Update: September 27th

We know everyone is concerned and thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

For those who don't know. Emerson was sick with what appeared to be just a common cold and took a turn Saturday evening into a very serious situation. Although the doctors are still not exactly sure what is causing the infection they a helping her battle it with all the resources they have. 

Emerson had surgery last night to drain the fluid that has been filling up in her abdomen and causing stress on her organs. The surgery want well. They opened her up, drained about a liter of fluid and pulled her bowels out. They left the abdomen open and her bowels will be out for a couple of days so they can continue draining fluid and give her other organs the space they need to do their job. They also put tubes in her sides near her lungs to keep the fluid draining up there. After the surgery she began to urinate which is a great sign for kidney function. She was also taken off a ventilator that breathed for her in very quick shallow breaths which is used when your lungs are sick and put her on a ventilator that breathes slow deep breaths. Getting her back on this ventilator is also a good sign. Also after the surgery the nurses were very encouraged that her blood work and gases looked good so it appears that her body is doing what it should.  During the night her medications were significantly reduced and is responding to that really well.  The staff there has been absolutely incredible, some working past their shifts.  This morning the head nurse, who came in on her day off, was in working on her and was holding her hand, reached away to adjust something and Emmy started grasping the air with her hand looking for something to hold.  It was an amazing moment that has given everyone much needed hope.  She is still very very sick and battling for her life, a battle that is going to take days and probably weeks, but she is on the right path right now.  Brian and Jess are hanging in there and celebrating the small victories.  We are very appreciative of all the prayers, thoughts and offers of help.

Thanks and we will try to keep you updated.  Please pass this on to anyone we forgot to include.