Update on Natalee - Surgery Results

It was really hard to see Natalee this morning, I immediately lost it when I saw her. We got to spend a few minutes with her and give her some kisses before they put the ventilator down. I was so scared. I did not know how to be strong for her because I couldn't even find it to be strong for myself. I have learned a lot today. I know I am stronger than I thought.

Tim and I were there of course, my mom, my best friend, Kim and my mom's best friend, Ann. Tim's mom was staying with the other girls at home, and it was so nice to know that they were being taken care of and I didn't have to worry.

We met with the surgeon, Dr. Stafford, who was absolutely so sweet. He was so smart and answered all of our questions. He really made me feel at ease. He said that he was 100% sure that this was a complication of having NEC and that it was really common after having NEC. I was so glad to hear that it wasn't something completely different and a new issue. He said as soon as he saw the x-rays from yesterday he was pretty sure that he knew what was going on and where he would need to look. He said he would examine every part of her abdomen. I was so glad. He showed us where he would cut her and said he is very conscious about where he cuts little girls because one day they will want to wear a bikini. I can't tell you how much that meant to me, it showed how sweet his character is, that he would think of that and I thanked him so much. It was one of the first things that I thought about. One day she will be a thirteen year old girl and I never want her to be ashamed of her scar. Just the fact that it would cross his mind, is just so nice. He said he has daughters of his own and would want someone to care for them the same way. Sweet, sweet man, I knew God sent him just for my daughter.

The anesthesiologist was so sweet too. He had twins in the NICU a few years ago. Also, Natalee had one nurse for her all day and I was so glad it was Terri. She is so sweet and takes wonderful care of Natalee. She stayed by her side throughout the whole surgery and will have Natalee for the next three days. I love when the nurses stay the same for a few days. Everyone of the nurses in the NICU are unbelievable. They are truly angels sent from above.

It was hard to say good-bye to Nat, but it was more of a c-ya later. I knew she was going to pull through just fine. It was much harder to see her first thing in the morning than it was to say c-ya later.

Half way through the surgery, Terri came out and told us that Dr. Stafford found a place of about 5-6 srictures all in the same place, about 8 centimeters worth in the small intestines. She said he was about to start cutting out and placing the intestines back together, with no bag. She was doing just fine. Wonderful news.

About another hour, the doctor came out and said everything was done and he was really pleased how everything came out. He said everything above the area taken out looked great and everything below the area looked great too. He took out 14 centimeters total. He tried to take out her appendix but couldn't get to it safely.

We headed right up to the NICU and I went right in to see her. She looked great. She was super, super warm and the incision looked really great. I was so impressed. It looked like a paper-cut; no blood, just glued together, barely even red.

The Nurse Practitioner and Terri tried to put in a picc line again but they were unsuccessful. They will try again tomorrow and we will pray they can get it.

So, tonight Natalee is doing good. She is stable. Her levels all look good. She might get some more blood tomorrow, but we just have to wait and see what her blood level show in the morning. She will also stay on the antibiotics for a few more days just to prevent infection. So the next step is waiting to see when she will stool and then food can start to be introduced again.

I could not be more proud of my little girl. She is so strong and such a fighter. I look at her, her sweet little body and I wonder how can something so small be so strong. My only feeling is that God is holding her with every breath she takes. How else could she do being doing it? She is so strong and I am sure she has a purpose higher than we know for being on this earth. She is going to great things.

Thank you Jesus for keeping my little girl safe and giving her strength above anything I could have ever imagined. I am so grateful and thankful. Thank you to all those who have been praying for our family, whether we know you or not, your thoughts and prayers are SO appreciated. The power of pray is beyond our imagination.