Maggie and Alice meet! (sort of...)

We had a pleasant surprise waiting for us when we went to see our girls today - actually being able to see Maggie's face! They'd taken out the ventilator first thing in the morning to see how she did without it and when we left tonight she was still doing fine. As Paul would say, hurrah for Maggie! Not only that, they've stopped her medication (heavy-duty anti-convulsive drip into her stomach) which means she's on the way to being more alert - pulling faces, being more responsive to our touches, etc. It's heartening, heartbreaking stuff, hanging on every little move she makes.

Our friend Tracey came to call on the girls, so she got to see Maggie looking like Maggie, and also got in a little cuddle with Alice too, who was as good as gold for her after being sick on me. Unfortunately we had to put one of the practical presents Tracey brought to use straight away - highly recommended nappy rash ointment for Alice's poor sore little bum. It's amazing she cries as little as she does with a bottom like that, poor little thing.

And because Maggie had so many fewer wires and tubes and attachments, and Alice has none at all, at the end of the day we were able to bring Alice into Maggie's room so the sisters could meet for the first time. They both slept through this special occasion but it meant a lot to us to see them together for the first time - and to have a proper cuddle with Maggie. A very lovely way to end the day.

Click the pics to see them big:

Tom & Alice,
Shannon & Maggie

Tom & Alice

Paul & Alice,
Shannon & Maggie

Paul & Maggie

Paul & Alice

Maggie & Alice

Maggie