October 28 - Day 20

Today was a very long day of waiting!! Our early afternoon surgery did not actually begin until about 6:30PM. Chloe once again was a superstar. Surgery was a success and the team did not encounter any complications. Chloe was extubated in the OR and was alert and awake by the time she returned to the PICU. She showed some signs of discomfort but soon settled into her bed with some Tylenol and anti-seizure medicine that usually makes her sleepy. The incision sight on her head is a bit swollen but will heal in time, and she has sutures from the small incision made on her belly. Chloe, over the past few hours, has shown once again what an amazing fighter she is! She is back on her feeds and without a fight she also allowed the EEG technician to replace the electrodes on her head to monitor for seizure activity. Chloe also remains to be fever free now for over 24 hours.

I look at Chloe and am in awe of the strength and courage she already possesses at only 8 ½ months. It is so easy for us to dwell on what the next step of the plan will be or what setbacks she may have in her road to recovery that we forget how much she has already overcome in almost 3 weeks. We have heard so many times that we have a ‘long road’ ahead of us and we certainly understand and hear that but we also know that we need to be thankful for all the mountains she has climbed and the bumps in the road from which she has bounced back so swiftly.

To our dear sweet Chloe – we love you in every way possible. We are so proud of every little step you have taken. We grow stronger everyday with the touch of your fingers, wiggle of your toes, smacking of your lips. As we move ahead we look forward to the moment we can hold you close. God Bless you Chloe! Stay strong baby girl.

Many thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers today and always,

Rethier, Michelle, Olivia & Chloe