Thursday, August 6, 2009

Smile and the whole world smiles with you

It's been 3 months and 1 week since Annabel arrived and everyday we are amazed with her strength and her abilities. 
 
Her tightly clenched fists are starting to relax more and she's discovered that she enjoys gripping objects and clawing mommy and daddy.
 
She rolls onto her side with ease and recognizes and grabs her binky.
 
She lifts up her head in attempt to look at us when she's lying on our chests.
 
And the most wonderful thing that I witness her doing more and more everyday is smiling.  She has the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. 
 
All Carrie and I have wanted to do is provide her with love and comfort and we're doing that.  Now we know that we are capable of providing her joy, as well, and that is very rewarding.
 
The doctors are taking notice that Annabel is not a quitter.  Yesterday she visited her cardiologist, and since there is no evidence of any improvement of her VSD, they are now discussing surgery with us.  The thought of open heart surgery is frightening, but if the surgeon and cardiologist agree that correcting her VSD will improve her quality of life and reduce future risks of pulmonary vascular disease, then we have to consider that option. 
 
Next appointment is in 6 weeks....until then we continue to take things one day at a time.
 
Keep smiling, Annabel. 
 
JV
 
 
 
 

4 comments:

  1. i luv this post!! Im soo smiling w. u!!! =D Shes gettin soo big nd shes definitely a fighter...God bless her!! Im so happy shes doin soo great!! U need to put pics of her smiling i would luv to see tht
    we luv u baby annabel!!!!!!!! god bless u forever!!!

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  2. I love the post. It warms my heart that she is getting the drs. attention. Go Annabel. Our Annabel has a VSD that is considered large, 12 mm. Do they say the size of your tiny Annabel?
    Will continue to pray for your sweet baby girl.

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  3. Annabel is definitely a fighter. She is going to be just fine no matter what. She is in God's hands.We are not going to worry about tomorrow because God is already there. What a comforting thought. We love you Annabel Leigh.
    Love,Meemaw and Pawpaw

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  4. We can't wait to see that beautiful smile, Annabel! Maddie is SO excited to meet her cousin. We'll see you guys soon!

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