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Saturday, June 20, 2009

The Great Physician...

Sweetest sleep ever...

I am not feeling I have very much to write. I want to let everyone know that Annabel is doing so well. I have to make myself remember that she has this ugly thing called Trisomy 18.

The last several months prior to the surgery had become stressful concerning her apnea spells, the machine for her to breathe that wouldn't always work, the bowel twisting on itself and causing great pain, and the UTI infection and antibiotics.

There is not a doubt that all the prayers for Annabel were heard. She is having no apnea spells at all, yes no oxygen and no bi-pap machine for now. She is urinating just like a little girl should and I have no reason to suspect she is not emptying her bladder. The huge change also is that she hasn't had any laxative but once since her surgery. This entire week she has had BM regularly and her tummy is soft and so small. She is taking breastmilk and this really seems to be agreeing with her.

I will continue to be thankful for all the doctors who operated on Annabel and took care of her. I know with out a doubt that she was in the hands of the Great Physician. He orchestrated everything from beginning to end and I continue to be grateful for His goodness...

Upon release from the hospital she weighed 19.7lbs. Back in April she was 24.4lbs. She is slowly inching up the scales. We are adding whatever we can to her diet to give her calories and get her protein intake up. She has lost what little muscle she had and I am sure when she resumes her therapy this will come back as well.

I am sad to say that I will not be attending the Trisomy (SOFT) conference this year. My twins will be turning 17 in early Aug. As a family we will be renting a beach home and spending the week together. This was the only time that we could all be together. I will surely miss old friend and the new friends that we would have made. Carly and Colette will be senior this year and my plan is to make as many memories as possible and to not miss a thing.

8 comments:

Holli Davis said...

Isn't it crazy that sometimes you have to remind yourself that your child does have something going on? They are just so perfect in our eyes, aren't they? She looks so peaceful sleeping! I am so happy she is doing well with the respiratory and GI stuff! God is a wonderful Physician. He has such a plan for Annabel. I already know she has touched my life. So glad everything is calming down for you all, and hope things stay that way!

Mrs Redboots (Annabel Smyth) said...

I'm so very glad the surgery has been such a success. Hoping and praying she can use this summer to get her strength back, and who knows what she won't be capable of this autumn!

After all, whatever she officially "has" in terms of diagnosis, when push comes to shove, she is Annabel Shelander, and that's the most important thing about her.

Mummy Pauline said...

Great to hear Annabel is doing fine.
Have a nice day ...

Kathy said...

What a wonderful post! So very excited that Annabel is in such a good place physically now!

Praising the Lord for answered prayers and taking such excellent care of our girl!!!

How fun to enjoy family time at the beach! All your kids will love every second of it. Praying for loving, happy memories for the Shelander family all summer long!

The VW's said...

How wonderful that Annabel is doing so well! Praise the Lord! I'm so happy for you!

chadandnikki said...

Glad she's doing so well. Praying for you guys that God gives you both strength and rest as you need it.

Anonymous said...

Wow! What an amazing miracle. Enjoy the restful moments. I hope your family creates happy memories this summer! Enjoy every second.

Talk to you soon! Kasey Connors

Anonymous said...

Cathy, I have been out of the country for the last few weeks, and just caught up on your blog. I am SSSOOOO Happy Annabel is doing so well!!! I think her lung function was affected by her belly size as well, and I am a medical person!! The Great Physician is Awsome!! He wants Annabel here for a long time!!

Dr B