6 days post-op (BIG steps ahead)

So I am learning to surrender to the fact that this road to healing may be long and will have certainly have bumps along the way.

I think God is teaching and training me to cling to HIM through the storm and to hold tight to the anchor

to be still and patient…..
which is incredibly hard since patience and stillness is not something I naturally exhibit….seriously, really…not natural

I feel the Lord is gently nudging me to JUST BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS LORD..

He did not perform His mighty wonders on Gianna just to leave us high and dry.
He has promised to see us through…and I just need to cling to HIM through the rollercoaster ride….
He has been carrying us and will continue to.

Gianna had a scary Sunday morning when her heart rate jumped super high and exhibited much stress. Her liver and Kidneys also were not doing well. and they were unable to pace her to a good rhythm
A lot of her complications are the result of the length of time she was on Bypass and the fact that she underwent a major (miraculous) surgery…there is a lot of aftermath that comes from the storm.
 But, again…God displayed HIS GLORY!
We then put out additional prayer request and by late Sunday afternoon she was back in sinus rhythm with a lower rate and needed NO pace maker…
The next day her liver and kidneys showed marked improvement….and her heart rate had improved even more!

COMPLETE answer to prayer!

Oh this girl…I in awe of her
She is amazing, seriously strong and brave…
I am so proud of my warrior.

Its so hard, as her mama, to see her lay still and motionless for days and days. So hard.
But I know her body is fighting and God is fighting for her while she lies still….He is fully in control, and I do feel His presence.

Daddy went home sunday morning, just after all that drama, which made it a little bit harder and made me feel a bit more vulnerable….I sure do miss my best friend.

Yet, I have such a peace knowing our awesome kiddies at home get their daddy back, Cant wait to see them all this weekend for a visit!

Please keep them all in your prayers as this is not easy on them….but I am so proud of them.

I know we are well taken care of here, the nurses and doctors are wonderful!

So…..the past two days have been incredible!!!
Gianna is back to moving forward again. Her paralytic meds were removed and I got to see her move today and even open her eyes!
Thankfully her heart rate has stayed steady and normal even after paralytic meds were removed!

The plan is to wean her off various meds and sedation and try to get her breathing on her own over the next two days….possibly extubation by WEDNESDAY!!!!
Sweet girl has some work to do…
Though the cardiologist has prepared me for the possibilities of more dips in this rollercoaster ride. he is optimistic and so encouraged by her progress!
GO GIANNA!

I have said this before, but it bears repeating…..
 each day I sit by her bed and watch her heart beat I am reminded of the absolute honor  it is to be her mama…
 to witness these miracles in her life…
 to read to her and sing to her
to get to rub her feet and pray over her …
 rub her head and kiss her lips…hold her hand….paint her nails.
to watch her squeeze my finger….(that was amazing)
to comfort, console and care for my daughter in her greatest time of need.
To be able to call her “mine”

A complete honor.

she squeezed my fingers today!!!

Please continue to pray…the next few days are very significant and sensitive….they are about getting her out of the woods and off machines…
We are still waiting to see if she will need additional surgery on her leaky valve (before we leave Boston).
Also, I am nervous how she will react when she comes to and gets extubated…praying she finds comfort in me and isn’t scared or anxious. Gianna is only 5 months HOME and the bonding process is still in the new stages…..

Another boy here is newly off his ventilator and is SO depressed and sad and won’t even look his parents in the eye…. its heart breaking to see your child that way.

So, we have no idea how Gianna will react…..I am praying for strength to endure whatever may be.

One thing I have learned is: Hope for the best, but be ready for anything.

But I know, God is in control. He has her in the palm of HIS hands.

Our beautiful Gianna is a testimony to the power of God….and to His grace and goodness.

We love you so much sweet girl. Keep fighting on!
stay HEART STRONG!