tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36740873862023449332024-02-19T09:02:05.064-08:00Sweet Baby GrantMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-34811404299237989222016-09-10T17:01:00.000-07:002016-09-10T17:01:46.877-07:00It's Been A Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NO MATTER THE BUMPS, BRUISES OR SCARS, THE CROSS HAS MADE YOU FLAWLESS.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyL9uBFZLqlmCwkvnd4G6b4vkwxfAtND8S_CZLeffVdY6okVMJiiP0kb3ihpHhbf7c6Wi26SkJG1tBa-4wJ7g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Today is Grant's "Cranioversary".</div>
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And if you saw him on the street, you'd never know the story his first year of life has to tell.</div>
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One year ago today he had his surgery that took us to "the other side" of cranio.</div>
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The miraculously quickly healing side of craniosynostosis.</div>
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Today's tears are joyful.</div>
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They are reflective.</div>
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They are proud, relieved, mesmerized, & grateful.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Before"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"After"</td></tr>
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I've referred to this last month or so as the final step in the cycle of emotions this journey has taken me on. I've looked at pictures, read my blog, and watched videos I didn't even know Doug had taken in the hospital because I was so focused one thing - remaining faithful and calm for our Sweet Baby Grant. I've read and reread notes and emails and comments and prayers. </div>
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"My staff is praying for Grant".</div>
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"We've been praying for you guys at faculty meetings".</div>
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"Our church is praying for healing".</div>
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At this time last year I knew hundreds of people were praying for Grant and our family. What I realize now is that number is exponentially higher than I had ever imagined.</div>
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I feel "fall to my knees" humbled and blessed by the love and support that kept us lifted up this entire journey. The mercy and grace bestowed upon us by our loving God was eminent in you all as the hands and feet of Jesus. I couldn't imagine going through this without the promise of hope the Almighty Healer ALWAYS brings as He truly is good ALL the time. And I most certainly could not imagine how this would have looked without the love and support of our friends, family, & and our church family.</div>
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So how are we celebrating this milestone? I am behind the mic this morning at church and am thankful for our dear friend, "Mr. Jeff" for letting me choose a few of my favorite songs for praise & worship today. And DOUBLE shoutout for putting together the video that would have taken me forever to figure out on my own. Thank you for saving me hours of frustration! ALSO to his "other half" Diana for supporting this task on Jeff's already crazy long "to do" list. We love you guys!</div>
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I've mentioned before that this blog will be printed for Grant as a keepsake. I want him to always know how brave he was and how brave he made me. How much he is loved and how unshakable God's love is. When Uncle Teddy baptized him, our congregation welcomed him into the Lord's family as a child of the same Heavenly Father to work together in His kingdom. I pray he uses this story as a testament to his own faith one day just as I use it to mine.</div>
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Thank you all for being a part of his story. Thank you for joining us on this journey. </div>
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Lord knows we never could have done it alone. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE his beautiful noggin'.</td></tr>
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Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-22583023359975778722016-08-20T12:36:00.002-07:002016-08-20T12:36:12.327-07:00A Year Ago TodayI knew this day was approaching.<div>
I've been thinking about it for weeks.</div>
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There are lots of solid, vivid memories that jump out at me as a mother.</div>
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The positive pregnancy tests, the first ultrasounds, the losses, the labors and deliveries. First steps, first words, first slobbery kisses, first unprovoked, "I love yous". The list goes on.</div>
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But August 20, 2015 was the day my mommy radar was SO off that it knocked me on my butt.</div>
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This photo showed up in my Timehop this morning....</div>
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I remember EXACTLY what I was thinking when I took this picture. I was going to show this to Grant when he was older and reminisce about "That day I had to take you to see a neurosurgeon. It was a 'better safe than sorry' appointment". That word alone, "neurosurgeon", sounded a little scary, but two days prior our pediatrician told us it might be a good idea so I made an appointment ASAP just to "get it over with". </div>
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Doug was away on business (at the same convention he's been attending this week) so my dad INSISTED that he come with me. I kinda thought he was overreacting but didn't turn away the opportunity to have him with me, "just in case."</div>
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A year ago today I had moments of speechlessness.</div>
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A year ago today I was heartbroken,</div>
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A year ago today I cried a LOT of tears and slept almost ZERO minutes.</div>
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A year ago today I heard a word I'd never heard before.....</div>
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Craniosynostosis.</div>
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Thank GOD my dad was with me because as Dr. Tomita waltzed right into explaining what exactly he was going to do to my precious baby's head without skipping a beat, HE was the one listening to the details. I was the one whose brain was acting like the panel from the movie, "Inside Out", run soley by "Disgust" and "Anger".</div>
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"You're gonna do WHAT do my baby?"</div>
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"CraniosynoHUHH?"</div>
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"You aren't touching him".</div>
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"I'm getting a second opinion".</div>
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"So WHAT if he has a misshapen head. Doug & I can raise a tough kid".</div>
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"Where's the "but" or the "or" or the "option" here?"</div>
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I only shut those emotions down when he started talking about the repercussions of NOT having the surgery and that's when "Sadness" and "Fear" stepped in.</div>
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"Why is this happening to HIM? I can't imagine watching my baby experience this pain".</div>
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"Will this surgery be successful?"</div>
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"Could he die?"</div>
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"How soon can we do this?"</div>
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"What is he going to look like afterwards?"</div>
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"How hard is this recovery going to be?"</div>
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The 12 or so hours that followed can be described like "That Scene" in a movie where the main character hears life altering news and a musical montage of images flashes through the screen.</div>
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Driving home with a tear streaked face.</div>
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Calling "Daddy" and Grandma and the other few close friends that had been praying for him. You know.... "Just in case".</div>
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Friends rallying to help before I could tell one foot to step in front of the other.</div>
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The look of horror on the faces of those I had to tell in person.</div>
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Friends coming over to help put my kids to bed.</div>
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Our devotion from that night that still makes my heart skip a beat.</div>
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Then there was the googling and searching and more googling and more searching.</div>
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And the praying. Lots and lots and lots of praying.</div>
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The sun came up and I was a changed woman. A changed mother.</div>
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A year ago tomorrow I faced life with the most unwavering, unfailing faith I never knew I could muster.</div>
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A year ago tomorrow we started preparing for doctors appointments and surgery scheduling and an upcoming hospital stay.</div>
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A year ago tomorrow I embraced the fact that this was going to become a part of our story.</div>
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A year ago tomorrow I felt peace.</div>
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I never discounted the scariness of the facts of what Grant was about to endure, but I thanked God EVERY day that in the realm of things that could go wrong with one of our children, this was to be a short season of a scariness that is reality for some families on a daily basis.</div>
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We all know what happens next.</div>
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Thousands of people prayed for Sweet Baby Grant.</div>
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Surgery was successful.</div>
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Recovery was miraculous.</div>
