2 weeks down!!

Clara has been home from the hospital for a little over a week. She instantly started feeling better, when we got here. As if she said,  "home sweet home!! "

As of this past Saturday she is now off all pain medications and is just using Tylenol. As much as we needed them for pain and how wonderfully they were, she is so much better now and acts more like herself. 

We went back to see her surgeon today, where she got a great report. Four more weeks in the wedge, and now we can take it off for showers/baths. 

I do think Clara is frustrated and bored. She can be really fussy and cries, just really more than usual. She was so used to walking in her gait trainer, long walks in the jogging stroller, car rides, running errands with me, etc. So maybe this LIFE change leaves her somewhat sad. Or is it discomfort? 

 I feel like I am guessing with a lot of this, because she is non verbal. I just wish I knew, how to help her. We just do the best we can. 

Nights are HARD. About at 7:00 pm she starts crying and it takes aong while for her to calm down. She is restless at night and doesn’t sleep very well. 

Sleeping well has always been Clara’s thing. She is such a creature of habit, and does well with going and staying asleep for the most part. She curls up in her spot and dreams away!! However now she can’t really change positions, and sleep on her side and belly. So this continues to be a struggle for her. I do wonder if it’s just about that or if she really hurts at night. I asked the surgeon and he really didn’t give an answer. 

Again she can’t tell us, so we just do the best we can. But it’s hard to see her upset. 

We have had lots of support from our amazing nurses and family. Clara is no longer a two person job, so we are able to be home alone with her and manage. Also we can leave her at home with someone, which is good for us to get away. 

When I am home alone with her, wow it’s hard. So I do realize how fortunate we are to have help. I don’t take any of it for granted. 

We continue to encounter the Lord in different ways. Such as through circumstances and through people. I have experienced peace and understanding, and a renewed sense of strength to get her through this. More so than I had before the surgery. Even when things were so hard in patient, I knew she would get through it. She always does. 

Also, LOVE. We have felt his love and grace all the way around. This LOVE I have prayed for since the beginning of this. A LOVE that can change everything, especially during hard and difficult times. 

Dr. Stone said he was proud of us all today at her appointment, which was cool!! We are doing it, sweet Clara girl!!