INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!!!

So, today started off on an emotional low. At 6:15 a.m. Brandon called the hospital to check on Gracie. We were planning on bringing her home today, but she needed to have passed an oxygen level while in car seat test, keep her temp up above 98.0, eat well, and continue to gain weight over night. On the phone the nurse told Brandon that she had indeed passed her car seat test, but after her temp had dropped to 97.7 under arm and 97.9 rectal. She had also struggled with her 6 a.m. feeding. I was crushed and immediately started crying. It would be twice now that we were moments away from us all being home and Gracie had complications. Don't get me wrong, if Gracie needs to be in the hospital, I want her in the hospital. So, I tried to put on a brave face and get ready to go feed her at 9:00. I tried to prepare that kids that their baby sister may not be coming home today. Bailey was disappointed, but kept saying, "I knew I would jinx it!" Needless to say, they are as anxious as me to be a complete family at home. Shortly after 8, G&G Jensen came and picked up the kids to go to Manti for fun 4th activities. Shawn and Jodi Pfunder and kids had spent the night while passing through. The kids said their quick goodbyes to their cousins, and we followed out the door to the hospital.....again. I prepared myself to see sweet Gracie back in an isolette, but was glad to see that she was still in an open crib. The nurse said that her temp was again above 98 and we would need to wait for the doctor to evaluate her (She did not seem to think it was to promising) . Brandon and I hid behind the nursing screens in the NICU and tried to feed our baby. She was so sleepy and was not interested in nursing. Our disappointment grew --- Enter Doctor Lew. Dr. Lew began going over Gracie's chart and talking about what was going on. Brandon and I quietly, but intently eavesdropping.  W heard the nurse say  "that'll make them happy . "    Brandon and  I look at each other and grin hopefully.  Sure enough, Dr. Lew came and told us that if she had a couple good feedings we could take her home.  Wait a minute, she was currently giving us nothing to be excited about because Gracie couldn't stay awake for a minute while nursing.  Brandon and I started begging Gracie to eat.  She did OK - not great.  When we gave her the supplement bottle though she scarfed it up.  Yeah!!!!  After grabbing some breakfast and a red, white, and blue outfit for Gracie, we went back to the hospital for her noon feeding.  She ate great, so the Dr. gave us the go ahead.  We still had to watch a video on CPR, get home health figured out and wait for the doctor to examine her, but by 3:00 p.m., the three of us were home.  Hallelujah!!!!  Driving out of the parking garage for the last time at the hospital was so liberating.  We didn't let the big kids know that Gracie was home until they returned from Manti.  The looks on their faces was priceless.   They are so excited to have their little peanut home, maybe to excited.  So on July 4th 2008 the Pfunders were given freedom.  Although at times we were in three different places, being at home as a six family (as my kids would say) is incredible.  Now we just have to figure out how to take care of a 5lb newborn--- please continue to pray for us!!:)

Gracie at home in her red, white, and blue. (& hospital accessories)

Big sister Bailey's helping hand.

The pfour Pfunders.

Reagan before her Fourth of July celebrations.