Lots of good things

Crazy things going on down here in Salt Lake!  (crazy good)

I am here at the apartment with Sammi this morning, Ben is at the hospital with Lolly (in the ICU).  I called to check on Lolly, and Ben gave me all the updates- Lolly should be extubated soon (they've been doing a trial this morning, and she's breathing all on her own).  She is getting an art line soon (a more permanent IV that the nurses will be able to draw blood from since they need to draw blood, at times every hour, the past few days).  That will be a huge blessing for little Lolly, even though she is a really good sport about her blood draws and often doesn't cry at all.  The other news Ben gave me was that they have decided to keep Lolly on continuous dialysis- 24 hours a day, which means that she will be in the ICU for a while (they thought about another week).

So right after that phone call, Ben called again- LOLLY PEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Lolly had a stinky diaper, so the nurse went to change it.  She thought it was really heavy, so she tore it open and knew she'd peed (too much information for you???  urine and diarrhea are pretty much all we talk about around here).  What a day!

We're not sure if they'll keep her on continuous dialysis now, although it might be good so her kidneys could continue to rest and heal.

Lolly has been awake and is so aware of everythihng.  She is very calm (she can't speak because of the breathing tube and she can't move because of the "no-no's strapping her arms down- although she tries really hard to sit up).  Her night nurse said that Lolly has a definite opinion about everything- she nods yes or shakes her head no.  Ben said that this morning he asked Lolly if she slept well last night, she nodded no.  But she did respond "yes" that she likes her cartoons she's been watching (which is really good she's enjoying something- she never wants to watch t.v. at home).

It's amazing to have witnessed the turn-around in our sweet Lolly.  Two days ago, when we were driving up to the hospital, my mom and I had a serious discussion.  At that point, we were not sure what the outcome of this would be- we didn't know anythihng about her brain function or kidney function- or even if she was going to live.  Now, 48 hours later, her kidneys are functioning, her brain does not have any long term problems, she is awake and she is alive.  It is impossible to not see our Heavenly Father's hand in all of this.  Countless number of people across the nation have been praying for our little Lolly- from Ben's parents, up in Alaska (they're finally back- hooray!) to relatives in Florida, we know that many people have been on their knees, praying for our little girl.  Her names has been put on the prayer rolls in more temples than I can count (I will have to make a list some time).  Different groups of family members and wonderful friends held fasts for Lolly on Monday and Friday this week.  And last night, we had the privilege of having Ben's uncle, Elder Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, visit Lolly at her bedside in the PICU.  He asked if we would like for him to give Lolly a blessing (we didn't mind!).  It was an experience I will never forget in my entire life. 

We know that the Lord hears and answers prayers.  We knew from the beginning that, for some reason, all of this was part of the plan for our little Lolly.  I have felt no reason to stress over the "where did she get this E. coli?" or "how did this happen?" or "why our little girl?"  I have a feeling that the Health Department will give me a great deal of stress about this down the road...but for now, I truly haven't thought about the what ifs...what if I hadn't done this, what if she hadn't eaten this...  I truly have felt, from the beginning, that Lolly was supposed to have this experience.  And that we were to have this experience. 

I knew the Lord had a specific plan in mind for our little girl, but I also knew that there was no way he could ignore the pleading of our (as a collective group) hearts.  I know that our Heavenly Father has answered our prayers.  He is aware of all that have been praying for her and those who have been concerned about her.  And I know that our little Sasha, who we lost five years ago, was a part of this.  I truly think we have guardian angels, and I think sisters have a very special bond- even when they are separated between life and death. 

Thank you for your continued prayers for our sweet little Lolly.  We are so happy to see her spunk returning.  I'm sure that it won't be many more days before we get to see a good ol' terrible two tantrum (I can't wait!).  Hug your little ones.  Take time to hold and love them.  Remember that the most important things in life aren't things.  Don't ever forget that life can change in an instant.  I know I won't.