Elise at 2 months

 

We're so happy that Elise's heart is beating strong, that she is digesting her food without a problem, and that her lungs are breathing well. 

  

At her 2 month appointment, the pediatrician commented that Elise was well ahead of the growth curve in her muscle development, responses, and level of alertness.  Already Elise is an example to me of rising above challenges and how the Lord will make weak things become strong. 

It was a wonderful day when the medical equipment was picked up from our home because Elise was pronounced healthy enough to live without it. We adore our active, happy, and alert baby girl so much. Every day I count my blessings that she is here with us.  

Just a side note- Elise was diagnosed with a case of N.E.C.K., (this nasty, flesh-eating bacteria in the gut- which is fatal for newborns if not caught within a day or two of birth).  She also was diagnosed with an Atrial Septal Defect in her heart.  Finally her lungs were under-developed and her oxygen levels would desaturate into the 60's, (healthy lungs maintain oxygen saturation levels in the upper 90's).  Without the help of extra oxygen being given to her, brain damage could have resulted from these low oxygen levels.  


However, as of now, the N.E.C.K. is gone, her lungs are working just fine on their own, and the Atrial Septal Defect will be evaluated in 4 months.  It looks promising though that the Atrial Septal Defect will take care of itself so that there will be no need for a heart surgery at this point.  But, we won't know for sure until she is evaluated in 4 months by a cardiologist.