Happy Father's Day!!

I still have to call Joe Mott b/c he has not caught the internet or email bug yet--that is another project back home once things settle down a bit.

My first all-nighter in a PICU was interesting. Cameron got her breathing tube out about midnight and they asked that I leave the room for that. Soon after they came out and said she did great. Before for this they had slowly moved her head from her side close to "midline" so her face is up now. The swelling in her eyes in starting to come down and our little girl is starting to take her shape again.

I am amazed at the patience and kindness of the PICU staff. 12 hours shifts are grueling but you can see how they get through it with all of the teamwork. Everyone is helping everyone and I think that is one thing that might make Hopkins different. Anyway Cameron did not move much while I was in there but I hit a wall about 2 am and had to find some place to rest a bit. I created something to prop my feet on and awoke 2 hours later with a crick in my neck. Amazingly this did the trick and I was back in her room at 4. Around that time one of the babies next to Cameron was having a fit--please say extra prayers for these tiny people. Coffee was calling me so I made an escape to get hidrated again. 2 cups later and then it was 7am and shift change. Shelly actually called for the update at that time cause my cell phone was off. 7-8 is the only time we have to be out so I went downstairs to wait for Shelly. I nearly dosed off again sideways in a chair and Shelly had a delay in getting to the hospital. It was 8am before I knew it so I went to see Cameron one more time.

A new nurse in there told me the previous shift told her Cameron did better while I was there. During my little nap while I was out of the room I think Cameron jerked her leg up and they questioned me if I thought that was a seizure. They did not see and funny readings so I don't think it was but more of a release of some bottled up energy. I think my presence there soothes her and maybe that is what they meant that she does "better". PICU night 2 should be better and I have found a new place to actually lay down for a bit if needed :-)

Well, off back to the hospital now. Jim (grandpa) and Shelby (Shelly's niece) are the new visitors today. My family is gone now and the Daubenspeck's will go back to Woodbridge tonight with Caroline. Shelly can have some nice alone time at the hotel tonight but 1st it's baseball time for me!!!!!! Orioles/Diamonbacks tonight at 5pm. Very exicted as I have heard Camden Yards is an awesome ballpark. Nice father's day indeed................

talk to you tomorrow, Casey

p.s.--we will figure out how to post the pictures at some point soon. Jay got some tapes for my video recorder too--thanks my friend--nice suprise with your visit.