False Alarm

No surgery today. Apparently there was some kind of mix up with scheduling and Elaina's surgery has now been scheduled for February 2nd. In a way this is a good thing. I hadn't been able to talk with the doctor about the surgery before today. The doctors at South Davis had only scheduled a g-tube placement, they didn't schedule the Nissen proceedure. When the surgeon talked to me today, he told me that after reviewing all of Elaina's charts, he wondered why he wasn't also doing the Nissen. I told him that to the best of my understanding, she needed to have the Nissen for her reflux and throwing up problems. The main reason for her being fed by NJ was the risk associated with throwing up. So now we're on the same page and both the Nissen and G-tube will be done. Good news, he didn't forsee any complications during recovery for her. He thinks that she is strong enough to undergo this surgery and will only need a couple of days in the PICU post-op and will only need to be at Primary Children's for a week before being able to go back to South Davis. This truly is one step closer to getting her home. I'm very hopeful that by spring, when there is much less risk of flu/strep/rsv, etc being brought home, I'll be able to have her home. She was in a very good mood today and was quite playful and fun to be with. I was so glad to be able to spend time with her. Her nurses had her dressed up in a cute outfit and had managed to pull her hair into a tiny pony-tail on top of her head. It wasn't a big ponytail, but it was completely adorable. She's so cuddly that I just want to eat her up! :)

Ben's appointment went well yesterday too. His MRI results were normal. Such a huge relief! The neurologist thinks that he will outgrow the seizures once he's in his teens or early 20's, and he seems to think that the medication is working well. We have to go back every 3 months for follow up, and if Ben has another seizure at this point, I need to call and let the doctor know. Otherwise, Ben is doing just fine. I hope that I'll be able to sleep a little better now. I was hopeful that the results would be good, but there is always that little voice of worry at the back of my mind that I just can't quite shut out.

Well, things are still crazy busy and it seems I rarely have time to do everything on my list that I need to. But there is always tomorrow, and somehow I just keep on going on! I promise that I will post lots of pictures soon. I keep taking them, so I have lots to share. I want to see if I can figure out how to make them into a slideshow or something fun when I have some time this week.

As Elaina's first birthday approaches on Sunday, I just have to say how amazed I am by what the past year has brought me. I am so grateful for my family, for loving friends and most importantly, I am grateful for my Savior. I know that I have witnessed a miracle and that Elaina's life is a gift from a merciful Father in Heaven. Looking back, I don't know how I survived some of the trials. I just know that I wasn't alone and that He continues to bless and strengthen me. I am excited for the coming year, and I look forward to the challenges that are ahead of me. Elaina's continued improvement and good health are a positive sign. I know that things can change quickly, but I feel that I am so blessed for every day, every hour and every minute that I have her in my life. Ben and Elaina truly are the greatest gifts I have ever received and I am so proud of both of them.

Well, thanks for checking in on us. Thank you as well for all your continued prayers and support. We couldn't do it without you all!

Hugs,
Hollie, Ben and Elaina