We expect to have her in the hospital for at least 7-10 days, but of course that will all depend on her recovery. She's a strong little pumpkin and has shown us that she can get through tough times, but we'll stay cautiously optimistic that we can have her home within two weeks from her surgery date. (I feel like even two weeks is crazy fast after having open heart surgery, but I guess little ones are very resilient and I'll just be happy to have her home as soon as possible!)
Once she's out of the PICU, she'll be in a normal pediatric room (but with lots of cardiac special care), so it is comforting that one of us can stay with her over night in the little pull out "beds" they have. Now that she's much older compared to when she had her first surgery, we are wondering how her recovery is going to go. She's extremely active and happy right now, so we imagine it's going to be heart breaking to watch her struggle and not be herself. We have no idea what to expect as far as what she will and won't be able to do physically within the days/weeks after surgery. Her cardiologist explained that she will probably try to overexert herself, which we'll have to watch out for. She likened it to when adults go running for the first time in a long time; sure you feel great during and after the run, but not so much the next day. Audrey won't know her limits, so we have to help her find them. Right now she almost always likes to be entertained with toys by holding or chewing on them, so I worry that she might be bored and frustrated just sitting in the hospital for all that time. We'll do our best to let her play with us and toys as she's able though.
We're going to put together a schedule of caregivers during her stay so that at least one family member is there with her at all times, so that is comforting. It was so incredibly hard leaving her in the NICU for the night when she was a newborn (you couldn't sleep there over night or bring in food), so I can imagine Charlie and I won't actually be leaving her side often anyway. Luckily, food is allowed in the PICU/ pediatric rooms :)
I know we'll get through this, but it's going to be a rough few weeks at least. I'm hoping we'll have a few days before her surgery to spend some extra snuggle time with her, get the house ready for her return, pack our hospital bags with extra clothes & supplies, and prep some freezer meals for once we're out of the hospital. I'll be happy if we just get to spend lots of time with her though! She is just so much fun with all of her squealing, laughing and bouncing around that she does now!
We still very much appreciate everyone's support and concern for Audrey. I can't properly express how much a call, text, or card 'just checking in' means to us and how it lifts our spirits. I'm also still amazed each time I hear that someone who we haven't even met is asking about how our little girl is doing or that they have been praying for her. The love she has received since before her birth is absolutely astounding and heartwarming!! We are extremely privileged to call ourselves the parents of this very adored baby girl. Please continue to keep her and her medical team in your prayers as we continue this journey to a mended little heart. <3 We will try to provide updates on this site as noteworthy events occur.
Audrey's First Easter!
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