Sunday (March 4) Update on Masha

Hi everyone!

Masha was released from the hospital Friday afternoon-- she is doing EXTREMELY well. We have several prescriptions for her, but so far, the only thing she has needed is Motrin. We had also planned on her sleeping in my parent's recliner love seat for the first day or two, but again, she didn't need it-- she is instead sleeping on a sofa in their family room, propped up by plenty of pillows and surrounded by her sisters. She can even get up and go to the bathroom by herself.

Mike flew home yesterday-- he will return to work tomorrow. I am not sure when we will be able to join him, but if necessary, my dad has kindly offered to ride out with me and help drive and then fly home afterward. This is just one of the THOUSANDS of ways that my parents have helped and supported us ever since we first decided to adopt Masha. Thanks Mom and Dad. You're the best.

Masha is definitely straighter and taller. She still has a ways to go, but Mike and I can easily see the difference. We are very happy with our decision to go this route for her.

One VERY IMPORTANT THING I need to tell all of you, though, is a strict order we got from her doctor. From now on, FOREVER AND EVER as long as Masha has the VEPTR implants inside of her, she can NOT BE PICKED UP UNDER HER ARMS. In the short term, this would cause her pain and discomfort, but in the long term, picking her up under the arms can DISLODGE THE VEPTR DEVICES. This has been difficult for Mike and me to get used to, so I sympathize with those of you going "Huh?" right now, but it's imperative for Masha's welfare. We are instead using the "scoop" method-- picking her up with one hand under the knees/butt and one hand behind her neck/head. It works well, and we will all eventually get used to it. Once we are home, if you forget for a moment, please be patient with me while I FREAK OUT and remind you to scoop her up instead.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. I will e-mail again once we are safely home (or if anything else interesting happens).

Hugs!
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