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Our lives have been forever changed,</div>
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I'm not invincible.</div>
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My kids are not invincible.</div>
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Faith is certainly bigger than fear.</div>
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And most importantly, God is good ALL the time and ALL the time, God is good.</div>
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Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-75568545022943791262015-10-03T11:46:00.000-07:002015-10-03T11:53:14.614-07:00Tomita, Toofers, & THANK YOUGrant had his follow up visit at Lurie's on Tuesday morning where we heard the words, "He looks fabulous!" along with, "See you in 6 months".<br />
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Six MONTHS?! Really?!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn93c7LAB2c2AlozMtMlbLSAFERYpPp1n4yUvp0wEp0Nt3xq0lJ2X39pvvNdX-IaCX4iH0UWzJiZZisfCv_iASE_zY_04c52RZSfZgg5K59wivU0xCIvi5_yMapQUBesg4nGmmc8B3wg/s1600/12031502_574875538744_7455135644544633075_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn93c7LAB2c2AlozMtMlbLSAFERYpPp1n4yUvp0wEp0Nt3xq0lJ2X39pvvNdX-IaCX4iH0UWzJiZZisfCv_iASE_zY_04c52RZSfZgg5K59wivU0xCIvi5_yMapQUBesg4nGmmc8B3wg/s320/12031502_574875538744_7455135644544633075_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grant and his main man, Dr. Tomita</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was both shocked and excited to be able to make his next appointment for the week AFTER his first birthday hoping to have a much less eventful back half of his first year of his life.<br />
<br />
I have to say that I while I've been absolutely thrilled with how well (and QUICKLY!) Grant has been healing, I realized I was breathing JUST a little bit easier after that appointment. After all, my instincts weren't in full effect when this whole thing started so I just admit to myself I have no idea what to think or expect until I hear it from the people who know what they're doing!<br />
<br />
Aside from not sleeping and just a little bit of normal, residual swelling on the back of his head, Grant is back to his absolutely sweet self. I don't know if it was the hospital stay that threw him off, or perhaps it has been a sore tummy from the antibiotics, but I tend to think we can blame his sleeping issues on a combination of all of the hoopla with the main culprit being these adorable toofers making their appearance in his smile! It's that smile along with his giggles and sweet demeanor that completely make up for the interrupted nights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe00chNg0KX0AjmowsanD4FJDAYaj0JSh8JDF_fZVibPm5Mnn-6_vSL5qVHM-9P7eGy4Cwtr1rBY3qpFhuOHMsTmX1fkHSaYY6dbf279QKgvnA6oxc8Vy74IRqFgbDekkwKXSNgDXz4vk/s1600/DSC_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe00chNg0KX0AjmowsanD4FJDAYaj0JSh8JDF_fZVibPm5Mnn-6_vSL5qVHM-9P7eGy4Cwtr1rBY3qpFhuOHMsTmX1fkHSaYY6dbf279QKgvnA6oxc8Vy74IRqFgbDekkwKXSNgDXz4vk/s320/DSC_1073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And last, but CERTAINLY not least, I wanted to share with all who have been praying for Grant and our family for the last number of weeks a letter I sent out to all the people who have physically been helping us. For, as you'll read, it has taken a family of believers and lovers to get us through this and for all of you we are SO blessed and SO thankful......<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">To know Lindsay Coil is to know I love
nothing more than to write a timely, heartfelt “thank you” note upon receiving
a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I very genuinely want to sit
down and write personalized notes to each and every person who has been an
integral part of helping us survive the past few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem, as you can imagine, is
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would take me forever and I
want to thank you NOW!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">While it’s very much NOT my style to write a
blanket “thank you”, I came to realize as I pondered what I wanted to say in
this letter, that in this circumstance it’s actually very appropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because, you see, whatever you did, whatever
you said, whatever you made, whatever you gifted, YOU worked together as a
family of God to help and watch Grant make a miraculously quick recovery.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Maybe you made us a meal or brought a
gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may have sent a card or
visited or watched my big kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
brought coffee or sent words of scripture and encouragement or offered a
perfectly, well timed hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You prayed
for Grant in the quiet of your bedroom or your car or even directly over his
head.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">You were thoughtful, you loved us, and you
kept our spirits up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for YOU I am
eternally grateful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; font-size: 48.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: text1;">THANK YOU.</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Thank
you, thank you, a gazillion times thank you.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Thank
you for loving Grant.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Thank
you for loving me.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Thank
you for loving my family.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">You
are very much loved back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">With All My Love,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe Script",sans-serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Lindsay </span></div>
Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-75829771944647380482015-09-28T12:37:00.001-07:002015-09-28T13:04:29.999-07:00My Brave BoyLet me preface this story by saying I am not shocked nor offended by people who ask me what happened to Grant's head. In fact I welcome it! It's interesting to me that more often than not, it's a younger child who will be more inclined to approach me. <div><br></div><div>But someone made a comment the other day that has stuck with me as a most memorable moment in this journey. </div><div><br></div><div>We were checking out at Walgreens and the young lady behind the counter looked me in the eyes and said, "Wow, what a brave little boy you have there". </div><div><br></div><div>How awesome is she?</div><div><br></div><div>I share this because she is such a positive role model for fostering acceptance and compassion. Stick that comment in your repertoire for the next time you're wondering whether or not you should approach someone. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHtbT0awKR7Zhr6k6Bd7fUwtg2xmVuowRKd7EF0ZvnnxtL3Xvt_Dhgu6oxYtLQCPJN0VsTyj3kCooLtqRdGcsC7-PVTLICSoP9JVLJpGqMIOUFw2RrY7Kml7R1TUVcTGIkx2ksskCp3c/s640/blogger-image-1691797988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHtbT0awKR7Zhr6k6Bd7fUwtg2xmVuowRKd7EF0ZvnnxtL3Xvt_Dhgu6oxYtLQCPJN0VsTyj3kCooLtqRdGcsC7-PVTLICSoP9JVLJpGqMIOUFw2RrY7Kml7R1TUVcTGIkx2ksskCp3c/s640/blogger-image-1691797988.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>After giving her the quick story (yes, yes - Lindsay Coil IS capable of keeping it brief, believe it or not!) she said, "Rock on, Little Buddy, you're a stud."</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkij3wdpP-GgA_WRJgJohHj1_cVjfnLrHpJC_WgVbohSFiOszipm1TJGojpt6FiwYAb3PE8LKUpsa_QD6Q45b8QNPFX4kE1jWb3DUtWjpvdOZi6H1XX_wMG8NIyf3kcemZtEIfJiRsLk/s640/blogger-image-257983705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkij3wdpP-GgA_WRJgJohHj1_cVjfnLrHpJC_WgVbohSFiOszipm1TJGojpt6FiwYAb3PE8LKUpsa_QD6Q45b8QNPFX4kE1jWb3DUtWjpvdOZi6H1XX_wMG8NIyf3kcemZtEIfJiRsLk/s640/blogger-image-257983705.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I completely agree. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-34318467360782362922015-09-19T04:42:00.001-07:002015-09-19T05:03:02.043-07:00Half BirthdayOur littlest man is half a year old. <div>He's quite an experienced little guy!<br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreIHJXV9mxnEyg2AghXy4sibrvx345F786yOt4qbYQvbpLwcKDcDHmYr82mqZr5v8ASc3QN4hQ8ZQ8e5gCH1KoIrtC8uMi4pAsE-rhsqTA81Cf70-TrdjcV2WY9YQ1ziDbuZ7aLvVXWU/s640/blogger-image--1245310363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreIHJXV9mxnEyg2AghXy4sibrvx345F786yOt4qbYQvbpLwcKDcDHmYr82mqZr5v8ASc3QN4hQ8ZQ8e5gCH1KoIrtC8uMi4pAsE-rhsqTA81Cf70-TrdjcV2WY9YQ1ziDbuZ7aLvVXWU/s640/blogger-image--1245310363.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Could his shirt be any more true? He sure did nail it!</div><div><br></div><div>Imagine my excitement when the doctor came in our room yesterday morning and told us to get out of there and go home! I always make a little bit of a fuss for my kids half birthdays, but this one was extra special in my mind and I REALLY wanted to be home for it. </div><div><br></div><div>It was at his 5 month visit (August 18) we were told to call the neurosurgeon. </div><div>August 20th we met Dr Tomita</div><div>August 25th he had CT and bloodwork </div><div>September 11th was surgery </div><div>September 15th discharged from Luries</div><div>September 16th admitted to NCH</div><div>And finally home for good I HOPE on the 18th. </div><div><br></div><div>That's QUITE a month!</div><div><br></div><div>My mom and Trevor came to get us from the hospital. The boys were happy to see each other!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqqgwMPz7ZgtJjgF_i_dVuBs8W3GnIKQww0R4Yrl9GrlRCurO5jo4y_hylIlRfwp5gA6xhKrR7GGqUzUPElkyhiMKqurZ7CZUPfm_Nrqo7I53i2HZs7n4IkzLUqgmf5ZOJxkOifijmqQ/s640/blogger-image-772301029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqqgwMPz7ZgtJjgF_i_dVuBs8W3GnIKQww0R4Yrl9GrlRCurO5jo4y_hylIlRfwp5gA6xhKrR7GGqUzUPElkyhiMKqurZ7CZUPfm_Nrqo7I53i2HZs7n4IkzLUqgmf5ZOJxkOifijmqQ/s640/blogger-image-772301029.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And then I had my friend Katie pick up Mallory from school and take her to Berry Yo so I could surprise her there. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJq8IsQHmyU3p7sw51DUJz2gUw8czZPjmIeZvZPsDG33HV-PGpAgVJAo01tdNEhvQvQoLWDfAvl5K9eQRRTbdGjPp2MGjx5NxAwbrL591C8aj38DYmOf5hF_ftW05O4uxKmkyAQM9bEgY/s640/blogger-image--135918886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJq8IsQHmyU3p7sw51DUJz2gUw8czZPjmIeZvZPsDG33HV-PGpAgVJAo01tdNEhvQvQoLWDfAvl5K9eQRRTbdGjPp2MGjx5NxAwbrL591C8aj38DYmOf5hF_ftW05O4uxKmkyAQM9bEgY/s640/blogger-image--135918886.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>On the way home she said, "Mom, when Katie told me we were going to Berry Yo my body said, 'Man I wish Mommy could be there'. And then you surprised me!"