Thursday, December 30, 2010

Brave Ma Ma

She said "Ma Ma" today for the very first time.  She was chewing me out, and she only said it one time, but she said it.  It was a gift from God.  I know it.

The day started horribly. Yesterday and today actually ran into each other. The little turkey made herself famous in the PICU and then on the 5th/Intermediate floor when she was transferred this afternoon.  She managed to pull out everything the doctors and nurses had attached to her little body, despite being observed almost constantly.  The neurosurgeon was even impressed when he was called in because she had managed to pull the drain out of her head.  By the time we were transferred to the Intermediate Care floor she only had EKG leads, an O2 sensor, the nasal cannula for O2 and one I.V.  She helped the doctors and nurses discontinue her arterial line, an I.V., her Foley catheter, wound drain, and nasal cannula...but she kept the I.V. for morphine and antibiotics.  She's a smart little girl.  They did have to devise a way to keep the O2 sensor on (her foot) and they taped and covered the remaining I.V. but she convinced them that everything else could go.
Adeline was finally able to relax and sleep at about noon.  It was like a switch had gone off and she settled down for a while.  So then we could settle down.  It was such a relief.  She had periods of discomfort during the day, but it was nothing like those first 12 hours after the anesthesia wore off.  As long as there is Lortab on board she does pretty well.  Her face is swollen and she is starting to bruise.   We are told it is most likely going to get worse. But it's a perfect circle!
She is really starting to come back...but I'm still waiting for her smile.
My mom and dad and Nile came to visit.  By the time they arrived she was pretty calm, and didn't have much connected to her.  Nile did well...he was more concerned about the presents she had waiting for him to open. My mom and dad seemed to do well too.  We Skyped in the hospital room with Grandma Hot Dog and Aunt Carole.  Still not sure if hospital policy allows that, but it was worth any risk!!!  I am so glad that none of them had to see her earlier.
She has been scratching her face and tummy a lot so they have her on benadryl.  We are trying to see if she can go without morphine, and she hasn't had it since this morning.  She has been eating well...but no one is surprised about that.

They plan to remove the wound dressing tomorrow.  I feel so good about everything right now, but I don't think I'm ready for that.  The dressing is starting to pull back a little and I have caught a glimpse of her bald, bruised, swollen head. It's easier to handle when it's covered by cute pink gauze.  It's going to be hard when we start taking her out into the public.  We will try to keep hats on her, but with her Houdini-like talent, I'm guessing it will be next to impossible to keep anything on her head.  She needs to know that she is beautiful. And very, very brave. So I have to be brave.  After all, I am her "Ma Ma"!
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7 comments:

  1. You are her Mama and everything you have felt is normal....things will get easier, step by step....glad to hear surgery went well. Hoping for a speedy recovery for Adeline. Your children are beautiful!
    Deb Muth

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  2. Thanks so much for sharing so much of what you are all enduring. Prayers and hugs and kisses to you all.

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  3. Sounds like things are improving. So happy for you and continuing our prayers.

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  4. you have melted my heart this morning! i will pray for sweet little adeline and you and the whole family! i love to read the sweet stories...especially niles concern over her presents! stay strong and God bless! with love from Tooties (tricia rider)

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  5. Hang in there mama! Praying things continue to keep improving. Keeping you all in our prayers.
    Mavis Anema

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  6. Trisha- I had no idea all of this was going on until I just saw your blog link. Oh my goodness. Adeline is the sweetest thing. What a beautiful, brave and strong baby girl. I think I know where she gets it! You are going through so much. I will pray for her and for you and for the rest of your family. Your strength is a testimony of your faith and an inspiration to other mommies like me. Here's to a new year of health and happiness for sweet Adeline! :)Kasey

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  7. Sweet Adeline

    Trisha- I have spent the last hour reading all about Adeline. I have had tears rolling down my face reading about her story from the beginning. My mom radar went off -I know the love you feel for your child and I can't imagine all the ups and downs you have had in the last few months. Adeline is amazing and you are an amazing ma ma. You are blessed with a beautiful family inside and out. I will pray for all of you and for Adeline's recovery. I wish I could give you a big hug right now. But I hope you can feel it all the way over in Omaha. Love Ya, Laura Ledger

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