Monday morning update

I spoke to Heather Mercer this morning. She is acting as the Linden conduit today.

Holly is continuing to recover well, possibly at a rate too quick for her liking. She is still a bit sore and moving slowly, but they will likely discharge Holly today if all the doctors give her the expected clean bill of health. If she is discharged, it will mean that Holly will be at least 20 minutes away from Annabelle, which no new mother would be happy with.

Heather stayed with Holly last night so Matt was able to head home and sleep in his own bed. He is spending a half day at work, probably buried in paperwork, before returning to the hospital this afternoon. He will likely arrive just in time to take Holly home.

Holly was able to spend several hours with Annabelle last night. Some of the time was for nursing, but really any excuse to hold Annabelle will suffice. Heather mentioned that Annabelle held on to Holly's finger so tight it seemed it was turning purple. Annabelle clearly knows her parents voices and touch. Heather laughed as she told me that when Annabelle grabbed her own finger, it was only a quick grab before she straightened her tiny fingers to let go. Whenever she hears Mom or Dad's voice, Annabelle's eyes pop open and she searches for their face.

There is no real time line for Annabelle's discharge at this point. They will run a few tests each day to monitor her health and neurological development. I don't think they are being vague when they don't give an expected date, I think they simply don't know. Annabelle is one tough cookie, rewriting a little history each day, but she has been through a lot in her first few days. The doctors just want to be sure everything checks out before sending her home.

Please continue to check back, and keep the Lindens in your thoughts and prayers. Sean