</div><div><br></div><div>Katie's kids were happy to see Grant too although Mallory let them know there were "too many people up in his grill". What a character!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPkpaWuSiNIxCIR1gq40EP2x3OBGmMv7I1vDOOOjO0oYg2TR4pUvEiHi8JpnJTqeuhtJTMF7IjIwuoyMT3ZsDdbK0TmFnpvglHMVcovzNqYDwWy-XXusC94_LPtSg74BymiJ_vLHVFG4/s640/blogger-image-1508573307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPkpaWuSiNIxCIR1gq40EP2x3OBGmMv7I1vDOOOjO0oYg2TR4pUvEiHi8JpnJTqeuhtJTMF7IjIwuoyMT3ZsDdbK0TmFnpvglHMVcovzNqYDwWy-XXusC94_LPtSg74BymiJ_vLHVFG4/s640/blogger-image-1508573307.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I decided to ignore the piles of laundry and all of the other catch up housework and just spend a fun afternoon with all three of my kids. We baked a skillet cookie for Grant, danced in the kitchen, let Trevor cover himself with bandaids, made popcorn & snuggled up for a movie, and Mallory and I read "just ONE more chapter" four or five times at bedtime. </div><div><br></div><div>It was perfect. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofiyHzx9dx-LYKPaIr1Z_ksrPpXpNJvrHh3YuDGUhBsmRVY0ThjqvIsAc8_xvA-FY0UuKME3YCgNTKGvAKEnyYKenAIAShbVgCDRXUz8PDOboQ2lvxBvpSqKesw9iW-H5pWGHKf4Hnzo/s640/blogger-image-1752561827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofiyHzx9dx-LYKPaIr1Z_ksrPpXpNJvrHh3YuDGUhBsmRVY0ThjqvIsAc8_xvA-FY0UuKME3YCgNTKGvAKEnyYKenAIAShbVgCDRXUz8PDOboQ2lvxBvpSqKesw9iW-H5pWGHKf4Hnzo/s640/blogger-image-1752561827.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Grant's swelling continues to go down every day and as it does I see him looking more and more like his brother and sister. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrYfqIcKBaF5vxygetrK0YUjXV7JMfvlsSu6-Vqz7f-3SVDQklRf54IYaFVyELs4Nw2lKcMMY4MemRwDJSNkemzRc7bBaXMyHJ0O1RN-4LVzAOE6E0kzLGt5oLzQ3dlFF-zmuO2ShSZ0/s640/blogger-image--1953207819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrYfqIcKBaF5vxygetrK0YUjXV7JMfvlsSu6-Vqz7f-3SVDQklRf54IYaFVyELs4Nw2lKcMMY4MemRwDJSNkemzRc7bBaXMyHJ0O1RN-4LVzAOE6E0kzLGt5oLzQ3dlFF-zmuO2ShSZ0/s640/blogger-image--1953207819.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I am one BLESSED Mommy. </div><div><br></div></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-32429772961122805362015-09-18T03:49:00.001-07:002015-09-18T04:25:24.853-07:00Still HereFound out at 6:30pm on Thursday that we were gonna be spending the night here again. All afternoon I had been led to believe we'd be going home. <div><br></div><div>Needless to say, I wasn't very happy. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E38Lnb9P0-XcYfiP6qfA1LceOtobbvrb3PL9opAep5BX-yynGLA9HBnJbJGSHqpATbYkpGL2AHhqBF6RfccRQ6pMKJFIBK6cRcjB_h4Pnw6UZwfXO98ap3-Hfky3mE34NSXdTfOdhKo/s640/blogger-image-994477444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E38Lnb9P0-XcYfiP6qfA1LceOtobbvrb3PL9opAep5BX-yynGLA9HBnJbJGSHqpATbYkpGL2AHhqBF6RfccRQ6pMKJFIBK6cRcjB_h4Pnw6UZwfXO98ap3-Hfky3mE34NSXdTfOdhKo/s640/blogger-image-994477444.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Dr Jung walked in and talked to us at great length about WHY he was keeping him. It's important, yes. I understand. I get it, but I don't really want to get into the specifics. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5EnEvt1pNESwOsw0q2mpbvQx_QLpivIMHmGoEOl0nQiSu6Zy0_CPxQIwyVhP7JdXg1sTOv_5g7b5gUHw82I3aQfm4eu_VE8lf6tqvrWNXyLFpGXk4QItpEvLdWUeaHjePcuTmFsWNPI/s640/blogger-image--144855969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5EnEvt1pNESwOsw0q2mpbvQx_QLpivIMHmGoEOl0nQiSu6Zy0_CPxQIwyVhP7JdXg1sTOv_5g7b5gUHw82I3aQfm4eu_VE8lf6tqvrWNXyLFpGXk4QItpEvLdWUeaHjePcuTmFsWNPI/s640/blogger-image--144855969.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>ALL I needed to hear was....</div><div><br></div><div>"If it were MY baby, I would want him here."</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you, Dr Jung for putting on your Dad Hat for a minute because those ten words resonated with me more than anything about wheezing and <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">bronchioles.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Doug stayed with the baby so I could go home, shower, grab some things, and most of all, SNUGGLE my big kids. They've been through a lot this week too. Hearing Mallory's choked up voice say, "I just want us to be a family again" was enough to make the tears flow. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">But (there's always a but!) her bedtime devotion was focused on allowing God to be in control. We looked at each other and giggled because time and time again her "Jesus Calling" devotion for the day meets us EXACTLY where we're at. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHqreKna5Y9rmW1tidsAFcZ_69H-f2wGdhqLWYK0hsiSXTN5wuci5rg632bWgUdHHfTelz88bMsRoXNDPDTesABejzAVWl22E7DtlGw3ThN9hsePLU2TQX57ammDaYhVa_psp4FpHxtA/s640/blogger-image-46791811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHqreKna5Y9rmW1tidsAFcZ_69H-f2wGdhqLWYK0hsiSXTN5wuci5rg632bWgUdHHfTelz88bMsRoXNDPDTesABejzAVWl22E7DtlGw3ThN9hsePLU2TQX57ammDaYhVa_psp4FpHxtA/s640/blogger-image-46791811.jpg"></a></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div>Biggest victory for the night was the best sleep both Grant and I have had in a week. That doesn't mean I'm not counting down the minutes til my first sip of coffee. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxDbwdgCnzlLqR41KaDvKi5VmKf1UP1GJ-bvEsEON8IQ2q6HfjoO8FLKQ-YEn4B3K4dHetAl0yRxRnaQ6XV_4oA4PpZDPCLrSflxGDt8ZX_TA3zVdf9DXtUPWfRdpk860QRFOpisCfjs/s640/blogger-image-1740057360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxDbwdgCnzlLqR41KaDvKi5VmKf1UP1GJ-bvEsEON8IQ2q6HfjoO8FLKQ-YEn4B3K4dHetAl0yRxRnaQ6XV_4oA4PpZDPCLrSflxGDt8ZX_TA3zVdf9DXtUPWfRdpk860QRFOpisCfjs/s640/blogger-image-1740057360.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-90837504749098760452015-09-17T13:05:00.001-07:002015-09-17T13:09:17.134-07:00BronchiolitisPoor Buddy!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefV-yG2XeJFMISw_AzVv2DejUsK0Y6gdy7Jud9hy9hqFPENMXdNtzKbxP4fsc9TRFccbjsKAGPiwUF_ENNcY_PbFoXGdin8op0-wDfrcbJMWcK-6N8iuOsN3NOTfsmq9yNTvpd9gTwVU/s640/blogger-image--723741679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefV-yG2XeJFMISw_AzVv2DejUsK0Y6gdy7Jud9hy9hqFPENMXdNtzKbxP4fsc9TRFccbjsKAGPiwUF_ENNcY_PbFoXGdin8op0-wDfrcbJMWcK-6N8iuOsN3NOTfsmq9yNTvpd9gTwVU/s640/blogger-image--723741679.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Took him to the pediatrician for a nebulizer treatment hoping it would make him a little more comfortable. He has a bit of a cough and some wheezing that was getting progressively worse. </div><div><br></div><div>Taking a conservative approach given what he's been through, we were sent to the pediatric ER at Northwest Community. Chest X-Ray confirmed bronchiolitis, which is basically baby bronchitis. Thankfully he tested negative for RSV and X-Ray showed no pneumonia. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9F0g7MRNw2WQB3ChicW5pRTaLTiaWE3yrWvgH7SyhIru3-syU19HTVAtbKALqnUtxIJlDvCjdfmibupEuL_s737-M_HWCW6cc1pLSLlZRzBQlu_dZMvK5tJU1GVTxWOkk5xR4ipgF9M/s640/blogger-image--1162298945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9F0g7MRNw2WQB3ChicW5pRTaLTiaWE3yrWvgH7SyhIru3-syU19HTVAtbKALqnUtxIJlDvCjdfmibupEuL_s737-M_HWCW6cc1pLSLlZRzBQlu_dZMvK5tJU1GVTxWOkk5xR4ipgF9M/s640/blogger-image--1162298945.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>They decided to admit him for monitoring which I think was a really smart move. Last thing I would have wanted to do was have to rush here in the middle of the night should his condition worsen. </div><div><br></div><div>The worst part of this whole ordeal was watching them try... and fail.... twice. to start an IV. I pleaded to let them try loading him up on pedialyte to hydrate him instead and they gracefully obliged. I couldn't watch another vein blow. I know all too well how badly that hurts!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbhVrcpv3wF7UwryxoPMVBCqZawurzckLxpk3ZbmqhG3pQ_j4v9RjpHLbiiL-i5kXIj7r_1fGaw3U7tnzaluEQbuhRfTD4XQgcgn_J1QT4K1_u_BmPTYFZERvvVDaMA1RR18VLjJIT8o/s640/blogger-image-493684034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbhVrcpv3wF7UwryxoPMVBCqZawurzckLxpk3ZbmqhG3pQ_j4v9RjpHLbiiL-i5kXIj7r_1fGaw3U7tnzaluEQbuhRfTD4XQgcgn_J1QT4K1_u_BmPTYFZERvvVDaMA1RR18VLjJIT8o/s640/blogger-image-493684034.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Long story short, the tentative plan is to be discharged after his 5pm breathing treatment, continuing the treatments every four hours at home. OBVIOUSLY I will stay another night if that's what docs deem safest and best, but I'm ready to be home!</div><div><br></div><div>And our Sweet Baby Grant? He continues to schmooze and flirt with nurses. Everyone here loves him. His personality is DEFINITELY returning and I even got some giggles out of him today!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzkJTm67sq4jwTYQLM8gPmah8bv0iPyU5aJB4Ar0-U44_ZU9XqgJLG5ULcy2sISJH2oLzcGTeBhgLLfZ1tPHYt7hFKFGP-uv1cbmtBMm4OcFyq0BLJcVmxlwtHEbKGDrPz0hZAb6uK9U/s640/blogger-image--1911005284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzkJTm67sq4jwTYQLM8gPmah8bv0iPyU5aJB4Ar0-U44_ZU9XqgJLG5ULcy2sISJH2oLzcGTeBhgLLfZ1tPHYt7hFKFGP-uv1cbmtBMm4OcFyq0BLJcVmxlwtHEbKGDrPz0hZAb6uK9U/s640/blogger-image--1911005284.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-42875058045406664872015-09-16T03:22:00.001-07:002015-09-16T04:19:48.127-07:00Home Sweet Home<div><br></div>We are home! This mama is TIRED but my heart is happy. <div><br></div><div>We did it. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTR_dlsahSxUboy5Y88L9EvLvYkd3m52O3NcIkyn1McpjGKvSORM42mnOS-H6q5s5j_AXBZww4AvPDYTetK5Xvqe1wbiS55jnpxfqsNuYdi7znr_PghuE4dAU_DFKbwYSWk9N2aoHg58/s640/blogger-image-713591040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTR_dlsahSxUboy5Y88L9EvLvYkd3m52O3NcIkyn1McpjGKvSORM42mnOS-H6q5s5j_AXBZww4AvPDYTetK5Xvqe1wbiS55jnpxfqsNuYdi7znr_PghuE4dAU_DFKbwYSWk9N2aoHg58/s640/blogger-image-713591040.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Even though it already seems like a dream, we did it. </div><div><br></div><div>When I start to ask, "Did that REALLY happen?", I have proof. Just look at the difference five short days made...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd0OVGElj2KFO8wwjSC4HYYFMcGGu-nYGQDghZLOsqo79WD6jmE_h-c2vAKwlTsODxAa0Y4lDyaZHsGc5p7io2ZaLeYkwCKlsByLmWizBt0pCNheo_bI-pjbYkW_Ga8mrOpr7ddBHzkI/s640/blogger-image-29101087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd0OVGElj2KFO8wwjSC4HYYFMcGGu-nYGQDghZLOsqo79WD6jmE_h-c2vAKwlTsODxAa0Y4lDyaZHsGc5p7io2ZaLeYkwCKlsByLmWizBt0pCNheo_bI-pjbYkW_Ga8mrOpr7ddBHzkI/s640/blogger-image-29101087.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I mean, he was unbelievably cute before, but it wasn't until I put the pictures side by side that I realized just how narrow the top of his head was. Now just look at all the room he has for that precious brain to grow. Might I add, I think he looks pretty darn handsome!