Katie's Surgery

One week ago today Katie had surgery on the metopic suture of her skull (in english - the bone in her forehead). The day started for us at 3 AM when she had her last feeding before surgery. We arrived at Chippenham Hospital around 5:30 AM and she was taken into surgery around 7:45. Turning her over to the nurses was - BY FAR - the hardest thing Matt and I have ever had to do. In Matt's words...she's been through more medical issues in 7 weeks that we have in 30 years. I'm happy to report that she's doing great! The pictures below are some before and after photos.

Below is Katie the day before surgery.......a happy baby with NO idea what was about to happen to her. I felt guilty all day Monday. I knew surgery was the best/only option for her condition....but, I did not want to put her through the pain and trauma.

Katie sleeping in her carseat on the way to the hospital.

A picture with Daddy the morning after her surgery.

In her carseat on the way home from the hospital. A picture of her incision...about 25 total stiches.

Her swollen face....Poor thing!!! It took almost 2 days before Katie would smile at us again. But, by Thursday morning she was finally getting back to her old self. Popa came over and helped out that day.....and Katie greeted him with a big, gummy, toothless smile!Over the weekend, Aunt Annie came for a visit and to help out post surgery. This is a picture of Annie and Katie getting to know one another. :-) Annie kept Katie while I got some extra sleep in the mornings. She also did our laundry and grocery shopping. Thanks so much for coming Annie!!! In addition to Aunt Annie, we owe a special Thank You to several family and friends for making this past week as easy as it possibly could have been. First - Thank you to Aunt Sally who arrived at the hospital at 7AM on Tuesday to spend the day with Matt and I...supporting us and keeping us distracted while Katie was in surgery. Second - to our parents for all their help and support this week. Third - Aunt Katherine for helping Saturday and organizing meals for us & Uncle Rob for running an errand at the hospital for us. Finally - all of our friends who have provided meals, prayers, support, and love. Thank you to everyone!!!

Here is a picture of our little girl one week after surgery. She's looking much better....and doing great post-op!