A Rough Day for the Little Princess .....

I knew the moment I walked into Zoey's room this morning that she did not feel well.Mark said she had had a fairly restful nights sleep,which I was grateful for, however,the morning was proving to be quite a different story.Zoey never,ever wakes up crying unless something is wrong and Zoey never,ever wakes up without a smile unless something is really wrong.Such was the case today.You could just look at her precious face and if she could,she would,tell you ..... "I feel like crap".Maybe she would say it in nicer terms but you get the idea.She spent the majority of the day in my arms, very restless and did some gagging and coughing but mostly crying.Finally we decided to give her a dose of Benedryl.Zoey does receive Zofran, an anti-nausea medication,every 8 hours but when that doesn't do the trick, the next option is the Benedryl to take the edge off.They gave it to her through her IV so it goes to work quickly and within 20 minutes she was out like a light for a 2 1/2 hour nap.She awoke much the same as the morning and by 7pm when Mark arrived we opted for another dose of Benedryl.I left and Mark called later to say that one of her primary nurses from the NICU came down and before the Benedryl kicked in, Zoey gave Judith quite the performance and was smiley and engaging.That did my heart good to hear that.I hated to see her so unhappy today but it goes with the territory and we are blessed as her side effects could be so much worse.Mark is there again tonight and I hope they both are able to get a good nights sleep.We continue to be roommateless,which is heaven.Zoey has had some "diaper issues" and until they can rule out a bug of some sorts we are in isolation.I for one am not complaining a bit.Here's hoping the tests take a few days longer.Other than that,not much to report.Christmas at Children's is beginning to get into full swing.They have decorated the outside courtyard in style.The lobby is a make shift Santa's Workshop ...with more presents stacked for the kids than you can possibly imagine.Today characters from Disneyland came around the floor and although Zoey was sleeping I managed to chat it up with Donald.Well,one of us did the chatting.Because if your not aware of the rules at Disneyland ...... no characters are allowed to talk.Everyone on the home front is doing a fabulous job of adjusting.The boys have been troopers.Taylor is back to playing mommy number two and my family and friends ,once again,are going above and beyond,taking care of the boys to avoid Taylor burnout.Jess will be on winter break come Friday and then before you know it ..... Christmas.It looks as if,with our week delay in beginning Round Two,that Christmas at home will be out of the question.I haven't really spent much time dwelling on it though.It will all work out and in the end,the bottom line is to get through this rough patch once again with Zoey, so we can spend a life time of holiday's, all together, as a family.That's what we're shooting for.Pray for a better day for my little fighter.My heart was a little heavy today as I watched her struggle.I felt so bad for her and wished once again I could take this all from her.Hardly seems fair.But as I pass each door on the 4th floor I am reminded that we are an army up there.Families and children doing battle.Facing an enemy and outfitted with the ammunition we need to get done, what has to get done, even if that ammo makes you throw up.Necessary evil in the war that wages on the 4th.Most of us also come equipped with our faith.That faith may waver in some moments,on days like today but that faith also remains steadfast and by our side ready to lift us in our times of need and ready to carry us when we feel far too weary.Pray for my warrior and all of her comrades.Remember to pray for all Zoey's friends that you find on the sidebar as well.They are all courageous fighters,some with different battles but each far stronger than any child should have to be.These children are always close in thought and prayer with me each day.I have often felt as if I have let them down and neglected them over the last month or so, as my mind and body has been otherwise occupied but to all of Zoey's friends and their families know you are always,always with me ..... carried in my heart where ever I go.Till tomorrow ...