Graduation!

Today, Eleanora graduated from an isolette to a crib; she could now maintain her own body temperature. This was very exciting for us. While she was spending literally no time in her isolette (we held her nearly around-the-clock), Eleanora was starting to shed the clinical tools required to perpetuate her life. She was surviving and beating the odds.

However, our first night in the NICU's isolation room was . We decided that Charlotte and Addie should visit as soon as possible to say their last goodbyes (in the event we didn't have much time left). And so, the next day both girls visited and spent time alone with Eleanora.

Discussing death and explaining the prospects of Eleanora's life to my children was (and will likely always be) one of the most difficult and emotional conversations I have ever had. That evening our children explained to Eleanora the wonders of the world (such as rainbows and fairy tales) and how much they loved her.