Bursting at the Seams

A Surprisingly Happy Birthday...

As this week began I haven't thought too much about my approaching birthday. Yesterday, I started thinking about it more, but felt quite glum about the current circumstances of my life and didn't really want it to be my birthday. I guess you could say I started feeling a little sorry for myself. I am now embarrassed that I felt that way, because this birthday has actually turned out to be very special. This is what I came home to last night...the most perfect gift from my very thoughtful Hugh...

{A very beautiful piano that I am so excited to start playing}

Thank you sweetheart....I have wanted a piano for such a long time. Hugh found this gem from a gentleman that fixes and tunes old pianos. I love having a piano that has a little history...even if I don't know what that history is. I think the finish is so beautiful! Ruby couldn't wait to get her grimy fingers on it.

Just when I thought I couldn't get a better gift...one came today while I was with my little Hughie. When I arrived Hughie's cute nurse, Natalie, asked how I was doing. I told her I was okay and that it is actually my birthday today (maybe I was feeling a bit glum again). A little later she asked me if I wanted to hear some good news...'"sure!" I replied. "You get to hold Hugh today!" she told me. She had asked the nurse practitioner if I could hold Hughie, and he thought that was a great idea. So...I got to really hold my sweet son for the very first time. It took a good ten minutes to get him prepped for the event as Natalie and the respiratory therapist worked to get all his lines secured and him bundled in a blanket. The transition to my arms went smooth and while I was holding him, Huhgie's heart rate was the lowest we have ever seen it...I like to think he enjoyed it as much as I did. I am not even going to try to put my emotions and feelings into words. It truly was the most special moment...thank you Natalie. Thank you God for blessing my life and my birthday with such a special little spirit.

{Little Hughie safe in his mama's arms}

{He is one special little boy}

**I also want to thank everyone who reads my blog for all your love, support, comments, and caring. It gives me such a lift to read your comments and feel your sincere concern for our little family. I feel very blessed to have so many family, friends, and even people I don't interact with all the time, lending support in such a difficult time. Thank you.**

A little Hugh update...he has had a good day today. He got his first dose of medication to start closing one of the holes in his heart. We are hoping and praying that this will be successful in helping him get better. He has tolerated being off the nitric oxide, so closing his PDA is the next step. Some more blood was sent off to Philadelphia this week for one more genetic test...the results will be back in two-three weeks.