Happy, Sad, Happy Kind of Day

    Its been a while since I have updated so I thought perhaps today that I should. Life has been of course pretty busy with holidays coming, Gabriella's many doctor appointments and physical therapy sessions. A couple of weeks ago we went to see an eye doctor for miss Gabby. Of course I was a bit nervous as to what he would find but I kept positive.

     Upon examination the doctor informed me of what I feared most, there was optic nerve damage. Your optic nerves of the eyes are what sends signals to and from your brain of what you are seeing. Gabriella's are damaged from the bleed that occurred in utero. I had so badly hoped prior to our appointment that what I feared wasn't reality but it is. Thats the sad news but as the exam progressed he informed me some great news; Gabriella is not blind nor is she "legally blind". She can see and that is very evident to us :) As for how FAR or well she can actually she (as in 20/20 20/40 etc) he cannot determine until she is much older and able to read an eye exam chart. And then, MORE GOOD NEWS.. He said he believes in cord blood infusions (which we have already had the one) and is axious to see how Gabby does after her next two. The doctor said he believes the infuisons will continue to help to repair her eyes and that he has sent patients for these same procedures before.

    So needless to say it was a mixed emotion day but I left that appointment with the same amount of hope and excitement for my little girl as I have always had even since the very first diagnosis while she was in utero. She's amazing and I know she will forever remain that way :)

More Progress

Gabriella reading lol

                                                       Starting to be able to sit up!!!!!

     So Gabriella has been doing all sorts of new things! She's copying little noises I make and when I laugh she will copy it as well! I am loving every single day with this beautiful little girl! She amazes me every day!!! Today as you can see in the picture she has begun to sit up for a few seconds at a time on her own!! This is great progress!

    Physical therapy was here today and worked on many muscle strengthening exercises. Her therapist is extremely pleased with Gabby's progress and I couldn't be happier! Also Miss Gabby went for her 6month check up with her pediatrician, she was not very happy with him. 3 shots were given and I don't think I have ever seen her so upset, this was by far the hardest pedicatrician appointment so far that we've been to. Poor girl. Today though she is back to her normal happy self. We will be taking her to an eye specialist for children on September 18th because Gabby still has a bit of a difficult time seeing farther distances so we may have to be getting some glasses. Keep amazing us my little princess you are doing GREAT! Obviously there are things we are still having to keep an eye on, muscle tone, eyes etc but we will take each day one day at a time. :)

HAPPY 6 MONTHS GABRIELLA!!

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

6 Months ago today my family drove me to Hartford to deliever my little peanut. I was super scared but so ready to meet her! At 9:02am my beautiful Miss Gabriella Lena Grace came into this world screaming and full of life! Today is a day to reflect on the past 6 months as they have certainly been up and down. I want to thank every person that has been with us through our our journey. I want to especially thank my mom, dad, and Aunt Chris for experiencing Gabby's birth with me and for staying with her in the NICU when i was still in recovery, you guys watched after her and comforted her in her very first hours of her life. God has blessed me with this amazing little girl and I could not be more grateful!! Gabriella mommy loves you sooo much and cannot believe you are 6 months old today!! You are INCREDIBLE! I LOVE YOU with all of my heart I couldnt imagine my life without you. Every day, every second is a blessing and miracle! I love you baby girl Happy 6 months :)