</div><div><br></div><div>The other proof we have is the very large incision he has across the very top of the back of his head. The one that is strategically placed so well that A) you can't see it from the front and B) doesn't bother him at all when he rests his head anywhere. I didn't know such a spot existed on our heads, but it does! </div><div><br></div><div>Any photos I've posted of him were taken and edited in a way that I felt like I was able to protect him a little bit. Let's call a spade a spade - there were a couple of days there where he looked just plain awful and a little startling. I was used to it because I watched it gradually happen and I looked at him through a mother's eyes. Had you walked into that room over the weekend, he likely would have made you gasp a bit. </div><div><br></div><div>Here's my point - My purpose for sharing this journey wasn't for a medical journal or for shock value. If anyone wants to see the "scary pics", they're out there. They're easily accessible. I saw many of them the night of August 20th, the night I couldn't sleep after learning of Grant's diagnosis and pending surgery. The night I ferociously prayed for comfort over fear. The night I decided that I couldn't do this alone. </div><div><br></div><div>And THAT is why I shared my journey. So that God's Kingdom could come together to praise Jesus in the storm and join me in those ferocious prayers of strength and healing. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPS3CUbb1pZvKd0T2XSuNy9-6cikcXXs3IyTIIC0lko7khyphenhyphenyVBNF7Tzcdhu-u7laO-9jtGmF9qGgjYwmUEEu1sgVHDlm2AWIek7_PBgQOtxoWDthLYRpmbzpfhcXVaYkDvbFaKbKX6xg/s640/blogger-image-276285565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPS3CUbb1pZvKd0T2XSuNy9-6cikcXXs3IyTIIC0lko7khyphenhyphenyVBNF7Tzcdhu-u7laO-9jtGmF9qGgjYwmUEEu1sgVHDlm2AWIek7_PBgQOtxoWDthLYRpmbzpfhcXVaYkDvbFaKbKX6xg/s640/blogger-image-276285565.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>So I'm not posting pictures of his incision. Not because I'm embarrassed or vain but because I just don't feel it's necessary. If you see us, you'll see it! It's large. Doug counted sixty stitches last night when we gave him a bath, and those are just the external ones. We were told they stitched him up both internally and externally. The back of his head is still very swollen and lumpy and his neck, especially behind his ears, is quite bruised. But he's my little Super Grant and he, no exaggeration, continues to heal hour by hour. </div><div><br></div><div>What I will eventually share on my blog is his scar. I decided during our hospital stay that although it may sound weird, I'm happy he's going to have a scar. Even though it will some day be hidden by his hair, I want him to wear it with proudly. </div><div><br></div><div>I want him to know how strong he was. </div><div><br></div><div>I want him to know he strengthened people's faith. </div><div><br></div><div>He strengthened my faith!</div><div><br></div><div>I want him to know all the small miracles we watched happen in Room 1909. </div><div><br></div><div>His scar will have quite the story to tell. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEMP3L9V9Ld-eQe4CeD2GIXjUbKJ6JhZ64pe9o56S9d6jB3oEndFJVq9w9_GyfNqZfit4QAKE7qE_2ckVd2l1cWIzFGtWsUcrG3Si00kCPvQ3IvnzmBcPOdVdA7sKJUStgntCoRDrHGY/s640/blogger-image--363504383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEMP3L9V9Ld-eQe4CeD2GIXjUbKJ6JhZ64pe9o56S9d6jB3oEndFJVq9w9_GyfNqZfit4QAKE7qE_2ckVd2l1cWIzFGtWsUcrG3Si00kCPvQ3IvnzmBcPOdVdA7sKJUStgntCoRDrHGY/s640/blogger-image--363504383.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-65056980161412655242015-09-14T13:54:00.001-07:002015-09-14T19:14:28.330-07:00This Is What Unwavering Faith Looks Like<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I knew it would happen...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXVkd5mr-xHFPAPrmHIgDs2TM0SyrMTsPmeh2_KUnjx0pB_7YR5UWDod-6NNpDTCGIQKnvpGb7Un9TEU1eog1Bg2lfCwNVp-mdvFCph1l-3ea1aFr7Dnbx34Y3N3fVVAIKwByxjh4E_s/s640/blogger-image-509633910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXVkd5mr-xHFPAPrmHIgDs2TM0SyrMTsPmeh2_KUnjx0pB_7YR5UWDod-6NNpDTCGIQKnvpGb7Un9TEU1eog1Bg2lfCwNVp-mdvFCph1l-3ea1aFr7Dnbx34Y3N3fVVAIKwByxjh4E_s/s640/blogger-image-509633910.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But I didn't know how amazingly emotional of a moment it would be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just when I thought I couldn't love a little human any more, this boy peeked through his still swollen, but healing eyelids, laid eyes on me, and smiled. My heart soared and I fell in love with him all over again. And I cried like a baby. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpFi1X34M3_CQZ-msYn3sFGjobY9Bihg0DkBE4gHm__dDTlFf8Qm72j0KRyPPSekkvBFCJ6UgqQ9zJLRyza8OsIB8UXK4_7HYVmQV0SYgfK_gWcNv24aY_jqcttEPlpBBg2wdDHykXSE/s640/blogger-image-771575096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpFi1X34M3_CQZ-msYn3sFGjobY9Bihg0DkBE4gHm__dDTlFf8Qm72j0KRyPPSekkvBFCJ6UgqQ9zJLRyza8OsIB8UXK4_7HYVmQV0SYgfK_gWcNv24aY_jqcttEPlpBBg2wdDHykXSE/s640/blogger-image-771575096.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">His hemoglobin is up to 9, a really great number. I got to hold him upright and walk around with him for awhile. That felt "normal" and he loved it as much as I did. We also put him in the stroller and went for a little walk around the unit. While we were out we FaceTimed the big kids. My GOODNESS, I miss them so much! I couldn't be more thankful to my parents for taking such good care of them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhOxkQgpRC7GRjh1jYig5eUDkE6a2h-_hS1a5eMrC2a58UTkX9wr3yuBk7jrmQ6Gn3QSfaVQEp-eDVapCDtv-CWNZObyXsd9UmNnNbGlt6RIxvtYycL2Iov5OyGkwPCXn0t_R9cJoLws/s640/blogger-image--633952985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhOxkQgpRC7GRjh1jYig5eUDkE6a2h-_hS1a5eMrC2a58UTkX9wr3yuBk7jrmQ6Gn3QSfaVQEp-eDVapCDtv-CWNZObyXsd9UmNnNbGlt6RIxvtYycL2Iov5OyGkwPCXn0t_R9cJoLws/s640/blogger-image--633952985.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's funny to watch him look at his surroundings that I've become very accustomed to the last few days. I realized today JUST how expressive his eyes are now that he can use them again. He was making a lot of faces like the one above as if to say, "OH! So THAT'S what this thing on my arm looks like!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyS1NcuK6qej1LjJFeS_onllt-Rgg9rW2S5A732ogOKeoQfAcXU0hcUE4xNgV3xCwQu4b2te7Fhuvgj4iZqb5TGtDpOXiLrPwlD92Sa52R7xosJcml5F6sj7uKtBwy7mM8kF2j3F8px0I/s640/blogger-image-1041439302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyS1NcuK6qej1LjJFeS_onllt-Rgg9rW2S5A732ogOKeoQfAcXU0hcUE4xNgV3xCwQu4b2te7Fhuvgj4iZqb5TGtDpOXiLrPwlD92Sa52R7xosJcml5F6sj7uKtBwy7mM8kF2j3F8px0I/s640/blogger-image-1041439302.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The sheer number of people praying for this boy is overwhelming. Being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, I'd think it's safe to say Grant has been running, with GREAT perseverance, the race marked out for him. And Friends.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFdbP2d-wQjvVWhqqE0L3r-eCDwh4uX-zX_RVjiMU3peJBQYy-3cn8S8njScAEeh5gBAuC-I26LOHzWDP0m9NzcTI-0vW3ri4LYpOvdZHC50ZVmfUsn-EC8Kq5_hhfkGQce7JPh9NXTI/s640/blogger-image-90900860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFdbP2d-wQjvVWhqqE0L3r-eCDwh4uX-zX_RVjiMU3peJBQYy-3cn8S8njScAEeh5gBAuC-I26LOHzWDP0m9NzcTI-0vW3ri4LYpOvdZHC50ZVmfUsn-EC8Kq5_hhfkGQce7JPh9NXTI/s640/blogger-image-90900860.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">....HE IS WINNING!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQo07_fl-dHTe-9LVSspvKDhMqDoSw2YPWulKFNfp-f5_KLbmH9PZh4hBKFkflnxtU4KCs1PQRdEKAe04kr66Gc77n-vOApIhoJo8CYLRo_hggP_Nw0IlLcGD_22WQ-hxzSQObiiKtjA/s640/blogger-image-349469560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQo07_fl-dHTe-9LVSspvKDhMqDoSw2YPWulKFNfp-f5_KLbmH9PZh4hBKFkflnxtU4KCs1PQRdEKAe04kr66Gc77n-vOApIhoJo8CYLRo_hggP_Nw0IlLcGD_22WQ-hxzSQObiiKtjA/s640/blogger-image-349469560.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-42060874204915517772015-09-14T10:01:00.001-07:002015-09-14T10:37:23.932-07:00Day 4 ExcitementWhat a morning. <div><br></div><div>Not uncommon to craniofacial patients, Grant's hemoglobin dropped to 5.2 requiring a blood transfusion. </div><div><br></div><div>That IV that hung on through the night for pain meds wasn't gonna cut it for a four hour blood transfusion. </div><div><br></div><div>So that meant starting a new IV. I was praying HARD that it would not be a huge ordeal for him knowing IVs were an issue pre op. Just minutes before they came in to start it, I got what I've been waiting for...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTARZCwbKYPJrMOgUeY4nyKfhJiTgFYcMotsGGiPMrIilnvZ5jGq2D2nDn9ueOOHO7BAxCfKbWSgOy3eTdqiwSXiRivsgqCjxzDhPwrQmsWInlyqOth-Q5g6Ogg9c2StmB6kG6dJRoGf4/s640/blogger-image--1397169330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTARZCwbKYPJrMOgUeY4nyKfhJiTgFYcMotsGGiPMrIilnvZ5jGq2D2nDn9ueOOHO7BAxCfKbWSgOy3eTdqiwSXiRivsgqCjxzDhPwrQmsWInlyqOth-Q5g6Ogg9c2StmB6kG6dJRoGf4/s640/blogger-image--1397169330.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>THE BEST SMILE I HAVE EVER SEEN!!</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks to AMAZING NURSES from both the floor and anesthesia, they got an IV started on the first attempt. It took some doing and a lot of patience, but they did it. Praise Jesus!</div><div><br></div><div>They got started around 11 so he'll be done around 3. His hemoglobin will be checked again at 6. Obviously we're hoping numbers will be back to normal. </div><div><br></div><div>So here we wait. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtQQVC7bdJQ0GaFzn4xlmRkF4Bpyb390ITXKoV02BBg9YJL_J7q5LnkwvKJ80GWK8c3SX7gU9GHrlLBjHZHipgQQH3u_ZL5m1OqEMkGerspDjj26NrpJ9RW2YRc3cHAQ_JXlRyQz0Bb0/s640/blogger-image-1371073327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtQQVC7bdJQ0GaFzn4xlmRkF4Bpyb390ITXKoV02BBg9YJL_J7q5LnkwvKJ80GWK8c3SX7gU9GHrlLBjHZHipgQQH3u_ZL5m1OqEMkGerspDjj26NrpJ9RW2YRc3cHAQ_JXlRyQz0Bb0/s640/blogger-image-1371073327.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>What a rockstar. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrEXWJrRFVlihh2mpCr8ShNMJtKplO5NdFSGpbx_vAtEM74xw9sL9gdhBWKatwtrAOVhmIwVR9h2raMgEa6JDTUbaTQvZvUJTOZKTtTNkdMHSoHZVDClxyPhKDV9sLbUOJ7zEnvuHsTE/s640/blogger-image-1208394629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrEXWJrRFVlihh2mpCr8ShNMJtKplO5NdFSGpbx_vAtEM74xw9sL9gdhBWKatwtrAOVhmIwVR9h2raMgEa6JDTUbaTQvZvUJTOZKTtTNkdMHSoHZVDClxyPhKDV9sLbUOJ7zEnvuHsTE/s640/blogger-image-1208394629.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-40578502605842352382015-09-14T03:10:00.001-07:002015-09-14T03:33:09.704-07:00Waiting<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We had some victories over night. His IV is still in tact. Yay! That sock must have compressed it just enough to make him more comfortable. