Hospital Babies

Two days ago our number in the hospital went up to six. Nathaniel showed the same symptoms as Hank and even though it was not as sever. I decided that would be the best option to admit him to the hospital even though the doctors were not really sure. Just as well, because yesterday it turned worse. It was also a very traumatic day with many tears. The medical staff resuscitated Hank while the nannies and I were in the room. They had been talking about taking him to PICU for two days but there were no beds. So it came to a head and it was really hard to watch. Poor Kay arrived in the middle of it and we just cried for a while. Hank hung on to his little body and is fighting to stay alive. Susan is improving slowly and I believe that the worst is over but she is not out of danger yet. By way of good news: Sean and Olivia should be coming out of the hospital today. Well they changed their minds later in the day. They sent Rachel and Olivia home. They were going to be released yesterday but then Hank got so ill and they decided to keep them another day. Almost all of the nursing staff commented on how friendly Olivia is. She really has got a beautiful smile and even when she was sick she smiled through the whole thing. Last night, Mike Dobson was with us at the hospital and Olivia certainly charmed him.

The Dobsons shocked me yesterday. Amy and Chris told me that they have decided to change Katie's name Amanda Kate. I am very honored than they would do that. My name means worthy of love and baby Amanda Kate is certainly that. The hand off was so smooth yesterday. Amanda Kate has been reaching for me, but she has been pretty happy to stay with Amy. However, at the adoption office yesterday my heart just broke to see the families and how they were struggling with the children who were all older. There was such a brave six year old who tried so hard not to cry. It is hard to tell a child just how wonderful their lives are going to be when they are in the process of giving everything up they have ever known and to leave the people behind they have loved all of their lives. I am so grateful that we get to spend time together and that it is so helpful to the children.

Sarah, Gabriel and Michael will be starting on cereal today. We have been waiting for their mouths to heal completely before we attempted that and I think they are ready. I am sending a picture of Sarah taken with this beautiful pink outfit Amy Dobson brought for us. Sarah looks pretty in pink and her mouth looks so wonderful.

I hope that you will continue to keep us in your prayers. It has been a huge battle but I am up for the task. Kay has as per usual been such a incredible support. I value her help so much and I know I could not have survived had she not been here. She is so reliable and I depend on her so much. Together we are a force to be reckoned with.

Love and laughter,
Amanda squared