* * MONICA COMES HOME!!! * *

Therese holds Monica at home the first time.

Only if you want details...  Beth is SO glad to have Monica home!  After having been told earlier in the week that Monica could come home Wednesday or Thursday (since Beth had been trained Tuesday evening on how to feed with a tube), yesterday Dr. Anderson advised Beth that before Monica would be released, it would be a good idea for Beth to come in to do three consecutive feedings.  This meant spending at least nine hours at the hospital, which was an unexpected request.  Beth was heading to the hospital today anyway for a 10AM CPR class, so she initially thought maybe she could put in the nine hours after that.  But after discussing this with Brian, they agreed that the weekend would be the best time to have Beth gone for so long.  So after the CPR class, Beth went to see if she could feed Monica.  It was a success for the first time!  Through the helpful intervention of a social worker, the staff agreed to let Monica just come home today - without the nine hours of further "training."  The car seat was tested, the EKG was done, and she was off.

Grandma and Pops each got a turn during a "Welcome Home Monica Dessert Party."  Bernadette had made chocolate chip cookies and several family members stopped by.

Peter and Christi got a turn too.

These posters had hung in the kitchen for over two weeks, waiting for Monica to see them.

Mary's a big sister now.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us...