Amazing.

The past few days have been wonderful and rough all at the same time. We've gotten such good news about Grace and each time I'd written a blog update in my head. But I just couldn't write it out. Like I was afraid that if I put it in writing it wouldn't be true. But it's been a few days now and she just keeps getting stronger! So here's what's been happening:

On Wednesday afternoon, Gracie went in for surgery to put the shunt in her head to help drain the extra fluid. It has a tube that runs into her abdomen where the extra fluid will be absorbed. She will most likely have the shunt in for the rest of her life. The doctor was able to use an adjustable shunt. This means that he can adjust it from the outside as she grows instead of having to go in surgically to replace the shunt. She will eventually need to have this one replaced with an adult shunt, but that won't be for many years.

After her surgery, they did a CAT scan to check the placement of the shunt and it was perfect. They did discover that the cause of the hemorrhage was due to a stroke. The cause of the stroke is still unknown.  Since she had the stroke in-utero, her brain had the opportunity to reroute itself and she should not have any mental issues or delays as she grows. She may have some weakness on the left side of her body, which would be helped by physical therapy.

Grace is still in the NICU and will be there probably until mid next week. She is off of all types of breathing help, just has one IV and is able to eat now. She's VERY feisty with a strong grip on both hands. They are giving her Tylenol regularly for pain and to help keep her comfortable. We were able to hold her yesterday for the first time since Tuesday and she just cuddled - like she knew it was us.

I have no doubt that Gracie has been in the palm of God's hand through everything. The timing of what has happened with Grace is just too perfect to be a coincidence. If I had not had the extra ultrasound in September to check something minor, the enlarged ventricles would have never have been found. If we would have continued with the pregnancy and had a 'regular' birth, there is a good chance that Gracie could have suffered serious damage and may not have survived. Since the stroke occurred in-utero instead of during or after birth, her little brain has had the chance to heal itself instead of suffer damage that cannot be repaired. I am just amazed.

The whole family has been physically and emotionally drained, so we've tried to take a few days to spend with Riley and Brenna at home and try to get some type of normalcy back. I'm so grateful that we have such a supportive family and we haven't had to worry about whether or not they would be taken care of. I know they've enjoyed time with Bramaw Nog, Grandma and Pawpaw and Aunt Jen, but no one can tuck you in as well as mom and dad.

We're off to visit Grace again. Hopefully she'll be home with us very soon! I'll try to post pictures of her this evening.