Billions of Pictures

All these pictures are from Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of LAST week

(September 27-29th):

A smile! We had to work so hard for every single one! The port on the right side of her neck is from her HD cath- used for dialysis.

What can I say about Sammi? She's been perfect.
The thumb-sucking is becoming less constant, as she's been in less pain and isn't as scared anymore.

And the little smiles are becoming more constant!

We go to the playroom a lot! She isn't interested in the toys, but loves to color.

My dad (shown pulling the wagon; my mom is taking up the rear with the IV pole) made two trips from Casper, Wyoming last week (8 hours one way) to visit and stay the night with Lolly at the hospital.

Emily, a friend from my neighborhood growing up- and an ER nurse here now- came by with a big balloon bouquet for Lolly. Both girls loved it!

This picture definitely deserves a repost!

Back in the playroom (both of us looking a little rough):

She LOVES driving this car around. She feels safe in there, and wants to stay in the car, even when we get back to her room. There have been several occasions when she's fallen asleep at the wheel- even when we're out for a drive!

We take her IV pole everywhere:

That's her HD Cath (for dialysis) on her neck (it has since been removed!):

My brother, Lance, with Sammi:

Lolly HATED her Anderson tube (a suction tube that went down through her nose, into her stomach, to keep it empty), and hated that little sticker by her nostril to keep it in place:

I was excited to finally meet a fellow "heart mom," Kristen, and her adorable little boy, Luke:

Luke has HLHS, like Trey, and is such a friendly, happy, nice little boy. We went to lunch together in the cafeteria. I brought Lolly down, in her police car. Seeing Luke drink from his sippy cup made Lolly want a drink for the first time in a long time (although she couldn't have one back then)- a very good sign!

Thanks for coming to visit, Kristen and Luke!

Lolly wasn't feeling very social- she had this look on her face the entire time (it wasn't her best day):

My cousin, Chris, reading a story to Lolly one night. Chris and Laurie have spent countless hours at the hospital over the years, keeping my kids entertained. They visited Trey again and again during all his heart surgeries, and were the lucky ones babysitting the boys two years ago when he was hospitalized here for asthma, and now, they come to entertain Lolly. We love you Funks!

Out for another walk:

Sammi (and Heather, Ben's sister):