Tubes are Dropping Like Flies

Things seem to be picking up speed with tubes and IVs dropping like flies. This morning, they took out Abigail's last chest drainage tube, the IV that was inserted in an uncomfortable spot where the neck meets the shoulder, and an IV in her right wrist. She still has the nasal oxygen tube on only as a precaution (standard procedure) with minimal oxygen being fed to her. She looks great, and as of right now, appears to be recovering at light speed. Here are some photos from this morning:

A View of the Incision

Notice the incision. It actually looks more scary than it really it is--most of the drama of the shot comes from the stitches that are still in her. One of the benefits of the scar that will remain is that we probably won't need to force Abigail to dress modestly--she probably won't want to dawn too many low-cut blouses or dresses, and she will likely only want to wear one-piece swimsuits.

A few days ago we saw the scar of an 18-month old child who had been through the same surgery last year. This boy's mother is in the ward we're attending in Menlo Park. She was in the congregation Sunday when I got up for Fast and Testimony meeting and explained why we were there. That night, she brought us a plate of cookies, a card, and her boy along with her. Among other things, she wanted to show us his scar to let us that we had little worry about. And she was right--the scar was barely visible.

I'm a Dad, so to me, such scars are kind of cool--you know, battle marks. But I'm sure Abigail will be happy about a lighter scar, the result of excellent cutting and stitching by the docs.

Resting Easy, Pacifier in Place

This picture was taken just before they removed the IV from her right wrist. As you can see, she has the sucking motion down (a concern for cardiac patients) as her binky is firmly locked in her mouth. She also got her first oral feeding since just the night before surgery. She gobbled it down, and they're going to slowly increase the amount they'll let us give her from 10 ml to 15 ml to 20 ml all the way up to 40 ml per feeding as she takes it.

The First "Real" Holding

Today was the first time we really got to hold Abigail. Prior to surgery, we were able to hold her--and all of her mattress, and about 35 cords. Today's it just blanket and baby a few cords dangling from the side. Dad got a little teary eyed as he snapped these photos and videoed the this first "real" holding of sweet Abigail. That's it for now. I'll leave you with a video of Abigail and her incision.