One year ago on April 25, 2013 Bart and I were getting ready for the longest day of our lives to date. It was one of those days were you feel like you aged ten years. We were putting on beautiful baby girl into the hands of a young urology surgeon that told us that he could help Gabby's quality of life better. It would be a long day... I believe the surgery lasted almost 9 hours, the longest one that day at Cincinnati Children's. I remember worrying and praying that her little body would be able to handle being under sedation that long. Worrying and praying because of the amount of intense pain she would be in after surgery. Worrying and paring over the amount of medications she would be on and how they would affect her tiny body and whether the surgery would take or not. We would worry and pray for weeks after April 25th. We knew this wasn't Gabby's first surgery it was actually her 3rd but arguably the BIGGEST one yet and we know it will be no where near her last. I learned from this experience that worrying comes naturally to a parent when they are not in control of their child's fate. I also learned that my faith can deliver me through ANY hardship. As if I didn't already know this surgery reminded me of how God can put incredible strength in the tiniest packages... such as Gabrielle. Bart and I believe strongly that fate and faith have selected to be the parents of this beautifully unique child. She is 1 in 400,000 born with what the leading pediatric urologist in the nation says is the worst birth defect that you can be born with and survive. She is amazing, she is beautiful, she is what renewed my faith and she is all mine!!! We want to take you all for your continued prayers for gabby and our family. I am currently in talks with Dr. Alam about a follow up visit in a month or two at his new home hospital, Columbia in New York City (oh, the adventures this little girl takes us on). She will have a small procedure while we are there hopefully it should be outpatient. As soon as I know details I will share. Much love to you all!!!
-Selena
These are some of the pictures that I took over our time in the hospital in Cincinnati. Doctors rounds in the NICU each morning... a little overwhelming.
The first time I held Gabrielle after surgery. She and I both were scared to death!!
Avery was just 3 weeks old when we left to go to Cinci... a very welcome comfort to have along.
Gabby, Avery, and Daddy snuggle time.
The day of external fixator removal... it was holding her for he first time all over again.
The day of external fixator removal... it was holding her for he first time all over again. 