Surprise baby shower

Arabella was once again having a difficult day. She was back to breathing heavy, and her oxygen and pressure needs were sky-high. "Here we go again," we thought to ourselves. 

Belle's oxygen and pressure requirements have doubled over the last few days, and this sugar drug (diazoxide) is likely the culprit. Here come the side-effects yet again. Back to square one. 

Belle was making such great progress at one point, but not so much anymore. Now she's just working to maintain with the help of a ton of extra respiratory support. Belle's typical oxygen rate used to be 28%, but today it was as high as 62%. It's quite the jump, and it's definitely reason for concern. 

I'm not sure what else we can do. We need to stay on top of her sugars, but this drug isn't making it easier on her. 

Every action has a reaction, so we're stuck going in circles like a merry-go-round. We'll see how the next few days unfold, though. Needless to say, this afternoon was a bummer. Kiera was having more breakdowns from the constant frustration and anxiety. 

Bad days can really wear you down. 

It was a rough start to the day, but with the help of some family and friends, we turned it around with a surprise baby shower for Kiera! 

It really was a surprise! 

In the weeks leading up to today, Kiera's mom and her sister got in touch with my mom and a few of Kiera's close girlfriends. Everyone banded together to make this one very special event. 

What a blessing, especially since the last few days have been tougher on all of us. This was a chance to celebrate motherhood, and distract ourselves from all of the worries and concerns. 

Kiera was immediately overcome with emotion when she saw the group gathered in her honour. "Surprise!" everyone yelled as she walked in. Kiera was moved to tears. Joyful, happy tears 😂😂😂

I was thrilled to watch Kiera's face light up. She was so happy 💗

The shower cheered her up so much, and all of the gifts are a huge help. We are going to make use of everything we received. 

Everyone has been far too kind to us. Look at all of this stuff you guys! Where am I going to put this? 

And below is a picture of just the onesies and dresses. 

So many beautiful and cute outfits for the next...two years, maybe? Oh man. What's a dad to do? I'm going to drown in all of this!

But even dad got a few special gifts for Arabella. 

After the baby shower Kiera and I headed right back to the hospital to see Tinkerbell and tell her about all of the amazing things that happened.

She loves hearing our stories. Belle is always listening, and I bet she's excited to try out all the new items that are waiting for her at home. There's so much stuff that we'll have to start bringing some items to the hospital with us. We might as well use them!

I would like to thank everyone again for all of their support and hard work. We're so lucky to have such an amazing support network. 

This entire journey has been so much easier on us because of our family and friends. We love you guys and thank you, with all of our hearts 💗💗💗