Brave Mom: Sylvie Stephens with her beautiful daughter, Sydney.
Sylvie Stephens is a brave and loving mom. Remember to lift her up in prayers as she goes through this difficult journey. I have received beautifully written emails from her, and she has just posted another message on Caring Bridge. I find myself wanting to laugh one moment and cry the next:
Last night while Sydney was asleep, I posted some new pictures. On Friday, one of Sydney’s NICU nurses took me to the Vikings game where I got to see Brett in all his glory, and smirked thinking Green Bay fans everywhere are throwing up seeing him in purple. My baby is a Minnesotan so I AM A MINNESOTAN and will be a hard-core Vikings fan until I die! This means I have to hate the Packers! I saw the most hilarious sign at the game, “Brett, I have hated you all my life, but now I think I love you!”
I celebrate Sydney everyday. On Saturday night, we had a disco party and I put on a CD and danced with my little peanut. I sung to her “The best of my love” and meant it. At one point she did get a little uncomfortable, making a sweet fuss monkey face, so I told the nurse “In the spirit of the 70′s, let’s do some drugs!” so we gave her a bit of morphine. I know this sounds awful! Remember it is MEDICINE too, and she is under the care of a pain and palliative care MD and making her comfortable is our #1 goal.
I have moved in to her room in the PICU and sleep with her each night. It is heaven. The nurses have all been so kind to take care of 2 patients at night. 
One of her PICU nurses is going shopping with me on Wednesday. I want to buy outfits for her to wear- something I never got to do. I kept waiting and waiting for her to come out of the hospital to do it. Well, I will wait no more, and this little peanut will be the cutest, best-dressed baby in the Twin Cities!
Yes there are times when I am so depressed. I cry… but then I think, “Stop! Stop! She is STILL HERE!!” The tears will be for later. I am trying not to think about what is to come. I am focusing on her and NOW. Pray I continue to do so.
I snuggled up with her the other night by adjusting her trach, I got her right in the crook of my shoulder, just like I used to do when she was so little and had no tubes. I held her tight and whispered, “Stay with me baby, just a little longer.” And I know she will. And when I am ready, God will give me the strength to let her go home.
Many blessings to you all, and thank you for your prayers and words of comfort.
See also: Update on Sydney. Sydney was born with Scimitar Syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect. Her mother, Sylvie, appreciates your prayers and good wishes. Comments may be posted at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sydneycook. The password is squeaker.
Tags: prayer, Scimitar Syndrome, Sylvie Stephens