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5bjuBdMdwtKEhZWPW3FtcObr97Rbn1ScxHPojlxD_OPJLJ65qB0Df7ZhqkyG7sEVL4oKvzYzRHejkXoYfRfhP-WkSHwSCR7uoje6f7D_5Z1RdOL3ZqIDq56BsMoprN-5QT9EZhdxxu0/s640/blogger-image-1462643784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5bjuBdMdwtKEhZWPW3FtcObr97Rbn1ScxHPojlxD_OPJLJ65qB0Df7ZhqkyG7sEVL4oKvzYzRHejkXoYfRfhP-WkSHwSCR7uoje6f7D_5Z1RdOL3ZqIDq56BsMoprN-5QT9EZhdxxu0/s640/blogger-image-1462643784.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Because of that, he slept better. And because HE slept better, MAMA slept better! It may sound silly, but my prayer last night was that I'd get at least one good two hour stretch of sleep so that I could face a new day with endurance to remain faithful and strong for Mr. Grant. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxux3o1HCcLHeJ_7l-0kglE7i_3WcHXEhyphenhyphen_LA5VKV6rQkcH93kXeueDEdmTuujnQabpJDvQi-2OIhK90CiJ-_bEFWdC15JIDcZ4FducXl3WG_2sBEnMtAXC9vLqzrLUPGC00INX9gi1Zc/s640/blogger-image-687765159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxux3o1HCcLHeJ_7l-0kglE7i_3WcHXEhyphenhyphen_LA5VKV6rQkcH93kXeueDEdmTuujnQabpJDvQi-2OIhK90CiJ-_bEFWdC15JIDcZ4FducXl3WG_2sBEnMtAXC9vLqzrLUPGC00INX9gi1Zc/s640/blogger-image-687765159.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Not only did I sleep for two hours straight, but after waking late in the 12:00 hour to change and feed him, I then slept for THREE straight hours. It helped that the order for checking his vitals was extended to every four hours. </div><div><br></div><div>First thing I did was look at his heart rate and found it in the 140s & 150s. MUCH better than last night. We are currently snuggled up in the chair and it continues to remain lower. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDVVgZZk51B1SsLsF6XpWWi7-f22-Fq5HdjOdX-5qwI-F8mvS6JYHOQcTH1sO6yVHeHrI_jDlBRWncESki7XN8l-SX8YHwlBNRoO2Reet9p0Fu-XrSuhdXO-qmd49TpxDVDa2HGPTvFE/s640/blogger-image-788511989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDVVgZZk51B1SsLsF6XpWWi7-f22-Fq5HdjOdX-5qwI-F8mvS6JYHOQcTH1sO6yVHeHrI_jDlBRWncESki7XN8l-SX8YHwlBNRoO2Reet9p0Fu-XrSuhdXO-qmd49TpxDVDa2HGPTvFE/s640/blogger-image-788511989.jpg"></a></div> </div></div><div>If be lying if I didn't say there was a part of me that was hanging on to hope that his eyes would open with the sunrise. It doesn't look like that will be the case, but that's ok! Prayers have overwhelmed me with patience and I know it will be oh, so worth the wait. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkT_Aqvw0kbhdE5XWZGmZR7tUhs35ql16rSe91FvxWtzO_YO00WLK23dZClwCK4_Q2t3spsnJVR7xilmlc2qM2VzOGjgT5I3djyRhIyAduzC_VHrssichvItuXWYUWNXwaHh9O83hWOU/s640/blogger-image-418204369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkT_Aqvw0kbhdE5XWZGmZR7tUhs35ql16rSe91FvxWtzO_YO00WLK23dZClwCK4_Q2t3spsnJVR7xilmlc2qM2VzOGjgT5I3djyRhIyAduzC_VHrssichvItuXWYUWNXwaHh9O83hWOU/s640/blogger-image-418204369.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Praying the next post brings a pic of my smiling son!</div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-33907540354020389642015-09-13T18:48:00.001-07:002015-09-13T19:15:03.469-07:00Better By The HourI It's gonna be hard for me to go to sleep because it's hard to take my eyes off this sweet baby. I'm not exaggerating when I say I'm watching the swelling subside right before my very eyes. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61xGSL8RELIXCHm9QKyP-y6HkjkBa5Lz183q-puowAiOAXb3sZDPZ9vG_MFsrvw8OByeP7ZqYZkFtiGInJ-XymWLwC0d1ODmBmvj1FfvSM0Sx_oX-hH4kYZq255UbUKjydR89xRyP9ZI/s640/blogger-image-938149769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61xGSL8RELIXCHm9QKyP-y6HkjkBa5Lz183q-puowAiOAXb3sZDPZ9vG_MFsrvw8OByeP7ZqYZkFtiGInJ-XymWLwC0d1ODmBmvj1FfvSM0Sx_oX-hH4kYZq255UbUKjydR89xRyP9ZI/s640/blogger-image-938149769.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>The difference in swelling between about 4pm and now 9pm(ish) is incredible! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvI6HDKwPar-XP-fSLe1GDctm0WODdF1MXd9SGRMJ7BYMth_1oPzBGAsZPXXRnQfjXW46glwDCzY2jg-jEgNfWLOtjDn63gy64tvkAGng79dsYLcwxufuMEC-obsJC8pDEhl-bv-SGyQ/s640/blogger-image--1009060040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvI6HDKwPar-XP-fSLe1GDctm0WODdF1MXd9SGRMJ7BYMth_1oPzBGAsZPXXRnQfjXW46glwDCzY2jg-jEgNfWLOtjDn63gy64tvkAGng79dsYLcwxufuMEC-obsJC8pDEhl-bv-SGyQ/s640/blogger-image--1009060040.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This evening his heart rate was running higher than it has been all day. The nurses attributed it to the fact that he's been a little more active the more he starts to feel like himself. I had a hunch that his IV was bugging him. He wasn't crying, but he wouldn't settle down and he was moving his leg kinda funky like it bothered him. It looked like he was pedaling a bike with his left foot. So while I was waiting for the nurse to come back I fashioned a little splint to stabilize his knee. Turns out that IV is in danger of failing sooner than later. Right now he's only got it so they can administer the Toradol. They could switch to oral Motrin but they'd like to keep it in case of emergency. I'm praying hard it hangs on because I REALLY don't want to have to watch them start another one. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuACmbI8ONNghtUC8Mi2T86z86O53E-JsTDYOrq9KNuBYxkyNqCLBHRajqyo5FgBgGlOBd83xvXNXveMkjWfSlIs94LlckCRHKUrte9akpUMdkyE_gNLmbYu7HT9hdaHvwwItAnpfKyDM/s640/blogger-image--470050710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuACmbI8ONNghtUC8Mi2T86z86O53E-JsTDYOrq9KNuBYxkyNqCLBHRajqyo5FgBgGlOBd83xvXNXveMkjWfSlIs94LlckCRHKUrte9akpUMdkyE_gNLmbYu7HT9hdaHvwwItAnpfKyDM/s640/blogger-image--470050710.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>My splint seemed to help, but it was when the nurse covered the whole thing with an adult sized hospital sock that he really settled in. </div><div><br></div><div>On that note, I'm gonna try to get some sleep while he's resting so peacefully!</div><div><br></div><div>I CANT WAIT to see him smile. Praying that will happen by morning.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ywe3IeOoIeVtbxciCCLnirPhEImYP5x2_C9TjxrAUnRrHuGKuX4L4NkB0QZ_vfKHEcmXp6ohBuONkIkykb-fO0aY_mn3xRXesTcD59T5xehcgGAuuNbke-FeQggTdduRlqdMWYhbXT4/s640/blogger-image-2138968794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ywe3IeOoIeVtbxciCCLnirPhEImYP5x2_C9TjxrAUnRrHuGKuX4L4NkB0QZ_vfKHEcmXp6ohBuONkIkykb-fO0aY_mn3xRXesTcD59T5xehcgGAuuNbke-FeQggTdduRlqdMWYhbXT4/s640/blogger-image-2138968794.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-47121481100195610852015-09-13T13:04:00.001-07:002015-09-13T13:49:19.004-07:00Turning a CornerWe're starting to see glimpses of our Buddy's sweet personality. Some of my girlfriends stopped by today. Being the Ladies Man that he is, he was showing off a bit before they left; grabbing on and sucking his toes (which he was doing a lot of last week) and babbling. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMKDR_4gKJdsTnBxEuk-nQHVBw3TLpV_-0iQW92rWfQ5gtTrnFM_FCdfYCO_P6scd1Y7lMXpCcIsp0EQth6JndFvbdyVUv3CK8gaarTQeUaqBmmMLItB5SXHFAhjXx4dXgTYa_YQZiQA/s640/blogger-image-1626636067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMKDR_4gKJdsTnBxEuk-nQHVBw3TLpV_-0iQW92rWfQ5gtTrnFM_FCdfYCO_P6scd1Y7lMXpCcIsp0EQth6JndFvbdyVUv3CK8gaarTQeUaqBmmMLItB5SXHFAhjXx4dXgTYa_YQZiQA/s640/blogger-image-1626636067.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Prior to that I had spent the entire morning, like from 6am until around 1pm, snuggling him. When we put him down to change his diaper it was very obvious that his swelling was favoring the side he was snuggling on, which is OK, but I decided to put him down for awhile to even him out a bit. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJW97cabOQz2jUQMNI0-O3OZb9HT0VJXl_IPfOqyFc1-71AUPIoeuGhQiF-VhCHlzKwzL-1ZeaWwaJwIHiHd5mHKNbVznq7zoTJqy3LOlMvPnBXHJ8aJ8TFC5k5jWYoepCaGsFmPHpVI/s640/blogger-image-836929109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJW97cabOQz2jUQMNI0-O3OZb9HT0VJXl_IPfOqyFc1-71AUPIoeuGhQiF-VhCHlzKwzL-1ZeaWwaJwIHiHd5mHKNbVznq7zoTJqy3LOlMvPnBXHJ8aJ8TFC5k5jWYoepCaGsFmPHpVI/s640/blogger-image-836929109.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>He hasn't been eating a whole lot, but we've attributed that to the fact that he's been on IV fluids. Between the swelling and the fluids he is weighing in TWO AND A HALF pounds heavier than normal. We've been calling him our little Sumo Baby. This morning they cut the fluids in half and sure enough, like they hoped, he's picking up on the eating front. So much in fact, that as I type this they're taking him off the fluids completely. Yay!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCw9-hHAEJuELbc9domvY9xpRQ8Te5EkCmMLltwfsaheiu4bo4VaOfSBKFHDRbMQlDYHqK4JQY8o6KjHWMBmsFpm4Dqr5mmL6v8J8D7r_hjPTIY_w2OGZloAvlM3or0p0XfCI_D7qTds/s640/blogger-image-1793450469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCw9-hHAEJuELbc9domvY9xpRQ8Te5EkCmMLltwfsaheiu4bo4VaOfSBKFHDRbMQlDYHqK4JQY8o6KjHWMBmsFpm4Dqr5mmL6v8J8D7r_hjPTIY_w2OGZloAvlM3or0p0XfCI_D7qTds/s640/blogger-image-1793450469.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>He's SUPER comfortable in his bed thanks to the "podster" Grandma Maegdlin bought him last weekend. Everyone around here wants to know what it is and where it came from as it's perfect for recovery. It's basically like an inclined bean bag chair with a hole in the middle. Add GiGi and his fleece blanket from Mallory and it's been the perfect place for him to recover. </div><div><br></div><div>So we continue to wait. And pray. Although isn't it great that now our prayers include more "Thank Yous" & "Hallelujahs" than "Pleases"? </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX1Azlk_sCZSPP4LI3jZ9bETRaE6ng5DYj8lZ6GjPomb2NbarR4ZqMJh_6mieuCMpmoZWqz5WOp03a4EJ-TtPQ8p5wLGAqn4Bj8LV1ie0Q-on3y9SGMLF2LjufKWXQ9awQ2Cv3O9jV18/s640/blogger-image--702384360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX1Azlk_sCZSPP4LI3jZ9bETRaE6ng5DYj8lZ6GjPomb2NbarR4ZqMJh_6mieuCMpmoZWqz5WOp03a4EJ-TtPQ8p5wLGAqn4Bj8LV1ie0Q-on3y9SGMLF2LjufKWXQ9awQ2Cv3O9jV18/s640/blogger-image--702384360.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-2177689279643621262015-09-13T06:24:00.001-07:002015-09-13T06:58:07.233-07:00Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's HospitalGrant was super agited this morning and I finally realized the light from the window was freaking him out. His poor eyes. :( <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq8BaSFZqWC455ohaLnI-DudZSExkPGpXCOX3L9eyaNXgqlLbbfvFsyXpq5KCQaRkJOfu6Uz3fQSKF2FfYPQ_XXd6GIrO_-K_bzPZzGOTzZ5Pplu8PdJztF9i-q3UvczjewkZBZJxvMc/s640/blogger-image-1833866380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq8BaSFZqWC455ohaLnI-DudZSExkPGpXCOX3L9eyaNXgqlLbbfvFsyXpq5KCQaRkJOfu6Uz3fQSKF2FfYPQ_XXd6GIrO_-K_bzPZzGOTzZ5Pplu8PdJztF9i-q3UvczjewkZBZJxvMc/s640/blogger-image-1833866380.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>GiGi to the rescue! His "Gigi" is his giraffe lovie from my friend Angela (Gig). The name GiGi came from a "G"iraffe from "G"ig. All of my kids have them. </div><div><br></div><div>It is amazing what a comfort item it has been to Grant the entire time we've been here. Dr. Roth, his anesthesiologist, even noticed how much he loved it and let him bring it into surgery with him. It's funny that the nurses even know it's his "Gigi" and will call it by name. </div><div><br></div><div>Which leads me to the point of this post. