Last night was terrible. I was able to sleep in a cot next to Sara in the ICU (not usually permitted). We both finally went to sleep around 11pm and at about 12:30 I woke up to Sara crying and saying "oww, oww, oww", I leaped up to find her on all 4's at the edge of the other side of the bed. That really freaked me out and it just so happens that it was at time when our nurse was covering another nurses break and had to attend to that child. After that we got some rest from 2 a.m. till 5 a.m.

I was completely wiped out and totally emotional. When the new nurse came on shift she made me go and have a nap, she found me a quite place and when I came out of the room there was a note on the door "Do NOT Disturb". I really only slept for an hour, but it was more of a crash and solid sleep, so it was good. While I was asleep they removed 2 IV's (neck and arm). Shortly after my return my mom arrived (thank god) and the nurse removed the oxygen and the ng tube...Sara hated it being taken out, but was happy it was gone. She really hated all the tapes, on her face, hands and body.

There was a group of "contributers" being shown through the ICU (hospital seeking dontations for the ICU, good cause)So I did my bit in promoting CHD Awareness. ha ha When they arrived at our bedside, Sara was sleeping and the Gal for the Hospital was talking about machines used etc...she then asked how old Sara was and I piped right up and said, that she was 3 years old and had just had open heart surgery...then I repeated it. "Yes, Open heart surgery at the age of 3, just turned 3 a week ago. I couldn't have made it through all this without the support of the ICU Staff and their care". I meant it. They were really taking it all in, it was kind of funny cause they kept looking back at us as they moved on. I was quite pleased with myself. ha ha

It was really wonderful to hear that we were moving upstairs, to the step down unit (Room 9)...just that much closer to going home. We got there at about 11:30 and Sara was sleeping much more comfortably. My mom was awesome...she stayed with Sara for all the things I didn't think I could handle...the vent removal, ng tube removal.

My Sister, Niece and Nephew

Kathryn, Sara and her restling buddy Cole

Sara, Hanna and Nurse Wendy

Old Buddies Reunited Watching Dora the Explorer