I’m up at 4-5am to run the Memorial Day Mixer. What a shock to the system, but it’s going to be the norm from now on till Halia comes home. In the previous 2 1/2 years, I never had to get up earlier than 6am as I rented in the development where I worked. I work usually 6-7 days a week and usually 70+ hours a week. Work keeps me busy and I like being busy. I have trouble sitting around the house without eating everything in sight. The ride on tamiami trail or alligator alley is calm and beautiful. No crazy drivers to stress you out. I can work…

Poor Galina is in pain, hungry, and has so many towers with medications and other fluids to help her I can’t even walk into her room. I’ve never seen such an intimidating picture. It takes me a couple breaths to get over the picture and I’m in. The nurse is good and she is in total control of this out of space futuristic picture. She knows how to handle our baby and all these towers. Her confidence is felt and I’m feeling better about Galina’s care. Thank you Azizi. The sofa pulls out into a bed and I can’t imagine being anywhere else than here with Galina. I’m so glad…

My goodness I’m nervous. It’s going to take 6-8 hours! Poor baby can’t eat before surgery and she’s hungry. I feel for her poor belly. She’s been through so many tests, poked, prodded, x rays, ultrasounds etc. She’s first case as she’ll have a long day. Waiting on the 2nd floor outside the elevators for updates on the surgery has been challenging to say the least. Cafeteria food is OK, Miracle cafe is OK too. Not sure about any food or anything. Hospital is friendly and very thorough about your identification. We have no choice in that Galina has to have this surgery. We have to have faith that everything…

It’s Memorial Day weekend and the majority of staff don’t need to be here. For us, it’s waiting till Tuesday, and so far Galina is fine. The two great arteries and ducts will remain open for a few more days and the oxygenation of the blood would be fine. But we know it’s inevitable. So we’re educated to learn Galina’s plight. So many tests, so much intervention and so important. It’s to the point of annoyance and her crying makes me so sad for her. She just can’t get a break. I just want her to have a little peace and quiet, but this is pre op. How I would…

It’s our first pediatrician appointment and I can still remember the drive to the office. It was scheduled for us, since we are not from Naples and didn’t know any pediatricians at the hospital. I’m glad I have two students that are young and coincidentally have the same pediatrician. We are lined up for the future, but today is an important day and it’s because we hear a heart murmur. Thankfully, the area is big enough to have a pediatric cardiologist and Galina’s appointment is the next day. My goodness, to see 10 cords placed on my baby girl was a little unnerving as she was not comfortable with this…

Now the adventure really begins. Will the breastfeeding work? We have to schedule our pediatrician appointment within the week. Thankfully, good friends Cheryl and Heather both recommend their pediatricians Drs. Poling and Poling on Marco Island. Until we can get an appointment with Drs. Poling and Poling, the hospital has scheduled an appointment for us.

We are so grateful for friends like Jasmin and Windy to be able to come over and see Nastya and Galina at the hospital. It meant alot to us. Thank you.

I love my little girl’s crying sound and it’s a beautiful tone. Of course, I don’t want her crying, but it’s her way of letting us know she wants something. She’s bonding with mom and it really is beautiful to see nature in action. Soon the attempt at breast feeding and hopefully it works for both Nastya and Galina. Thankfully, both mom and daughter are doing well. It’s so amazing how a woman can give birth and can be going home the next day. Crazy. Thank you for this beautiful baby girl!

She’s 6 pounds and 2 oz. and oxygenation is about 100%. Life is good and can’t wait to take her home! We can’t wait to show her off and see some family in Ukraine. I’m a little stressed with the new addition though with my boys. We all know how this baby happens, but I never planned on this as a 54 year old with 3 wonderful children already. I still hurt with my divorce, but I know that it’s very difficult to change who you are. I needed unconditional love, someone to say I love you, someone to snuggle with, someone to not feel that whatever bad happens is…

I’m 54 with 3 of the finest young men as my sons. They are my pride and joy. I’m the luckiest man alive. My whole life was committed to their having the best childhood and I hit the jackpot! My little girl has been an amazing surprise that has also tested my relationships. I’m nervous having a daughter, but I’m so happy. I’ve taught tennis for a living for now 35 years, and my three sons are all nice players. In fact, two played college tennis and third could have, but chose not to. I want my little girl to do whatever she wants to do. I believe that making…