September 9, 2010

A One Year Anniversary

I'm going to leave my snarkity snark snark on the shelf today.

Okay, at least... 87% of it.

For today marks exactly one year. (I won't re-hash the story of Alayna's surgery to correct her Saggital Crainiosynostosis for those of you who have heard it a million times, but if you are new here, you are welcome to read about it by going through her surgery links)

I can't believe it's been one whole year since I handed this sweet thing over to the anesthesiologist while using every ounce of self-control and restraint I could muster not to poke the guy in the eye and make a run for it with my sweet baby.


When they disappeared behind the sliding glass doors, I dissolved into a puddle of slobbery mush. And I may or may not have used my husband's shirt sleeve as a tissue.

Five hours later, she was returned to us. Thinking of her soundless cry, due to the breathing tube, still brings tears to my eyes.


It was rough to be sure, but Primary Childrens Hospital is a humbling place. I wouldn't have traded our situation with any of the other amazing parents we met there.


Five days later, we came home. I'll never forget the way Savannah's eyes welled up with tears when she realized all her baby sister's hair was gone. She's a little vain like that.


The panic attacks she had whenever she was left alone, even for a few seconds was hard. And we were grateful when, a couple weeks later, she was willing to go to sleep on her own.

Now?

This fuzzball hides her scar. You'd never know it was there.


And she is, without a doubt, the sassiest trouble-maker there is to be found.

And for that, I am grateful... whenever she's not squishing bananas into the carpet that is.


So here's to the power of the priesthood, the miracle of modern medicine, and for men who grow up to be good surgeons.  (Thinking of you today Stacy. Her son had to do this surgery twice)

Cheers!

P.S. Don't forget to stop by Incredible Women today for yet another day of new questions and answers!

27 super cool people speak:

Jocelyn Christensen said...

Yay for happy endings! that's one awesome head of hair!

Neisha said...

she is a doll!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Beautiful story.
Beautiful girl.
Beautiful mommy.

Jocelyn said...

She is such a cutie pie! Such an amazing story!

Stacy said...

I'm bawling, Serene. Thanks a lot. (And a HUGE thanks to the pregnancy hormones... they're not helping a bit either!)

She is such a beautiful girl. You would never, ever know what she had been through. Congrats on making it a year- that's such a huge milestone! Max's first one year anniversary was also his one month anniversary from the second surgery.

Susan Anderson said...

That must have been such a scary thing for your family. But you're right, the power of prayer and those wonderful priesthood blessings carry us trough the most difficult moments in life.

And she looks great, fuzzball hair and all.

=)

Kristina P. said...

I had no idea! She is beautiful.

Vanessa said...

Thanks for sharing such, personal yet inspiring experiences. I am glad to be able to draw strength from you. Thanks you!

Tristi Pinkston said...

Oh, wow. What a beautiful post and a darling little girl.

Courtney @ Ordinary Happily Ever After said...

She is so precious! Cutest face ever and that hair is CRAZY!

What an amazing story :)

Great Grandma Lin said...

amazing miracle baby. one of my sons was operated on for a hernia when he was a baby at primary children's hospital back in 1969 when we were poor college students. They do good things...

Cluttered Brain said...

oh WOW.
What kind of surgery did she need?
Oh sweet girl. I love the bedhead look! lol.
I'm glad you still have her...Not proud of the banana that is getting squished into the carpet while you read this comment but glad she is still around...
Cheers Serene!

Heather said...

What a sweetie! She's been through a lot (you all have) so glad it turned out good =)

Saimi said...

Amazing!

Braden Bell said...

Yes, all those things--but also for supportive, faithful mothers who would do anything for their children. So glad that this anniversary came in such good circumstances.

Pitterle Postings said...

Serene, I second every single thing you said! And also add that you are amazing, strong, courageous, loving, caring and totally cool!! Have a wonderful celebration today for the miracles that we continue to be blessed with here!

Kristin said...

She is darling.. absolutely precious! And what a fantastic Mommy and Daddy she and her siblings have!! Congrats on a beautiful family!! :)

Kate and Cole said...

I can't believe it's been a year! I have to admit I laughed outloud when I saw the picture of her bed head and you said this fuzzball covers the scar. Funny picture. I'm so glad she's okay. She's such a cutie.

Unknown said...

Serene! This post was perfectly timed. I made my babies appointment to meet whith the sugeron. If you can do this, I can do this!

(She has a unicorn bump between her eyes.)

ldsjaneite said...

I love you all, of course, but I just can't help it: I love this little girl. From all of your pictures of her, and her amazing story (what a great example she and her parents have been for me!), somehow she has become my "favorite" of the kids--and the one I've never met. Hmmm...

TisforTonya said...

amazing that all that hair hides such a rich history! Thankful for all of those good things as well!

Polly Blevins said...

She is such a sweet little girl. I can't imagine that trial. I guess you just take a deep breath and march on.

Mama Smith said...

One can't help but SMILE being around her...HER LOOKS ALONE are enough...to tickle me....I took so many pictures of her during our Family REUNION....Catching her every mood was priceless! SO GRATEFUL Father blessed her...to continue to be with us...!

Heather said...

So glad that things have worked out for you guys. I love stories like that.

Cheeseboy said...

Okay, I don't know how I missed this, but I didn't know your gal had been through this. That is one incredible scar. What a cute kid you've got!

BTW, I just shaved my arm hair, if you haven't already seen. It hurt. It hurt bad.

Krista said...

I can't imagine what you have been through! My son was hospitalized with asthma a few times before he was 5 and that almost sent me over the deep end. She's a cutie!

Kazzy said...

I was going to introduce you to Stacy in my comment! I can't imagine going through that. You are one tough lady. ANd your baby is drop dead gorgeous!

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