Yesterday Without Time in the amazing life of Kali

Chapter 47: Echoes of Routine

The NICU had become a world unto itself, a microcosm of

hope and anxiety where time was measured not in hours or days, but in the beeps of monitors and the soft whispers of parents. As Kali had approached the two-month mark of Ziva's stay, a sense of rhythm had settled into her life. She had learned to navigate the complexities of the unit, each day unfolding like a well-rehearsed script. The sun streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow into the hospital in the rooms of the NICU rooms that eacjed housed an incubator with a tiny baby inside. Kali sat in the familiar rocking chair beside Ziva's incubator, while she was cradling her baby and a bottle of expressed milk, her heart swelling with pride as she watched her daughter latch on with determination. It was a sight she had come to cherish—the way she instinctively sought nourishment, the small movements of her mouth as she

nursed, and the contented sighs that escaped her tiny lips. “Look at her go,” Brittany and Aaron said, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, a smile spreading across their faces. Their eyes sparkled with admiration as they watched baby Ziva. “She’s a natural.”Kali chuckled softly, her heart fluttering at the sight of Their pride. “She’s definitely got an appetite,” Brittany replied, stepping closer to Kali. She leaned down, giving Kali a big hug before Kali put Ziva in into the incubator. “You’re doing so well, Sweetheart. Keep it up!” The days in the NICU had transformed from a whirlwind of uncertainty into a comforting routine. Morning rounds with the doctors, afternoon visits from nurses, and the quiet moments she shared had become the fabric of Her life. She found solace in the predictability of it all,even as the stakes remained high. Clara, the nurse who had become a beacon of support for Her, who is a constant presence in her days. She had a way of delivering news that felt both professional and personal,

her warmth wrapping around them like a security blanket. “Ziva is doing exceptionally well,” she would say, her voice filled with encouragement. “She’s gaining weight steadily, and her feeding sessions are becoming more efficient. We might even be able to discuss transitioning her to room air soon.”The thought of Ziva breathing without the assistance of

machines sent a thrill through Kali. It was a milestone she had longed for, a step closer to bringing her daughter home. But with every bit of progress came the weight of worry; she had learned that each achievement in the NICU was often accompanied by new challenges. They had tried Little Ziva on room air which Kali was super exited for however it didnt go as they had hoped amd they had to put Ziva back in the incubator because she kept getting way too cold and she wasn't adjusting. As the weeks unfolded, Kali found herself settling into a rhythm that felt both comforting and exhausting. Kali took turns spending nights at the hospital, and at Home more frequently even though sometimes sleeping in the recliners in Ziva's room and other times retreating to the nearby family lounge for a few precious hours of rest and to eat and to visit with other families. The nights were punctuated by the sounds of beeping monitors and the soft murmurs of other parents, each one navigating their own journey through the NICU. Kali often found herself reflecting on her life before Ziva's

arrival. The glitz and glamour of her acting career felt like a distant memory, replaced by the raw, unfiltered reality of motherhood. The world outside seemed to carry on, oblivious to the battles being fought within those sterile walls. Yet, in the midst of it all, she discovered a newfound strength within

herself, one that had been forged in the fires of uncertainty and love.

“Do you think ill ever get used to this?” Kali asked Cole one evening as they Video called, as Kali was watching Ziva sleep peacefully.

The soft hum of the machines created a soothing backdrop, and the dim lights cast a gentle glow over her daughters tiny face.Cole shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “I think you'll adapt. You've come this far, haven’t you? It’s just part of your story now.” “Yeah, but it’s a hell of a story,” she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of humor and sincerity. “I never thought I’d spend so much time in a hospital.” As Cole said “I’ve seen enough of them on the job to last a lifetime.” “Me too,” Kali admitted, her gaze drifting to Ziva. “But I wouldn’t trade this for anything. Every moment with her feels like a gift, even the hard ones.” As they shared their thoughts, a nurse walked by, her smile brightening the room. “You are doing so well. Ziva is lucky to have such a dedicated mom.” “Thank you,” Kali replied, a hint of pride in her voice. “We’re just trying to keep up with her.” Days turned into weeks, and the rhythm of her life that continued to evolve. She became well-acquainted with the other families in the NICU, sharing stories and support over shared meals in the lounge or during brief encounters on the way to their rooms. Each family had their own battles, their own stories of hope and resilience. They found comfort in the camaraderie, united by the shared experience of love and fear. Kali often thought about how different life had been just a few months ago. The glamorous parties, the red carpets, the endless lines of admirers—it all felt so trivial compared to the profound journey of parenthood. She had traded the spotlight for the quiet moments spent with Ziva, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. As the second month of Ziva's stay drew to a close, the atmosphere in the NICU shifted once again. The doctors

began discussing the possibility of reducing the support for Ziva's breathing now that she was able to successfully be able to be at just room temperature. It was a pivotal moment, one that brought a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The thought of Ziva breathing on her own felt monumental, but it also meant facing the unknown. “Are you ready for this?” Aaron asked one evening as they prepared for another round of updates from the medical team. The tension in the air was palpable, a mix of hope and apprehension. “I think so,” Kali replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. “We’ve all come so far. I believe in her, dad.” As they entered the NICU, the familiar sounds enveloped

them. The beeping monitors and the soft rustle of nurses moving about felt like a second home. They approached Ziva's room, their hearts racing with anticipation. Clara greeted them with her usual warmth. “Good evening! I have some exciting news to share.” Kali’s breath caught in her throat as she exchanged a glance with her parents. They were ready to hear whatever came next,ready to embrace the next chapter of this journey, no matter how daunting it may be. “Ziva has been doing remarkably well,” Clara continued, her eyes sparkling. “We’re hoing to take the nasal canual off tonight, It’s a big step forward for her.” Kali felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. “Really? That’s incredible!” she exclaimed, her heart swelling with pride and hope. “Yes, it is! But we’ll monitor her closely,” Clara reassured them. “This is a significant milestone, but it’s important to take it one step at a time.” As Kali settled in for the evening, Kali watched Ziva sleeping, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of her Daughter's progress. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, united in love and determination to support Ziva through every

challenge. The NICU had become her world, but it was a world filled with hope, resilience, and the promise of a future she was eager to embrace.