The long goodbye

One of these days, they will discharge Annie. So we are taking advantage of these remaining days to thank all the fabulous people who have taken care of our Annie.

Immediately below is Big Annie and Little Annie. They go way back. Big Annie introduced Little Annie to Luke ages ago by picking her up out of her isolette and 'waving' at Luke. I will never forget seeing Annie as I was getting out of the elevator after learning Annie was on CPAP and facing another infection. She dropped everything and gave me a hug that gave me all the strength I needed to be there for Annie. Thank you, Annie.

Eileen (on the right) has been taking care of Annie recently and even took care of Luke when he was brand new! Next to Eileen is Melissa one of the NPs who always took us seriously and took the time to explain everything to us. Melissa has also been coaching Annie on life as a red head. Thank you Eileen and Melissa.

Below on the right is our buddy Deborah who is goes on crazy excursions with fellow nurse buddy Joan. We love them both and particularly love hearing about their adventures! Not really sure who that is with Deborah but he's around alot..

Below to the left is our buddy Ellen (looking particularly fabulous after a few days off from the craziness). Ellen is another one who has been with us since day 1. Ellen had the honor of giving Annie her head iv and offically welcoming her into her punk phase. Thanks, Ellen!




























On the left is Kyung, Suzanne and our favorite student. Kyung watched over Annie as we were getting her off of CPAP. Kyung is a tough one and I am convinced she willed Annie to breathe on her own. Weeks later, Annie is still afraid she might get in trouble and has been dutifully breathing on her own (with some small exceptions). I need to add that we will never forget Suzanne's many fabulous accents (i think it's Scotish/Irish) that she greeted Annie with. She's got talent and her warmth is calming to us all. Thank you, guys!

Finally, my friends, on the right it's.. THE MAN. Dr. Ellington came on deck after Dr. Navez went on vacation. We were skeptical given our love for Dr. Naves but, fortunately, Ellington has been educated at both of Elly's mother's alma maters so he passed the test. Sadly, he did not go to Chicago or Columbia but, well, we will forgive him. Regardless, Ellington has such a gift at translating medical doublespeak to English. He always makes extra effort to make sure we understand -in our language- whatever Annie is facing and whatever he is ordering for her. So many times we heard, "don't worry, this is normal". Ellington always went to the effort to help us understand preemie 'normal' and educate us on everything Annie was going through. That meant more than anyone will ever know -it empowered us as parents and, most importantly, took away so much of our fear by replacing it with knowledge. Lori, to the left of Dr. E, met Elly when she was in the hospital trying NOT to have a baby. She came as a humanizing face to a prospect (having a baby so early) that was so frightening to us. At the time, Elly had talked to so many people, cried, read and watched far too many Law and Order episodes that all I could think to ask was, "Do you like your job??". Fortunately, she does and so do countless others who you will meet in the coming days. Bless you all!