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBOwBuYuaHyogpg5C5rhxfgWBsxuWKLeZlM4c6qoeaOB9Qduq6ECzm4QXT4fqdvuzX_NcgkNWy9R-XPDzYfRGwzIkPLu2e0nux0Ei1ScnqW20TIrUcSw153QMtZAHB_0Kz7NAKBc1IOY/s640/blogger-image-154842798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBOwBuYuaHyogpg5C5rhxfgWBsxuWKLeZlM4c6qoeaOB9Qduq6ECzm4QXT4fqdvuzX_NcgkNWy9R-XPDzYfRGwzIkPLu2e0nux0Ei1ScnqW20TIrUcSw153QMtZAHB_0Kz7NAKBc1IOY/s640/blogger-image-154842798.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This place is amazing. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnftU2wn4TDMzECowTMUyv1nn_n5UYfqz_UtoKoa6H08xM8dw9AjdL0p4ZVtHfBvR-3wkLvK8by5vbM-UGTQtmPB72BjNtEa3TAmPqNqvOm-6Ta06l9fbvgqOTOKO5VEwTIKTydJ0_HYg/s640/blogger-image-990129809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnftU2wn4TDMzECowTMUyv1nn_n5UYfqz_UtoKoa6H08xM8dw9AjdL0p4ZVtHfBvR-3wkLvK8by5vbM-UGTQtmPB72BjNtEa3TAmPqNqvOm-6Ta06l9fbvgqOTOKO5VEwTIKTydJ0_HYg/s640/blogger-image-990129809.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>This handprint is everywhere. And while it's not stated as such, I look at it and see a hand of God working through everyone who works here. </div><div><br></div><div>Doctors, nurses, residents, NPs, PAs, techs, secretaries, security guards, hospitality staff. Everyone we come in contact with shows us they are the hands that work God's miracles here every single day. </div><div><br></div><div>Lucky. Blessed. Fortunate. Call it what you want, if this had to happen, we are in THE BEST care possible. </div><div><br></div><div>It makes me proud that we've been supporting a place in the past that is caring for us in the present. Better believe we're excited for what we can do in the future to continue our support!</div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-3870551138355190272015-09-13T05:29:00.001-07:002015-09-13T05:32:44.709-07:00Day Three<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Good night for our Little Champion Fighter. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLhsLaUv2N8OCWijzfMLLMd4K_5YoOz0mb58J3589U4ByfN_OLHHnady8BTA_BOgnAtusWdegQtbxjbfqj3pek830DMpLxzCmqCqk7g0lVA5-InbAncqfmN8E8amv02MzrS0o5KFZcvM/s640/blogger-image--254317704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLhsLaUv2N8OCWijzfMLLMd4K_5YoOz0mb58J3589U4ByfN_OLHHnady8BTA_BOgnAtusWdegQtbxjbfqj3pek830DMpLxzCmqCqk7g0lVA5-InbAncqfmN8E8amv02MzrS0o5KFZcvM/s640/blogger-image--254317704.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I'm confident we've seen the worst! </div><div>I'm praying for, but not counting on, him to be able to peek at us by the end of the day. If not, we should see those baby blues tomorrow. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPpJ7LvL6B1YU4pu7jib5mczmmr7VExzlIxbbeLvW7qDnjX_cA2zGhmat1Ybsbz6GQAR9sqIf5h9XZkuVej5RVHMeoAeZ6O6NKn167wGirW95JGiF128M0YPQG6uH3pBnC-KBD8CkCE8/s640/blogger-image-1781534935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPpJ7LvL6B1YU4pu7jib5mczmmr7VExzlIxbbeLvW7qDnjX_cA2zGhmat1Ybsbz6GQAR9sqIf5h9XZkuVej5RVHMeoAeZ6O6NKn167wGirW95JGiF128M0YPQG6uH3pBnC-KBD8CkCE8/s640/blogger-image-1781534935.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-68363652083263767892015-09-13T01:46:00.001-07:002015-09-13T01:46:09.308-07:00He Hears YouMy Beautiful Prayer Warriors,<div><br></div><div>Night Two is going so well. Grant's restless periods are shorter. I'm comforted that his pain is in check. Because I had been staring at him all day I can look at him now and know that it appears that the healing is about to begin. </div><div><br></div><div>And this mama? I've been sleeping much better than I had expected. </div><div><br></div><div>I was about to fall back asleep as this song started playing on Pandora...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fH09_2Fyn778FSK_E9pn4hGOAV9bbVJsUQ7YaM-gamk5KataDXeam4wJYdKSZGlsTVHQDqoZkMXpuNhUy5Q4diEMNzrP7vZS1WYV0eZD7OAR2zy1ygNNvtL8vGoPPRcCqop5mvNbrCo/s640/blogger-image--1193894448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fH09_2Fyn778FSK_E9pn4hGOAV9bbVJsUQ7YaM-gamk5KataDXeam4wJYdKSZGlsTVHQDqoZkMXpuNhUy5Q4diEMNzrP7vZS1WYV0eZD7OAR2zy1ygNNvtL8vGoPPRcCqop5mvNbrCo/s640/blogger-image--1193894448.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Hallelujah is right. </div><div><br></div><div>I may have truly rested on those words had Grant not kicked off his pulse ox monitor. Again. Stinker. 😉</div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-30657921009484010102015-09-12T17:20:00.001-07:002015-09-14T03:10:26.684-07:00I May Eat My Words, But....I'm really starting to feel like the worst is about to be behind us. <div><br></div><div>He's down to one IV. It's been hours since he's had any pain meds stronger than Tylenol so we just gave him a dose of Toradol which is IV Motrin. This way we can start rotating Tylenol and Motrin every three hours. A regimen we can continue at home. He's super antsy and uncomfortable but he really doesn't seem to be in a lot of pain. How that's possible, I have no idea, but last night and this morning it was very apparent he was in pain so administering morphine was completely rendered. I didn't want to give him something that strong today if we didn't have to. </div><div><br></div><div>After they took out the IV on his right foot we noticed his cute little ET toe. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg26zNTlmHAKeVqruNkTRp7L5Qn3jCeZr8c4SVdmreUVhXUvS8il32l9mKCb0xbdg_bCy7BV8MCf87ynidxnEq8qCHrbX2TovAB-A4DXx05RM8NUhESlo-L4FGlWoU9XcAR2SvNNbFAE/s640/blogger-image-504809336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg26zNTlmHAKeVqruNkTRp7L5Qn3jCeZr8c4SVdmreUVhXUvS8il32l9mKCb0xbdg_bCy7BV8MCf87ynidxnEq8qCHrbX2TovAB-A4DXx05RM8NUhESlo-L4FGlWoU9XcAR2SvNNbFAE/s640/blogger-image-504809336.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>He's REALLY swollen. Like, "are you sure that's my baby?" swollen. Earlier this afternoon his eyes swelled so much that his eyelids started to curl up like they were about to turn inside out. We were actually warned beforehand by our nurse that it was a very good possibility it could happen and that it was "normal". Nineteenth floor of Lurie Children's definition of normal is a bit different than my every day definition of normal, I suppose!</div><div><br></div><div>He and I had some super cuddle time from 11 til around 2:30. In the midst of that is when the swelling got bad. We could just tell it was scaring him. He and I spent much of the next 2+ hours forehead to forehead as that was the position that made him feel most calm. Anything for my fighter!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBNt7eKT_8Av88530sVbvxWajslrGKfsnVgnf3NuWmY3Px2WL6NIkpDPDOqk4p5o6lPxjOHGGnUn8QHj8YNvLAtXDY5_AXA5uDyf1p5sBc8Zm-1WDNZEG4b-b8ORcRmzgQ4mDfOKVDMQ/s640/blogger-image--131617520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBNt7eKT_8Av88530sVbvxWajslrGKfsnVgnf3NuWmY3Px2WL6NIkpDPDOqk4p5o6lPxjOHGGnUn8QHj8YNvLAtXDY5_AXA5uDyf1p5sBc8Zm-1WDNZEG4b-b8ORcRmzgQ4mDfOKVDMQ/s640/blogger-image--131617520.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>As you can see in the picture, they took the dressing off his head. It's amazing to me that even though Grant's face and head are incredibly swollen, it's already very obvious that the frontal bossing of his forehead is totally gone. It makes me excited to see what the rest of his head will look like as the swelling subsides. </div><div><br></div><div>He didn't eat much today, but he's still getting IV fluids and his nurses said that babies tend to not want to eat when swelling peaks because it's uncomfortable for them. He just ate better than he's eaten all day giving me one more reason to think he's about to kiss the worst of this goodbye!</div><div><br></div><div>I'm thankful my mom and Mallory came up today. I miss my big kids! </div><div><br></div><div>Praying for some sleep tonight. I'm not sure what I'm running on at this point but I'm thinking its adrenaline, caffeine, and Jeus!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i4f7AcpgQ21tmEumhjKrGzMpCyV62YQqz6lvj3xCo2P0fkGw5dRaAC424HNE_jOkN1fx4SPJY2ahr6tRIc1jShh0kZW6y9qYDuziZ_nlhbbLGLA99Wn8eG72ampmeq3sSQG4W5Zundw/s640/blogger-image-2025954285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i4f7AcpgQ21tmEumhjKrGzMpCyV62YQqz6lvj3xCo2P0fkGw5dRaAC424HNE_jOkN1fx4SPJY2ahr6tRIc1jShh0kZW6y9qYDuziZ_nlhbbLGLA99Wn8eG72ampmeq3sSQG4W5Zundw/s640/blogger-image-2025954285.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-42730748294156647362015-09-12T09:06:00.001-07:002015-09-12T09:39:03.238-07:00One More Cord GoneThought I'd update quickly as I hold a comfortable, slumbering Grant. This is definitely the most relaxed he's been since we got here. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmS2-U2lqyOzPgmQNgLNm3k71BKEFeswRHTFY2aWYZoGgCFrucI0ArcLBpkiUbFLiQnMh6R7_kkHY3YnbLk3i0AWQpCDaiqYlWag29dfhHuP_dniBo4BEWbomQIg_a4VmChZPbvLUpCo/s640/blogger-image-1358589787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmS2-U2lqyOzPgmQNgLNm3k71BKEFeswRHTFY2aWYZoGgCFrucI0ArcLBpkiUbFLiQnMh6R7_kkHY3YnbLk3i0AWQpCDaiqYlWag29dfhHuP_dniBo4BEWbomQIg_a4VmChZPbvLUpCo/s640/blogger-image-1358589787.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>He's obviously awfully swollen this morning, but still sweet as can be. I'm even pretty certain he was trying to muster up a smile for me earlier this morning. </div><div><br></div><div>His right eye is completely swollen shut, but he can see a little bit out of his left (for now). This is the day he's expected to be at his worst and then it should start to get better tomorrow. Keep those prayers coming!</div><div><br></div><div>When we first saw him in recovery yesterday he had NINE cords coming out of him. </div><div><br></div><div>Three to keep an eye on his heart</div><div>A blood pressure cuff</div><div>An oxygen monitor</div><div>A catheter </div><div>And three IVs</div><div><br></div><div>The first IV, the one in his arterial vein for his blood transfusion, came out in OR recovery leaving one in each foot. They did that proactively while he was under sedation. This way if something goes wrong with one, they don't have to restart an IV while he's awake. They'll likely take one of them out this afternoon as the goal is to eventually start to wean him off the IV pain meds. </div><div><br></div><div>The blood pressure cuff now is only kept on if they've given him morphine. Hopefully he won't need it again but we'll just have to see how he continues to do. It's nice to have that gone because aside from the catheter, it's the one that bothered him most.</div><div><br></div><div>But speaking of that catheter, it's gone! Yay! Likely one of the main players in allowing him to rest better right now. </div><div><br></div><div>He's eating well and outputting well, and I'm SO THANKFUL his pain hasn't been too hard to manage. Thanks to all who prayed specifically for that. Faith moves mountains. It REALLY does!