Yay! An update!

I can't believe this is the first post of 2011.  Grace is having a great new year.  While there has been a lot of progress, the biggest news is that she took her first steps.  She is also able to take herself up and down the stairs.  For this you need to see videos.  So enjoy!

First Steps!

Practicing on the Treadmill.

Birthday Photos

Happy Birthday Gracie!!

Gracie is two today!!
Can you believe it.  Last night Grace decided to remind us of that sleepless night by keeping us sleepless again. She was up from 1 to 4, either crying, hungry, or just chatting to herself. Happy birthday to us!!
Despite our sleepless nights and the stress of all her surgeries and hospital stays, Deb and I are overjoyed to have her in our lives.  A smile and a kiss from her will right all wrongs - and she knows it.  We looked back at some photos from two years ago when we first brought her home and we are so thankful that we no longer have to cart around a ventilator and oxygen all the time.  Life is so much easier on Grace's second birthday.

Finally!! An Update

So I am the worst blogger ever - oh well.  Hopefully all the good news I have for Gracie's loyal following will help make up for my delinquency.  Let's start off today with Grace's belly surgery -part deux.  On September 20th we dragged ourselves back to Riley for the final closure of the omphalocele.  Despite being NPO until afternoon, Grace was a well behaved angel.  Dad was out of his mind with boredom and true-to-form was less well behaved.  The surgery went well, with a successful reduction of what was left of her omphalocele and the creation of a new belly-button.  Thank you Dr. Rescorla!  Now Grace has something to pierce when she becomes a rebellious teenager.

Her post-op recovery went well.  Grace doesn't complain too much and we got out of there by Friday.  We can add yet another unit in Riley to our list of floors Grace has been on.  Grace has done wonderfully since she has been home.  She is now walking with her walker and cruising a little with the couch and coffee table for support. She is correctly identifying letters of the alphabet and still knows more sign language than Daddy.  I wish I could say that sleep is improving.  Monitors and oxygen at night are still the status quo.  Grace also started waking up in the middle of the night for an hour or two which is tiresome, but finally improving.  Personally I think this surgery impacted Grace more than her previous visits to Riley.  Probably because she is getting older and more aware of what is going on.  She has been a little needier.  Part of it could be just that she is turning two!

I will post some pictures this week and even a video of her on her walker.

Belly Button!!

Who would have thought that a belly button could be that exciting?  Grace does!!
Grace had her final belly surgery today to close what is left of her omphalocele and give her a new belly-button.  It was a long day for her, and as usual she was an angel.  We were dreading a whole morning without food, but she didn't complain at all.  No fussing, no whining, just her best behavior.
The surgery lasted about 3 hours and she is now resting comfortably in the PICU.  Our hope is to be home by the weekend.  Thanks for all the calls, texts and facebook posts.  We always appreciate your support.

Gracie's Summer

It's been a hot one in Indy this summer, but Grace has been enjoying herself.  She has been to the pool, of course, but also the Indiana State Fair and recently a trip to Grandma's.  Her best friend is Mac, and her favorite food is watermelon.

Grace riding a pony at the Indiana State Fair.  I don't know who is more excited, Grace or Mom.

Pineapple Whip on the Fourth of July.

Watermelon for breakfast - and every other meal if she was given a choice.

Dad, will you let me chew in peace please!

Yes, she does have her hand in Mac's mouth.  He is great with her and even helps out by giving her a bath.  You will notice her beautiful hair do - courtesy of Mac.

Modeling her many outfits.  She will always be well dressed.