First Bottle

Today I was a very lucky girl. First, I arrived to see Gesina wide awake and looking around calmly. When I talked to her she would look so deeply into my eyes it was just amazing. So we had a nice chat full of girl talk that I'm so grateful for that I'm tearing up as I type this. Then, the nurse decided that since Gesina doesn't have any respirator/breathing apparatus, that now is a good a time as any to try out a bottle for the first time. A bottle is a BIG DEAL. The neurologist had mentioned that we may know more about the extent of any brain damage when it comes time to take a bottle. Also, taking a bottle is a step towards her going home as she has to be able to eat when she's home (and preferably not from a feeding tube). So when the nurse gave her the bottle, she had to work through Gesina's initial "sour face" and confusion, but eventually, Gesina realized the awesomeness that is food! She didn't take her whole feeding through the bottle but she took some of it that way. Here she is with her first bottle.

Santa came today as well so I will have a picture of Gesina with Santa that I'll post tomorrow. And finally, I got to hold her today and because she has fewer tubes and needles, I held her right up to my chest near my heart. She stopped shivering and slept calmly. I have proof that it was good for her as her monitor has never been so steady. My heart is bursting with love and gratitude tonight. I couldn't find the words to describe my joy if I tried and as any one would tell you, I'm rarely speechless.