</div><div><br></div><div>When Dr. Tomita's partner rounded this morning he said they'll take his little gauze turban off this afternoon. I'm a little apprehensive about that moment, BUT after he said it, I realized that this should be the culmination of the "unveiling of the unknowns". And THAT is a win. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlsMVQBSmmyCTfzpojNKgbjVzRkve6BrxlX_ZelIlmXmeoA-KktHtW80HbzuTr-i3vsxPvoa8Gtn4HbBiho6HnHPeJmFJQOWQNFyw5YspSkwfABWucDg9tLuKcr0xRnMjdb_zN84wj5Y/s640/blogger-image-1690774800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlsMVQBSmmyCTfzpojNKgbjVzRkve6BrxlX_ZelIlmXmeoA-KktHtW80HbzuTr-i3vsxPvoa8Gtn4HbBiho6HnHPeJmFJQOWQNFyw5YspSkwfABWucDg9tLuKcr0xRnMjdb_zN84wj5Y/s640/blogger-image-1690774800.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-82437652821548894612015-09-12T01:41:00.001-07:002015-09-12T01:47:33.817-07:00FaithWhile we're still ok, I may have spoken a bit too soon...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7W1x9Fczs9GJvwyoUTg4byeBR7GqNyjvvVkwTYOrSwDn8U9lNC0OsvJ2SSu_ilwcFIseKIebqkoxe9JNCYgAoJZ2aEA66sD4fSi20v-Dtve08oqJFSjwZXDPHTylY8A9-Li3UI6N7j8/s640/blogger-image--165565241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7W1x9Fczs9GJvwyoUTg4byeBR7GqNyjvvVkwTYOrSwDn8U9lNC0OsvJ2SSu_ilwcFIseKIebqkoxe9JNCYgAoJZ2aEA66sD4fSi20v-Dtve08oqJFSjwZXDPHTylY8A9-Li3UI6N7j8/s640/blogger-image--165565241.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>As I watched his frustration in not being able to see, I prayed this verse over him </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEJ1Mzdea1sv46KaGd4CNNEYonHiEq9IbomXw28R-viLvVC80LVvJoKTaHejYYJG0Xjg4E2mBIUKk_0_cR8k1fKIooFj6nBb-OZ5aLt-b9miPH3PsQA0opzl90zFs7Btiaqd7HzYTsQI/s640/blogger-image-1631976173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEJ1Mzdea1sv46KaGd4CNNEYonHiEq9IbomXw28R-viLvVC80LVvJoKTaHejYYJG0Xjg4E2mBIUKk_0_cR8k1fKIooFj6nBb-OZ5aLt-b9miPH3PsQA0opzl90zFs7Btiaqd7HzYTsQI/s640/blogger-image-1631976173.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>He can't see me but he can hear, smell and touch me. And for awhile, that was not enough for him. Once he got the pain meds and I calmed him down he squeezed my hand as if to say, "Ok, I believe now."</div><div><br></div><div>God has been showing himself to me all day (and night) long. As the lyrics of one of my favorite songs say,</div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All of You is more than enough for </span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">all of me</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">For every thirst and every need</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">You satisfy me with Your love</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And all I have in You is more than enough</div></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOW8y_RvzCLPfDtR-9cxGqi6F0HfFvg98PEidkmPRvtLEq-BdajujUCheKq8VgSVzaraQwWRqEd3EjDHmeu5Gk6mTBO8RQflVO8tHtMkptKPgRwHZJTFusy2oCn-ZH_L67W_YDi0rtpU/s640/blogger-image-1654183150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOW8y_RvzCLPfDtR-9cxGqi6F0HfFvg98PEidkmPRvtLEq-BdajujUCheKq8VgSVzaraQwWRqEd3EjDHmeu5Gk6mTBO8RQflVO8tHtMkptKPgRwHZJTFusy2oCn-ZH_L67W_YDi0rtpU/s640/blogger-image-1654183150.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><br style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></span><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You are my supply</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">My breath of life</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And still more awesome than I know</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">You are my reward</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">worth living for</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">And still more awesome than I know</div></span></span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-31760116584879867132015-09-11T23:44:00.001-07:002015-09-12T03:27:05.839-07:00First NightSent a quick update to Daddy who is hopefully sleeping. I'm getting some pretty good power naps in between vital checks and fussy periods. <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJymmzwiqP1gFzQgDkwrv8u6r8c9y28A116tkomE_WPiu_NoGu_013xlUiPS4A6cDmRQMKTB-OF4Ae1ZIsVF1bNOB34XxH4UWX3eKH2Wb0wV0EIK7jufWFbsBkGMMgsNY4CwvB0P7_0Wo/s640/blogger-image-1723571019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJymmzwiqP1gFzQgDkwrv8u6r8c9y28A116tkomE_WPiu_NoGu_013xlUiPS4A6cDmRQMKTB-OF4Ae1ZIsVF1bNOB34XxH4UWX3eKH2Wb0wV0EIK7jufWFbsBkGMMgsNY4CwvB0P7_0Wo/s640/blogger-image-1723571019.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>Take the hundreds of people praying, add the constant stream of worship and praise music we've got playing in our room, and you've got a peaceful environment with a rockstar of a patient and a sustained mama. </div><div><br></div><div>Not to us, but to Your Name be the Glory. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuZtjOd_Xn7pnU0advkZxTEeyoMBH3lEPyp-bvz3PsJbheAH_6R1wYMgs6T-YePSLDT-Xhoff8cnn69_-K_-8-mZXZzqqL4biTBkunfZiglgtExBI4-dJPqY0lisr9hnx-zLnaViXfXY/s640/blogger-image--1754341153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuZtjOd_Xn7pnU0advkZxTEeyoMBH3lEPyp-bvz3PsJbheAH_6R1wYMgs6T-YePSLDT-Xhoff8cnn69_-K_-8-mZXZzqqL4biTBkunfZiglgtExBI4-dJPqY0lisr9hnx-zLnaViXfXY/s640/blogger-image--1754341153.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-13921649534201173382015-09-11T15:16:00.001-07:002015-09-11T16:42:49.011-07:00"The Other Side"Parents who have been through skull surgery refer to post op as, "The Other Side". <div><br></div><div>We are there.</div><div><br></div><div>Hallelujah. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRITA1x0U0yk-N9LDPmC0TPo-b4OHFsQoLXkC00vG2JD-kpM0pS_WLUalgd5o0JmHKC8XLrzblkhvLuEab9kbqGkTd_ugkVWSxrAqrsGLeqa3PMgZNBfZ-eZE9ynfi1DorQhyUGhpZEI/s640/blogger-image--1362800473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRITA1x0U0yk-N9LDPmC0TPo-b4OHFsQoLXkC00vG2JD-kpM0pS_WLUalgd5o0JmHKC8XLrzblkhvLuEab9kbqGkTd_ugkVWSxrAqrsGLeqa3PMgZNBfZ-eZE9ynfi1DorQhyUGhpZEI/s640/blogger-image--1362800473.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Grant's surgery went really, really well. I'll be completely real, watching him be wheeled away I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest. God bless him for smiling as it was happening because it was a much better way to start "The Wait" than crying would have been. However after a couple of hours, I started getting antsy. Closer to three hours in, the concierge in the waiting room called in to the OR allowing me to talk to a nurse. </div><div><br></div><div>She let me know that they had a hard time getting one of his IVs started so they got a bit of a late start. She also said he took really well to the anesthesia, his surgery went fabulously, and that Dr Tomita would be out to talk to us within half an hour. </div><div><br></div><div>After explaining what he did to Grant's skull, I asked Dr Tomita how I could explain it in really simple terms cause I'll be honest, it's quite complex and nothing short of miraculous! He said to picture a crab. He cut quite a large piece out of the top of his skull (like a crab shell) and then made multiple cuts into the skull (like crab legs) to open up and round out his cranium. He then was able to put the big piece back with a tiny, dissolvable stitch to keep it in place. He said the tissues will reconnect within a few days so that, "The piece won't be floating around". Over time, new bone will grow and eventually fuse together. </div><div><br></div><div>Wow. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHxVsOw-BqkeBrduyIDtxOK60AALgzsxrTK8plBt242RdGa5QvnWcLPjERI5xfXoVjE4p-hNxM6tnwjdCHF3yZHpsGvOO7s981ZNqcq5CRwLCz3teyTBztqCej2-vrhUUnXDHzctfdWQ/s640/blogger-image--2047766540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHxVsOw-BqkeBrduyIDtxOK60AALgzsxrTK8plBt242RdGa5QvnWcLPjERI5xfXoVjE4p-hNxM6tnwjdCHF3yZHpsGvOO7s981ZNqcq5CRwLCz3teyTBztqCej2-vrhUUnXDHzctfdWQ/s640/blogger-image--2047766540.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Waiting to go back to see Sweet Baby Grant felt like an eternity, but when I finally got to see him I was overwhelmed with emotions. Gratitude, relief, humility, awe, a little heartbreak, but most of all love. I felt whole again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYA-VjYRRAqfulroGpKkzcN7spTLN6T2iGmXAAOgpST9yUM8wx6IHO_xbIiPPANxsDG9WMQ2m4miupizGvoa3gpWOEiM0UqEj-YZx4sK_ePa1QGySw9lk8udmvKHWM7Vdus6RkupZIUI/s640/blogger-image--568659723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYA-VjYRRAqfulroGpKkzcN7spTLN6T2iGmXAAOgpST9yUM8wx6IHO_xbIiPPANxsDG9WMQ2m4miupizGvoa3gpWOEiM0UqEj-YZx4sK_ePa1QGySw9lk8udmvKHWM7Vdus6RkupZIUI/s640/blogger-image--568659723.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have the SWEETEST nurse taking wonderful care of Grant (and me) and she and I both have been humming along to the Third Day Pandora station we've been playing all afternoon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He still has two IVs and a catheter which seem to bother him when he has bouts of irritated restlessness. He's had some stretches of peaceful sleep but they don't last incredibly long. Not allowing myself to be fearful of the multiple cords and wires, I was SO THANKFUL to get him back in my arms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhNkWCgQ5MK7Oi2AQu0zNRKj9Hc96b0CuBs4c7a76B-NVvn6FE4JAjDSUPEtfiIbnHfDmsi7G9XFUVE3_WCn54wsyuM2gLkJYJU-ZzESEa5zg_-rIEDmfkz8sXuI3O-mmLAYpDOsrM4U/s640/blogger-image--1558235978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhNkWCgQ5MK7Oi2AQu0zNRKj9Hc96b0CuBs4c7a76B-NVvn6FE4JAjDSUPEtfiIbnHfDmsi7G9XFUVE3_WCn54wsyuM2gLkJYJU-ZzESEa5zg_-rIEDmfkz8sXuI3O-mmLAYpDOsrM4U/s640/blogger-image--1558235978.jpg"></a></div> </div>We "woke up his tummy" with a bottle of infant pedialyte which he held down well. Praise God! </div><div><br></div><div>His crib has been personalized a bit with a special verse from a friend and a picture from Big Sis Mallory who can't wait to come see him. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR56LqgHA6tg8JDyTSmLlPflT7TtBGJHSn5kwT08jsL5Ant7wqAEzOPgVTuuJcJhFisRXKWJDUHhWNuv5rvXNQbpq6dvVdcV-S-mc0taFir-PV1se8pZwc38CbuxQpvfLm7QRdXfmJOs/s640/blogger-image-227994783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR56LqgHA6tg8JDyTSmLlPflT7TtBGJHSn5kwT08jsL5Ant7wqAEzOPgVTuuJcJhFisRXKWJDUHhWNuv5rvXNQbpq6dvVdcV-S-mc0taFir-PV1se8pZwc38CbuxQpvfLm7QRdXfmJOs/s640/blogger-image-227994783.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>While we don't know exactly what the next hours and days will hold, we do know the scariest part is over and we know that God is good all the time!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltKRZ27tcyeq8par2CQ333F0P50WVjWecVKtk7jHYp1uNRFM7QPHeX37jLNG8JbWzxAyhvVJsrdNOzBnqpdygH3sY7s1HhyphenhyphenmJprx1jYFsAkSfQuLNPsFANPxcpL3_HgXJfFsyBe64HUk/s640/blogger-image-866205051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltKRZ27tcyeq8par2CQ333F0P50WVjWecVKtk7jHYp1uNRFM7QPHeX37jLNG8JbWzxAyhvVJsrdNOzBnqpdygH3sY7s1HhyphenhyphenmJprx1jYFsAkSfQuLNPsFANPxcpL3_HgXJfFsyBe64HUk/s640/blogger-image-866205051.