Anna Update

I realize it's been way too long since I've posted an update about Anna. I sometimes forget that my memory is crap (<-- Exhibit A) which is one of the reasons I blog... so that I can look back on moments in my life whenever I want. I know all too well that stress, life and sleep deprivation make you forget little details, even if you don't want to.

So, let me tell you a little bit about my sweet Anna B and what she's been up to...

In short, well, she's perfect.

Physically:

She is SO beautiful. I completely understand parental bias now, because I look at her and I swear I'm looking at the most beautiful blue-eyed baby that God ever created. And I truly believe that. Her beauty is not just in her big, sparkly eyes, her silky soft baby skin, or her adorable giggle. She is also beautiful because I know what she has been through, and her strength is the most beautiful part about her.

 She just started doing physical therapy, and will continue to do it about once every other week. Because she was laying in a hospital bed for a solid month, and was sick for a month before that, her neck and leg muscles are weak. We have already started doing the exercises at home every day, and they've made a huge difference already. They have no doubt that she'll be caught up quickly, which is a relief.

Mentally:

Though there is physical evidence that she's been through alot, there is no trace of the struggles she faced in her personality. She's just such a happy little baby. So happy. So smiley. I can't tell you what it means to me to have that Anna back. There was a time when I never thought it would happen, but here we are.

Health:

She's had follow-up appointments with every doctor she saw in the hospital. If you're keeping track, that's Neurosurgery, ENT, Eye, Neurology, and her pediatrician. She has been given a clean bill of health by everyone! We will continue to follow up with Neurosurgery a few times a year, where they will give her an MRI to make sure no fluid has accumulated, but so far, so good.

She also has an appointment with Genetics in January.  Some people have asked if Anna's condition was in any way related to Jack's. So far, they think no. Whenever my mind wanders into the "Why did something bad happen to 2 of my 3 children?" territory, I stop immediately and remind myself that Anna is going to be fine, and that although what she had to deal with was horrible, I am eternally grateful that she is here with us, and that her condition was treatable. And that's that.

Eating:

Still 100% breastmilk (thanks to a hefty freezer stash I accumulated while she was in the hospital). We attempted sweet potatoes and she seems to like them, but they said not to push her until her head control gets stronger, so that she doesn't associate eating with pain. So I give her a few spoonfulls here and there, but I'm not going to stress about it until she gets more comfortable.

Sleeping: 

I am happy to report that SHE is sleeping through the night now. Keyword being she... it will probably take awhile for my body to adjust, so I'm still up several times a night. After getting the go-ahead from her pediatrician, we used the Sleepeasy Solution just before Thanksgiving, and it literally took one night. More on this later. 

On my way out the door the other day :)

Socialization:

She's back at daycare with all her friends (including one baby boy named Tucker who is getting a little too handsy for my taste).

But the person she loves most in this world?? Her big sister, Emerson.

Caption that went with this photo?? "Daddy!! She's holding my hand!!!" I die.

These girls literally melt my heart into a puddle of goo. They are SO cute when they're together, and I can't imagine two better sisters. Emerson "performs" for Anna, and Anna just eats it up. No one can make her smile like her sister.

Thanks again for all of the well wishes over the last few months. We couldn't be more grateful for the wonderful people who have kept Anna in their thoughts and prayers.