Settling in...sort of.

Well, we've been in Philly nearly a week now and are physically settled in. Emotionally, not quite there yet. It's been more difficult than I imagined.

We did manage to make it to the Farmers Market on Saturday and found a few goodies. Emmy bought a kiddie bouquet of flowers and I found Zoe some awesome silk-screened bird photos laid on top of antique wallpaper. I'm going to frame and put them in her nursery when we get home. She'll be able to have a little Philly in her room at all times.


(Emmy and mommy at the Farmers Market in Clark Park.)


(The goods we found for Zoe's room and Emmy's kiddie bouquet.)

My BFF, Brian, came to visit and brought some lovin' and comfort. He and Emmy had fun playing and being goofballs. Emmy named Brian "Boy" and was excited to have a visitor. So much so, that she screamed and refused to nap all day.


(Emmy and "Boy" playing at the Carriage House.)

Next weekend Steph and Paul (my sister and brother-in-law) are coming to visit. We plan to hit Sesame Place, a Phillies game and see the Independence play (Philly's women's professional soccer team). Perhaps Caleb and I can take advantage of some babysitting time and catch a movie at night and escape from reality for a few hours?!

Our appointment at CHOP is Thursday afternoon. According to the cardiologist, we don't need to see her again since Zoe's test results have been stable and positive. From here on out, just OB appointments until Zoe decides its time to meet Mommy, Daddy and her big sis. From the looks of things, she may come sooner than May 12. She's been head down for weeks now and lying "low!"


This one is for you Papa. I miss you and can't wait to see you and show you around Philly! Love Emmy.


Stay tuned...

Welcome to Philadelphia...

Well, we made it here in one piece. We may have forgotten a few items (Emerson's pajamas, charger for the portable DVD player, etc) but we're here. Emerson did quite well on the plane. Mommy prepared her and told her we were going on a plane ride. At the airport, she ran down the jetway - like she knew what was going on.


We boarded the plane and upon take off, she yelled, "Weeeeeeeeee!" and clapped her hands. And here I was, worried her ears would hurt and she'd scream for hours. Don't get me wrong, she had her moments, but overall she did great. [Note to self: always pack an extra pair of clothing for a long plane ride in case of accidents!]

We arrived late to Philly and passed out at our new home away from home, the Carriage House. The house is just a mile from CHOP.


My birthday, yesterday, was a bit rough being away from home. I didn't think I'd be homesick, but I was. I definitely missed the comforts of home.

Today we took the trolley (yes, we're figuring out mass transit) to CHOP for my appointments. We had an ultrasound, met with the OB, midwife, lactation consultant, had a fetal echo and cardiology consult. Most importantly, Zoe's heart is looking good. No further complications seen and we're planning for a normal delivery. Zoe's estimated weight is 5 pounds, 8 ounces. She needs to continue to grow as HLHS babies lose weight after birth/surgery from poor eating habits. The bad news for me is that I'm getting PUPPP again. I suffered through it with Emerson and was hoping to avoid it with Zoe. No such luck. The OB told me (as I'd suspected) that it was starting. I'm hoping it doesn't get too bad and I can manage the symptoms. If not, I may be a miserable mess for the next several weeks.

While at CHOP today, we met baby Jacob - a fellow HLHS fighter and his mommy. He is such a cutie and an inspiration to us. Jacob's mommy let us see his surgical scars and explained a lot about life in the hospital. It will be a challenge, but we're prepared - as much as possible anyway.

Philly weather treated us well thus far, but will take a rainy turn this weekend. Too bad as I was looking forward to Saturday's farmers market down the street and taking Emmy to the Philly Zoo :(

We're still attempting to adjust to the time change. Haven't nailed that down yet.

Our next appointment at CHOP is Thursday, April 22. Be on the lookout for more updates and pictures of the Lihns enjoying Philadelphia!

The Final Countdown

Relocation day for the Lihns will be here in the blink of an eye. How did that happen?

I got to see Zoe again yesterday. She's adorable.


I think she looks like her big sister! She's growing (even though doctors tell me her "growth parameters are within lower normal range.") Hello docs, have you seen her mother lately? Not a ginormous baby making machine. They do want her as big as possible. Big = strong and healthy. Again, doctors obviously don't know Zoe's mom real well.

All is looking good with Zoe. We'll have weekly testing at CHOP until Zoe's arrival. Please pray and send happy thoughts that Zoe continues to grow and that no complications arise. We're staying uber positive and have heard nothing but fantastic news from other CHD moms who are currently at CHOP. These little babies are such fighters and Zoe will soon join her own special team of warriors.

Now...our current dilemma involves getting everything packed, arriving to the airport on time, coaxing Emerson onto an airplane for the first time and NOT getting kicked off the plane for her actions. (Okay, more prayers needed for this task.)

This weekend will be hectic as we pack, pack, pack. Then, we're off!

Thanks for all of your support, thoughts and prayers.

We love you Zoe Madison and we'll see you soon.

Love,
Mommy, Daddy and Emerson