Small Victories

It's been a week since our last visit. I have been so wanting to tell you about our life after surgery but until now, I just haven't had enough time to reflect. Basically, I cannot believe how well Caroline has done. This recovery has been much easier than our previous surgeries, and for that we are so very thankful. We have seen a noticeable difference in her. Firstly, she is happier. Caroline has always been a pretty happy baby, especially considering all of her obstacles, but there were moments each day when she was downright inconsolable. We had wondered if the increased pressure from the craniosynostosis was causing headaches- and now we know. She smiles more. She laughs more. She dances more. Secondly, along with feeling better and happier, Punky has decided she is now a chatterbox. Before surgery, she would mimic sounds a few times throughout the day- which, in our somewhat completely biased eyes, was advanced for a 3-month old. Now, she won't stop talking. She not only mimics our sounds but has discovered quite a few of her own. Thirdly, she can see better. Punky's type of craniosynostsosis, right coronal, affected the development of the right frontal and parietal bones in her skull. In other words, the left side of her skull was free to grow while the right was restricted. So, her left eye is in a "normal" position while her right eye is recessed. She had really adapted well considering this major setback. She would try so hard to focus on and track you with both eyes but it was extremely difficult. To our surprise, though the right side of her skull is still recessed, she is already able to focus her eyes more easily. Though one pediatrician told us the surgery was mainly a cosmetic procedure, to help her look more "normal" we know that is not the case. I cringe when I hear other cranio parents say their first doctor told them surgery was "optional" or "cosmetic." If you are a parent facing a new craniosynostosis diagnosis, please do not let anyone tell you the surgery isn't worth it. Whether it be the endoscopic or more traditional procedure, surgery is necessary for not just physical reasons, but more importantly, for proper mental development. We are so encouraged by all of these positive signs just one week after surgery- and we haven't even started helmet therapy! These are all seemingly small things. Babies smile, laugh, dance, babble, and gaze all the time. So what makes my girl so extraordinary? These are all signs that there is a big, intelligent, loving personality in my baby…something the OB's, genetic counselors, and neonatologists suggested may not be. Are there still unknowns? Only too many to count, but the knowns make this all seem possible. We know He is faithful and we know she is here to prove it.

She says it's no "Shake It Off" but felt the title was appropriate.