Big Day

Andrew hung his newly signed hat rather proudly on Alivia's bed.

Alivia's IV meds were turned off at 8 a.m. today, and she's being monitored closely to see how she responds without them. We are two hours in - and so far, so good. Everyone here is doing a good job talking like she'll be promoted to the non-ICU unit by Monday. We're praying super hard that's true.

Yesterday she did very well, and we had visitors! One hairy (a Newfoundland named, appropriately, Olivia); one famous (Cardinals' pitcher Chris Carpenter, who signed a Build-a-Bear for Alivia and a soon-to-be retired Cards hat of Andrew's, for Andrew); and two related (Aunt Gigi and Grammalyn). Having so much company certainly helps Andrew and me, too. The day goes by a lot quicker and with more laughs.

We are overwhelmed by the offers of help we've received from friends from all areas of our lives - church, work, daycare, etc. We still do plan to close on our new house Friday, and our family is currently boxing up our house to clear it out by then. We've had offers from lots of you to help actually move our stuff from one property to the other, which we are so grateful for. We'll keep everyone posted on just how much help we'll need, and when ... once we deal with the hurdles here in St. Louis. It's hard to think too far ahead here. It's definitely a one-day-at-a-time situation.

We haven't seen Tyler since Tuesday, so we are anxiously awaiting another visit by him tomorrow!! He's doing so well with his grandparents. How lucky are we to have them all so close to us?