4 Weeks Old...

Gracelyn is four weeks old today. She has gone through so much in the first four weeks of her life. I can't believe what a strong baby she is.

Week One: This picture was taken the day Gracelyn was born. Instantly her whole body was covered with IVs and sensors. While in the NICU she quit breathing 3 times and needed to be resuscitated. During her first week of life she was taken to the cath lab to try and fix her small pulmonary valve and artery. These problems were fixed with the cath, but during the procedure they discovered a bad tricuspid valve. We were told she would stay longer to have a BT shunt inserted.

Week Two: During Gracelyn's second week of life she went through her first heart surgery. Doctors had plans of going through her side, but had the feeling to open up her chest, fearing she may need the bypass machine. During the surgery her sternum was broken and she was placed on the bypass machine for 20 minutes. After surgery she was attached to 10 different machines.

Week Three: Gracelyn spent week three recovering from her surgery. During this time she had a rapid heart rate. At one point it was at 230 bpm causing the cardiologists to try to put her body into shock. To stop her from breathing and to stop her heart from beating they placed an ice pack over her entire face. Later they discovered Atrial Ectopic Tacycardia. The cause of her rapid heart rate. She was placed on a drug to slow her heart.

Week Four: Gracelyn has spent this week at home healing. She has done so well! Since returning home she has really progressed.

At four weeks old Gracelyn:

-Loves to be held

-Loves to have her hair washed

-Can hold her head up

-Has begun to smile

-Loves to be a"burrito baby"(wrapped up super tight)

-Loves when it is noisy (won't sleep in silence)

-Loves her binki

-Sleeps 6 hours at a time during the night

-Is still covered in adhesive from all the IVs

-Is still healing from all of her pokes

-Has a heart that sounds like a washing machine

-Is on 4 medications

-Eats partially through a feeding tube

-Is on .06 liters of oxygen

-Has a piece of gortex in her heart to keep her alive

-Makes her parents and brother very happy

-Has received more prayers than any baby I know

The last four weeks feel like a dream. Gracelyn has received several blessings. All stating what a joy she is and how much she has taught us in such a short time. We realize that all of us face our own kind of trials and challenges. Though most of the time it is hard to be grateful for our trials we are so blessed to have ours come in such a beautiful little package. We are so glad to finally have her in our lives!