An Unexpected Break ~

Audrey Grace

smiling at grandma

Audrey at Levine Children's Hospital
(She looks so big at just over 8 pounds)

Audrey and her renal ultrasound

The blue tint of the photo is from the blue neon light in her room

This week was spent enjoying quality time with Audrey. She developed a fever and her mom took her to the hospital in Gastonia and she was transported to Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte. Infections are not uncommon in preemies, but is was very scary. When she first became ill, her fever was not that high just barely 100 often dropping back to normal, but she would not make eye contact and appeared to be "zoned out" in a world of her own. When we got her to the hospital her fever seemed to rise very rapidly. Dr. Fink, in Gastonia, performed a spinal tap to check for meningitis and run tests on the fluid to see exactly what type of infection Audrey had. She was moved to Charlotte where she stayed until Wednesday. She had a renal ultrasound which showed her plumbing to be completely normal, just very small. She responded really well to antibiotics and was back to her old self by the next day, but continued to be monitored until her fever and weight had stabilized. She spent one night in Charlotte with me after her release until heading back home with her mom and dad.

Miranda and Dustin are finding out the hard way and very early how difficult it is to be a parent. All those times they have heard growing up "this is harder on me than it is on you"~ they finally get what their parents meant. Miranda also learned about promises that you can't keep. She promised Audrey January 15, when she was released from the NICU in Asheville, they could go home a be a family and not have to go back to stay at the hospital. That promise lasted six weeks.

If you have not seen or been to Levine Children's Hospital, it is quite beautiful. Lit at night with multiple shades of neon and the children's rooms have a neon light across the ceiling which Audrey just loved. Audrey's room was painted lime green. Not only is the hospital colorful, full of lights and sparkling glass, the staff is amazing. We met the most wonderful group of professionals who make a very difficult situation so much better for both the families and the patients.

Needless to say, no painting has been done until today~ I am back to playing in my gooey paint and enjoying my studio. I will be finishing up the Lily pond paintings and more pear paintings.

I am starting a series of small paintings using a variety of teacups and coffee cups. I had a request to do more teacup paintings around the holidays and I am just now getting around to starting them.

This week is spring break and the girls are home from school, Taylor home from Miami U in Ohio and Courtney home from UNC in Chapel Hill. The house if full of laughter, girls coming and going, and lots of food! Family dinner is Monday.....I can't wait!

Well, off to paint!

Have a wonderful day.

Torrie