me this morning that we can expect to have Olivia home sometime next week!!!  So, cue the panic attack!  :)  Only because Jeremy will not be back yet.  He was told he will fly from the middle east to Tucson on August 10 and do a week of reintegration stuff at Davis Monthan Air Force Base.  He will then come to San Fran and get us and move us to Tucson.  Which means, I will be "alone" with Olivia for the first 2.5 weeks she is home, except, I will have my Aunt Michaela and Uncle Terry who we live above and have been AWESOME!  And my cousin Kelley (Brayden's Girlfriend) and Grammy are coming as well.  So, I'm really not alone at all, although, no one can fill Jer's shoes.  We are so sad that we won't get to share those first few days of joy, excitement, nervousness, fear, exhaustion...etc. Everything that IS bringing home a new baby.  However, we've gotten pretty darn good at bridging the physical gap between us, and, have the rest of our lives together to be emotionally and physically overwhelmed by the awesomeness that is our children.  :) 


     We started this blog in an attempt to keep everyone updated on our life and Olivia's progress.  What I didn't realize is that it takes time to update a blog, and time is something I am short on these days.  So, sorry the posts are few and far between, but, thank you for continuing to follow our life and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.   They're working! :)

(Post surgery. Notice her heart bandage the surgeon did! I swear, its the little things that matter :)

(If only a kiss from Big Brother really could make everything better.....)

(The anesthesia made her so sleepy, it was so sad and precious)

(This pic is adorable...too bad I'm actually yelling at Brayden during it cause he's smashing Olivia's head with his.    Her head is still so soft, its freaky! :)

(this pic was to help give a point of reference to show how much she has grown!!  It also shows that I STILL don't have a wedding band... Jer, you should probably get on that... KIDDING!!! :)