HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY ELIJAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow so much to update! Surgery went great! The Dr was very pleased with how it turned out. We were released after only 48 hours!! We had to be readmitted several days later for concern of shunt failure or meningitis. After many tests and blood work we were able to go home again. He began crying non stop for several days after this but we were able to adjust and add some meds without being admitted. The Neuro surgeon believes his brain is trying to adjust.

Watching Elijah transform from the frail, tiny, lifeless boy that was handed to me on Jan. 23rd has been so amazing!!! Prior to this latest surgery he was in constant pain...even after his shunt was placed. Moving him was torture, even a simple diaper change made him scream. Bathing him was something I dreaded....I know he hated it more than I did!!!! It took him so long to calm down after a bath. He never made any sounds prior to this last surgery, only crying. SO basically he would just lay there. He obviously could not roll, only minimally move his legs and arms.

OK so fast forward to May 21st....this is the day we began to see the NEW Elijah!! On this day we were all in the family room and we heard "ba, ba, ba" OH my gosh we all looked around trying to figure out who was making those sounds. Sweet Elijah was talking!!!! It was the most beautiful, precious sound I have ever heard!!!!! That was not the only change, he loves to be held!! He is still in some pain when I pick him up but nothing even close to where he was before the surgery. Moving him is so easy and he is able tolerate being in a variety of positions. He continues to "talk" and is moving is head lots more. He is figuring out that he can move his head and look straight up... he obviously could not do that before surgery. He is really more interested in toys and is working very hard at holding them. He is currently weighing 15 pounds 7 ounces!!!!!! AND he is looking like he is trying to smile, he is making different facial expressions, so very adorable!! He really is a brand new boy.....I just can't wait to see how far he goes!!!!

WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!!

Short surgery update

Elijah had his surgery yesterday, actually. There were some computer issues and we didn't get the previous update out until tonight. However, he came out of surgery with his encephalocele (his bump)completely removed. He looks like such a different littel boy. However, he lost more blood than they counted on so he needed a transfusion. He needed to be in the ICU for a while as his blood pressure and heart rate kept getting much too high. He was doing better after a few hours (though not super) and was then moved to the neurology floor. Please continue to pray for Elijah as he has a lot to go through for his recovery. We'll post photos when we are able. God has brought him this far, we can't wait to see where he goes.

GOODBYE ENCEPHALOCELE!!!!!!

Sorry for the long lapse between posts...we have been very busy!!! Sweet Elijah has been hanging in there. He continues to be in pain. But TOMORROW is his long awaited surgery!!!!!!! On May 12th at 9:15am he will be having a procedure called a cranioplasty. The surgery will be about 4 1/2 hours. He will go to ICU for at least 24 hours and then hopefully if he is doing well move to the neuro floor where he will stay for about a week...all this is depending on how he does. Can you please be praying for Elijah...he has been thru so much. Our prayer is the surgery is successful in that he wont be in anymore pain and that just maybe he will smile for the first time!!!! Please be in prayer for Dr. M and all of his nurses who will be working on Elijah. I will update as I can tomorrow from the hospital.

Thank you so much for praying for Elijah!!!!!!!!!!