Our Journey of Ethan’s Head Surgery… Craniosynostosis: Wednesday

Craniosynostosis -- Wednesday;  msalishacarlson.com/

When morning came though, there was no fear. No uncertainty. Everything was anew. It was as if the night had never happened. I felt rested and cheerful.  God heard every prayer that night. Christine texted me that morning inquiring how we were doing, I admitted “When I texted you last night, I was a mess. Total mommy meltdown. Lots of prayers and God put his peace upon me and gave me a good restful night.” Her response, “I was a mess last night too. Just crying and begging God to help that little baby breathe. I don’t think my hubby quite understood my emotional reaction, but I remember all too vividly that feeling of desperation when you can’t do anything to take away the pain and you can’t even explain to them that it will get better soon.” Tears came to my eyes as soon as I read this. I truly believe she carried my burden for me that night while God brought peace and rest to my soul.

 

Psalm 121: 2-4  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip—  he who watches over you will not slumber;  indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

I am so thankful that God is always with us. Even in the darkest of times. And I am thankful for God’s healing!

 

Wednesday morning was a “day of joy”! The dark night had passed and the sunshine that shone through the window was brighter than ever, and I was joyful! It was as if God were saying “The former things have passed away, I am making all things new.” Meaning, all the stress, all the anxiety and worry, its all gone.

It brings the song “Trading my Sorrows” to mind.  The lyrics are:

I’m trading my sorrows
I’m trading my shame
I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord
I’m trading my sickness
I’m trading my pain
I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord

I am pressed but not crushed,
Persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I am blessed beyond the curse
For His promise will endure
That His joy is gonna be my strength
Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes in the morning

 

There was a new hope. A new excitement for the day. Today was the day Ethan’s head bandage was going to be removed. Feeling very rested, Ethan and I started the day as usual… a mass of doctors and nurses coming in for the day’s update and to check on the patient. But the day also held a little bit of nervousness for me. As thrilled as I was to see Ethan’s new head, I was afraid he would no longer look like the beautiful baby that God had given me just 3 months earlier. We loved his funny little expressions. The way his lip curls up a little, that great big smile of his, the big bright eyes. It was hard to see him under all the puffiness and swollen eyes.

As the bandage was removed, the perfect, most round head I’ve ever seen was revealed! It eased some of the swelling in Ethan’s face and just gave him such a peaceful relaxed look. It was so exciting! And we had such a great rest of the day. It truly was a day of celebration and thankfulness.

Craniosynostosis -- Ethan without his bandage;  msalishacarlson.com/

I was thankful I finally got to nurse Ethan (and he ate really well 3 times during the day)!

I was thankful that Brad got to hold Ethan for his first time after surgery and could reconnect with his baby!

Craniosynostosis -- Brad holding Ethan;  msalishacarlson.com/

I was thankful for full pee-filled diapers! (Who would’ve thought!)

I was thankful he came off oxygen around 1:00 and was able to leave the PICU around 5-ish. 

Craniosynostosis -- Regular recovery room;  msalishacarlson.com/

I was extremely thankful he was feeling so much better that he was starting to smile with his puffy little cheeks and was happily kicking around! His eyes were still half swollen, but I was thrilled they did not swell completely shut so he could still see!

Craniosynostosis -- Alisha kissing Ethan's head;  msalishacarlson.com/I am thankful the nurse on the pediatric floor found a good way to move him with minimal pain so we were able to hold him better and he LOVED sitting up looking around.

I was thankful I got lots of holding time too! The power of touch is such a good thing. It was healing for us both!

 

Each little step felt like a huge milestone and I am thankful for each one!

Alisha

 

Alisha

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