Hey everybody!

I've been waiting to share this news until we were sure it was going to stay this way... I mean, last time I brought Mere home she had to go back to the hospital pretty much immediately. This time, however, I think she's home for good!! The doctors at Washington Regional worked to determine the right balance of multiple blood pressure medicines to keep it at a semi-normal level, and were able to get pretty much all the fluid off and out of her lungs (which means she breathes better... which means she sleeps better... which means she heals better).

Things haven't gotten back to "normal" just yet, and we're so thankful that our family members are taking turns helping us out in these first nights home as a family, but I'm sure we'll get into a routine quickly!

Mere and I just want to say how much we appreciate all the messages, flowers, and (most of all) prayers over the past few weeks. Knowing that you all have our backs is an amazing feeling.


And now a few words from Mere...
Wow! I've been so overwhelmed with the total outpouring of true love we've received throughout the past couple weeks! I am completely humbled that so many people care so much for our little family. I will cherish each of the messages, texts, gifts, and phone calls forever. Your prayers worked and I am on the road to recovery! Praise Jesus! My wish is that you would now begin to pray for the mothers that never come home, the mothers that never recover, and their families.

While I was in the hospital my sister in law, Leanne, sent me a quote that carried me through one of my most difficult days. I want to share it with you because you might have a difficult day sometime and maybe this will get you through...

"And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in." ~Haruki Murakami

I am a stronger person for coming through this storm. I believe I will be a better mother because of it. I will never take time with Cece for granted. I made a promise to myself never to look back on the things I missed out on, but instead to make new memories and new "firsts." 

 Thank you ALL, from the bottom of my enlarged heart, for caring about my family.  

 ~mere

P.S. Can I get three cheers for my hubby Dale?? What other wife could leave her newborn baby completely alone with her husband on their first night home? Dale and Cece spent the first 15 or so hours at home all by themselves so my mom could be with me in the hospital. He is my hero.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While Mere was in the hospital, Cece and I got to come visit on her one week birthday! It was a pretty special time! The doctors were worried about Cece getting exposed to the flu that is currently so prevalent in the hospital, so we had a secret meeting right inside the lobby doors!



And then when Mere finally got to come home, she changed her first diaper... Baby Girl was so happy to see her Momma!



Talk to you soon,
Dale



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