If you're following along with the 2017 Scripture Memory / Dwell Richly printable, here's the verse for week 14:
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2
JULY 13, 2016
Today we head back to Vandy for Mia Kai's follow-up appt. Things we are hoping for: (1) removal of steri strips and a fantastic report from the doctor (2) approval for going out in public and clearance to travel!!
Before MK was born, people asked us if we still planned on traveling once she was born. "Oh, absolutely!! As long as she's healthy, we're definitely going to travel with her!" Everything was perfect during pregnancy. She seemed perfect. {Of course, even with all of this, we still think she's perfect.} But we didn't really think she'd actually have an issue like this. We expected "something" because let's be honest, every baby has "something." Yet we weren't expecting something as heavy as what she's been through. God has been so faithful in carrying us through this season with strength and peace. We praise Him for that!!
But we're human. To be honest, we've been going a little stir crazy. This child has basically been quarantined since birth... Which means we, as a family, have also been semi-quarantined. Three months in the house gets a little stuffy, especially for these travelers. I'm so grateful for a husband who finds it a joy to hang out with MK so that I can get out for a bit (which has been necessary for the sake of all of our sanity). We've only gone out to a public place with her a few times and we're ready for this inquisitive little girl to see the world! We're ready to hang out with friends again, go to church / small group, go to the grocery store, sit inside of a restaurant (not just outdoor seating), get on an airplane. We're ready for MK to experience everyday joys with us, the tiny everyday life moments that I took for granted prior to this season. We'll still be lathered in hand sanitizer but we are so looking forward to the new adventures we'll have - both inside and outside - of the Todd Nest.
Post-Appointment Update: Well, the doctor said to leave her steri strips on for another five days (unless they fall off by themselves, which a few already have). It made this momma and daddy cringe a little, knowing we'll have to take themselves off by ourselves. Fortunately he gave us some tips for removal. The exciting news?! Mia Kai looks great and we got the okay for going back out into public and for travel! We love our sweet Mia Kai and we praise God for His healing, strength and guidance through all of this!
CONTINUED HEALING
One of my best friends just happens to be a CRNP. So when I told her that we would have to remove Mia Kai's steri strips by ourselves and I was terrified to do so, she said, "Girl! Come on over and I'll take them off for you!!" We were so incredibly relieved!! We ran MK's little 4moms infant tub and Kandess slowly took each one off as her little boy watched from a step stool (it was the sweetest!!). MK did well until a little halfway through. She lost it at one point (Kandess' son was very concerned for her - haha! - once again, just the sweetest!). I guess a steri strip must've pulled up a scab or something? But she was a trooper and did amazingly well! Kandess was super gentle and fantastic! I don't think I could've done it without her! We are so thankful for her!!
These photos were taken three weeks post-op. It's amazing how well her scar was healing. It took a while to get the dried blood out from around her ears. I lightly wet baby Q-tips and would gently rub it around the outside of Mia Kai's ears to get the blood lifted as much as possible. By nine months old, Mia Kai's hair has grown significantly and you can hardly see the scar!