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-3458145542318274552015-09-11T10:53:00.001-07:002015-09-11T10:56:52.794-07:00He's OutDr Tomita just came in to talk to us. Our sweet boy is out of surgery and he did great. <div><br></div><div>We have to wait a little bit to go back to recovery to see him but we just wanted to update as it may be awhile before we get the opportunity to again. </div><div><br></div><div>God is hearing your prayers and we are feeling them. Keep them coming!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkBPIp0xp3vt-7g63alBE9M8bzOLQ7rQER2SDeLxEn1_z-OnMCrNl3BnfflLDebSDpAbMTgLIxkp1TypjvbtAdyYk85PnuQxi_yB9AnBECf4xRKEgZObRINxOS_x0ad_wLo-o-9tCv_w/s640/blogger-image--1856192619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkBPIp0xp3vt-7g63alBE9M8bzOLQ7rQER2SDeLxEn1_z-OnMCrNl3BnfflLDebSDpAbMTgLIxkp1TypjvbtAdyYk85PnuQxi_yB9AnBECf4xRKEgZObRINxOS_x0ad_wLo-o-9tCv_w/s640/blogger-image--1856192619.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-58270944095970664952015-09-11T07:58:00.001-07:002015-09-11T07:58:38.806-07:00WaitingThis boy is unbelievable. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGvdY9kT2q0nRdoLJBHzWWLIALLVMPqLdZM32reMAzBBhz2NLBES5rf7xOw_vWxoGUFXICuby6gZ_ajmzS-cD5nKyClf03FMHIUEpXpC4bvR7mjyydQ1TkEugPpYb1rWeQ17KZ-2FfUQ/s640/blogger-image-318262129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGvdY9kT2q0nRdoLJBHzWWLIALLVMPqLdZM32reMAzBBhz2NLBES5rf7xOw_vWxoGUFXICuby6gZ_ajmzS-cD5nKyClf03FMHIUEpXpC4bvR7mjyydQ1TkEugPpYb1rWeQ17KZ-2FfUQ/s640/blogger-image-318262129.jpg"></a></div>Poked and prodded, probably a little hungry, and in a new place with lots of new people, this boy still had a smile. Even as anesthesia wheeled him away he was cooing and smiling at the anesthesiologist and his resident. </div><div><br></div><div>And now we wait. </div><div><br></div><div>And pray. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UavZLlOBR5i-eHBKpzuc1HkisTpb5HtxIW61vLI0gAxbHfMGlTLQsP-n1Isga3FHIoYvGeneuTkDGbSTAlxeCtWo9PtXu-zXvN3oEDkKtqQie6N9H_2vFSNGzfqHiyonQnKZhmZq_1E/s640/blogger-image-138790039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UavZLlOBR5i-eHBKpzuc1HkisTpb5HtxIW61vLI0gAxbHfMGlTLQsP-n1Isga3FHIoYvGeneuTkDGbSTAlxeCtWo9PtXu-zXvN3oEDkKtqQie6N9H_2vFSNGzfqHiyonQnKZhmZq_1E/s640/blogger-image-138790039.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And in the meantime, Eric & Kathy provide a remarkable distraction in an amazing place. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb1_ipi__sg844VJdllIi_dxYOOIxx658wwxRJYMqQJL4qaK3oO92kwpBUVLE3IDSmjGQmZxTtBx2AhLeIQIu2fgBDUI2WSbYA2Vlx769z7E-NQnuTYSuRVZ_4bdKRXWCpUw3BpzrnqA/s640/blogger-image--1184090300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb1_ipi__sg844VJdllIi_dxYOOIxx658wwxRJYMqQJL4qaK3oO92kwpBUVLE3IDSmjGQmZxTtBx2AhLeIQIu2fgBDUI2WSbYA2Vlx769z7E-NQnuTYSuRVZ_4bdKRXWCpUw3BpzrnqA/s640/blogger-image--1184090300.jpg"></a></div> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-84540985393000275082015-09-10T13:24:00.001-07:002015-09-10T13:29:40.903-07:009:00am TomorrowWe're all set. (I think... it's been switched a couple of times).<br>
Grant's surgery is scheduled for 9am tomorrow morning.<br>
<br>
For all of you who are praying, we thank you from the very, very bottom of our hearts. I honestly mean it when I say we feel each and every one.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfG3ma_GwVLcQznt_UsTYiY5uf1E_e9nJpZj7pPVfBqbxBNZpwIyDxNFcwHhNhWppvNFiL1g_6koqenvhXD4zQNLJOmTsd9_QZMDxkRmlrR_igDy-DPxwLipOgYN17HHX4hFj3TjgEFE/s640/blogger-image--439872618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfG3ma_GwVLcQznt_UsTYiY5uf1E_e9nJpZj7pPVfBqbxBNZpwIyDxNFcwHhNhWppvNFiL1g_6koqenvhXD4zQNLJOmTsd9_QZMDxkRmlrR_igDy-DPxwLipOgYN17HHX4hFj3TjgEFE/s640/blogger-image--439872618.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
The length of our stay will depend greatly on how he does post op. I have to say though that I don't plan on trying to rush out of there as I am thrilled knowing we will be in a place with the most fantastic care.<br>
<br>
The two major factors in recovery time will be the amount of swelling he endures and how well we can keep his pain under control. So for the many of you who have asked what you can pray for specifically those are the two things; minimal swelling and good pain management.<br>
<br>
We will update tomorrow as soon as we can. <br>
<br>
I'd like to thank those of you who have smothered me with kind words, scripture, & encouragement. Thanks to a friend who shared with me today that as she was praying for Grant last night, God spoke to her and said, "Of COURSE he's going to be OK, of COURSE I'm going to have My Arms wrapped around him, and he's going to have a great big "W" on his head that stands for winner, so you can stop worrying!" I love that. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSu0JG5mCFns-QPzYR0njInugko0yRTkhRdBwMz2SXtMg4WHmPbTCb8rB_smwaB-YWqFzX7k1fUZD3C7kj64uDKq5kkm5Y2GEA6J4jGoOksuYZ_g82siM1M9Ez8RsFXiGLxORtG7jhOso/s640/blogger-image-1882249332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSu0JG5mCFns-QPzYR0njInugko0yRTkhRdBwMz2SXtMg4WHmPbTCb8rB_smwaB-YWqFzX7k1fUZD3C7kj64uDKq5kkm5Y2GEA6J4jGoOksuYZ_g82siM1M9Ez8RsFXiGLxORtG7jhOso/s640/blogger-image-1882249332.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
My sweet Mallory said it best this afternoon. "Mom? I feel like I've got this taken care of and I'm not scared because I just know that God is going to take care of Grant. Even when I'm not talking to Him I know He hears my thoughts and that makes it all ok".<br>
<br>
I love her.<br>
<br>
And then there's my wild, but equally sweet Trevor who has taken to praying VERY specifically at night time.<br>
Think, "Sank you for chocolate chips. Sank you for rock n' roll. Sank you for jumping". In honor of him, please pray with us.....<br>
<br>
Dear God,<br>
Thank you for Grant<br>
Thank you for trials<br>
Thank you for peace<br>
Thank you for Your Word<br>
Thank you for Lurie Children's Hospital<br>
Thank you for Grandparents<br>
Thank you for family<br>
Thank you for friends<br>
Thank you for music<br>
Thank you for meals<br>
Thank you for cards<br>
Thank you for blogging<br>
Thank you for Dr. Tomita<br>
Thank you for anesthesia<br>
Thank you for medicine<br>
Thank you for band-aids<br>
Thank you for nurses<br>
And most of all, Thank you for Jesus.<br>
AAaaaaaaamen.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWjmIIdxo-AaitsDMT_Zs1Zzy2Z7YDKqErbbHjI_xxK-ZW17QPQU5UDaIoHuuHIH4_Zu-gbtj-zILQmGYMgy3Yb9tPwRA9D5YRm0jTAH_S1HeAW7SR-Ob1fDElcfgq6Hpv4BrV8H-cWw/s640/blogger-image-1799715522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWjmIIdxo-AaitsDMT_Zs1Zzy2Z7YDKqErbbHjI_xxK-ZW17QPQU5UDaIoHuuHIH4_Zu-gbtj-zILQmGYMgy3Yb9tPwRA9D5YRm0jTAH_S1HeAW7SR-Ob1fDElcfgq6Hpv4BrV8H-cWw/s640/blogger-image-1799715522.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22ZVMHg0X7Kf14KBH6IU9-vkbn0xlZ0C34t3luwBBmKGS4h9Qdk79ywLsNIU2ak9BPcMix9YxO9QQfiOx883wWguZMGNBgqviL05tcFGoloqwBVZpnLyn1BPc5rtN3zrCdZVGevU3_Rw/s640/blogger-image--1008905939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22ZVMHg0X7Kf14KBH6IU9-vkbn0xlZ0C34t3luwBBmKGS4h9Qdk79ywLsNIU2ak9BPcMix9YxO9QQfiOx883wWguZMGNBgqviL05tcFGoloqwBVZpnLyn1BPc5rtN3zrCdZVGevU3_Rw/s640/blogger-image--1008905939.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x_ABm5G9mZ1FTmweN1sMC7Ut10hzWeMWWyRDk1P_gEwqw3dVdmd3KcZntzRHO_g-gAZB3qfD8Ao_P3d4J5m3lhAFEIAv4BilqF9vScYTwQXpDsv4utgmxvvQXxo-FpYFrRvww_-LRD4/s640/blogger-image--810834158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x_ABm5G9mZ1FTmweN1sMC7Ut10hzWeMWWyRDk1P_gEwqw3dVdmd3KcZntzRHO_g-gAZB3qfD8Ao_P3d4J5m3lhAFEIAv4BilqF9vScYTwQXpDsv4utgmxvvQXxo-FpYFrRvww_-LRD4/s640/blogger-image--810834158.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674087386202344933.post-2536612529443674892015-09-07T17:58:00.001-07:002015-09-07T19:11:49.783-07:00"I Know How You Feel""I get it."<div>"I understand." </div><div>"I know how it feels."</div><div>"I felt that way too."</div><div><br></div><div>However it's said, it feels REALLY good to connect with people, doesn't it?</div><div><br></div><div>Both my head and my heart are in a really great place right now. The last eighteen days have felt like the longest two and a half weeks of my life, but in that short period of time I quickly breezed through the five stages of grief and here I sit in acceptance. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlksTeg89BAz4L8Mt5NAebacQ4ujubOt49fAb0WaDS38Vnutn1RbyIMAtFCpDEMwrQvc_Yyu_zCkzFcMhOjk7IrvAOPN4xNNxn_bSZJg3OWcII9XzwmdCMOiC6UYE5FOVzPQ3jbjfoEGI/s640/blogger-image-2013418915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlksTeg89BAz4L8Mt5NAebacQ4ujubOt49fAb0WaDS38Vnutn1RbyIMAtFCpDEMwrQvc_Yyu_zCkzFcMhOjk7IrvAOPN4xNNxn_bSZJg3OWcII9XzwmdCMOiC6UYE5FOVzPQ3jbjfoEGI/s640/blogger-image-2013418915.jpg"></a></div>A big part of that comes from connecting with people, moms in particular, who can TRULY say, "I know how you feel" because they too had to hand their babies over to a neurosurgeon knowing EXACTLY what was going to happen in that operating room. Knowing that not only were their babies going to look like a stranger to them afterwards because of swelling, but that this surgery was going to change the look of their baby's face and head forever. </div><div><br></div><div>These parents all talk about being on "the other side" of Cranio. The "side", post surgery, where you see for yourself that all the comforting things everyone has told you about how well your baby will do are indeed true. </div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday morning I had the opportunity to talk to a mom whose baby girl had surgery with Dr. Tomita at Luries last summer. What an incredible blessing she was to me, easing my mind of many of my fears. It was the perfect way to start surgery week. It reminded me that I have spent my entire adult life firmly believing that any awful things I've been through in my life are so that God could use me to connect with and support others going through the same thing. I had this OVERWHELMING feeling that we are all going to come out of this better and stronger than we were before. </div><div><br></div><div>I can't wait till Grant is old enough to understand how amazing he was, how brave he made us, and how faithful to our Savior we all were during this whole experience. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wNQ3qRPegiLMv3FaRTLcLrNlamERtNRq73za0G5mtRT6pEs-ET0pMxm8w5L046kP-ivmQxunF3ilr_ym48oQCeM58ihQ99Bk0mbqwN5v2coYT4LWs1ENHpHjM8RbHDZ0-Xirg9YthL4/s640/blogger-image--2001817319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wNQ3qRPegiLMv3FaRTLcLrNlamERtNRq73za0G5mtRT6pEs-ET0pMxm8w5L046kP-ivmQxunF3ilr_ym48oQCeM58ihQ99Bk0mbqwN5v2coYT4LWs1ENHpHjM8RbHDZ0-Xirg9YthL4/s640/blogger-image--2001817319.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05987407039489942448noreply@blogger.com1