4 pounds!!! Gigi achieved a whopping 4 pounds Monday, and was sporting her double chin quite proudly today! Praise God for her weight gain, growth and health!!!
We are finally settled in to Children's Hospital. It's a longer drive each day than previously(1hour 15 mins), but we are fortunate that I can go during off-peak traffic times while the kids are in school. I get to drive by the many beautiful sights in Washinton DC... the monuments, museums and our Capitol Building and am in awe of their powerful presence.
Gigi is doing fine! She underwent a ventricular tap this morning where the neurosurgery staff drew fluid from her head(approx 15cc). This will hopefully relieve some of the pressure she has encountered as a result of the hydrocephalus. She may need another one later this week as she awaits her surgery... we'll take it one day at a time. She is scheduled Monday for surgery... a VP shunt placement. The shunt is a small tube that runs from her head(ventricle) down to her abdomen where it will drain any excess fluid from her head. It runs beneath her skin and will be barely noticable. The physicians will be able to control it's rate of flow through a valve. This will greatly reduce the pressure inside her head. She will be treated with antibiotics to manage the risk of infections. For as much as I hoped she wouldn't need this procedure, I know it is the best thing for Gigi's long-term health. This surgery is the first step in her road to discharge! She is really thriving on her tube feedings, and will attempt to progress to bottle feedings again soon. She also still requires oxygen , but only a small amount and should be weaned fairly easily. We're hoping she'll be home very soon!
We've been so happy with her neurosurgeon, Dr. Yaun. She has a gift of communiating gently yet is direct and thorough. Gigi is in great hands (in addition to the Lord's, that is)!! God has shown us in so many ways His faithfulness. His love is so strong and overwhelming at times! There are days when we have emotional lows, and God shows us the other infants in her wing who are VERY ill and are just beginning their NICU journey. We realize how far He has brought Gigi and praise Him for his powerful works in her.
Please pray for Gigi to remain healthy as she awaits surgery! Also, please consider praying for the other babies sharing the NICU with her. Sometimes I feel like we are at Children's Hospital partly because God wants us to pray over the other sick babies!
Thank you for your prayers!
Jen
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Jen, we got an email that said the surgery was a success. We have been praying for you all and are thankful for this recent praise. We also have been praying for the other babies there and I will continue to pray for strength as you witness to those around you.
Cherie, Chris, Daniel,Jeremiah and Noah Ackerman
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