Saturday, May 14, 2011

Louise

We are home!! Last night was the first night that Louise has slept peacefully since her surgery. It was also the first night that I have slept peacefully since hearing that haunting word...Craniosynostosis.

The surgery went well, but it almost didn't happen. Two hours after we handed our baby to the nurse at the doors of the operating room, they called to let us know that they were going to attempt "IV access" one more time before calling off the surgery. If that happened, they would send her to PICU to start the lines and reattempt surgery in a day or two.

God must have known that I was holding on to my composure (not to mention my sanity) by a thread, because the nurse was finally able to get all 3 IV access lines that they needed. Poor little Louise looks like she has been in a wrestling match with a porcupine! She has stick marks from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. In a later explanation, the nurse told us that it was because she spent so much time in the NICU and her veins were used so much then. I'm not sure if I buy that explanation or not. All I know is that I would have given my right arm to have "our" nurses from SRHS NICU with Louise during surgery.

Other than that (clearly bothered mama), surgery went very well. Dr. Troup and Dr. Debrux are simply amazing Surgeons. What they can do through a 2" incision is mind blowing. The doctors seem fairly confident that this will be her only surgery, but unfortunately we will not know if it is really successful for 5 to 6 months. We'll be doing lots of praying, and we hope that you will too : ) !!!

The day after surgery was tough on everyone, especially Louise. She was running a fever and having a hard time holding down any milk. I was thinking that were going to be in the hospital for awhile. I did a lot of talking with God that day. Then, true to form, Louise decided to bounce back. The next day I woke up to a sweet baby quietly playing with her toys in her bed. Astonished, I walked over and asked "Weezie girl, are we feeling better today?". She flashed me a big smile and I knew everything was going to be OK. The difference in Louise from Wednesday to Thursday was SHOCKING! Prayers answered!

We are now waiting on the swelling to go down before starting the next leg of this journey....helmet therapy. She will be the cutest helmet wearing baby in the world. One of my coping mechanisms through this whole ordeal has been helmet design. I've been cooking up how I'm going to make this the most fabulous, blinged out, cutest piece of equipment to ever grace the head of a child. Pretty soon, all the kids will begging their parents for a "magic hat just like Louise!"

I know I've said this before, but Louise is such an awesome baby. She has been through more in a short 9 months than most of us will go through in a lifetime. When Ben and I named her, we thought we were simply naming our baby a name that was meaningful for our families and beautiful to our ears. However, we have since learned that the meaning of the name Louise is "strong warrior." Clearly a meaning that we feel that she exemplifies and has brought Ben and I comfort during some of our harder days with her. Her middle name is Grace and that is exactly how she faces life...with grace. Even when life throws her a curve ball she handles everything with such grace.

I'm the mama. I am supposed to be teaching my children how to navigate through this crazy thing we call life. However, I do believe, that this little lady is teaching me the lessons. I have learned so much about importance of strength while facing the unknown and the beauty of everyday grace by simply watching her story unfold. Louise Grace Boland I am so proud to be your mom!!!!!!!






Prepping for surgery






Feet! The toy you can never lose.




Daddy and his baby girl





Louise got lots of attention the day of surgery. Junebug and Daddy Jay came along for support.





Looking good! Ben and I had to "dress out" because they let us walk Louise back to the operating room.





Resting peacefully (day 2 post op)






Smiling girl!





Up and Playing!!!!





She loved the Caterpillar Ben and I got her.







Ready to go home!!! Both of us were in bad need of a good night's rest and a shower.




Not to mention we couldn't wait to see Reece and Charlie!! Thanks so much to everyone for all of the love, prayers, and support throughout this whole ordeal!!!!

5 comments:

  1. So happy she's doing well! Lucy, you are one remarkable mother!!

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  2. I am soo happy sweet Lousie is doing well! Prayers are powerful :) Hugs to you from one mom of multiples to another! Your family is absolutely beautiful!

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  3. Ben & Lucy --

    Aunt MaryLouise and I are praying for ALL of You --so glad this adventure went well --- thanks for all the updates on the blog - Lucy thanks for sharing it all with Us - it makes the miles just melt With Love from NJ Eric

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  4. Lucy, I am so glad to hear the surgery went well. You are such a strong mama!! We will continue to pray for your sweet angel.

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  5. So thankful all went so well !!! We continue to pray for everyone ♥ Hugs and love,Katie O.

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