How do you spell perfect?

1103, Wai, Dr. Jimenez' nurse, called from the OR to tell us that the surgery was done and they were closing the incisions.  She said that she would meet us in the waiting room.  About 10 minutes later she came and took us to the family conference room where we would meet the surgeons.

Then Drs. Barone and Jimenez arrived with an envelope in hand which they handed to us.  They sat down with huge smiles.  Dr. Jimenez spoke first, "How do you spell perfect?"  My heard leapt with excitement.  Dr. Barone said all went very well and there were no complications.  She said that Josie had thick bone but other than that no issues at all.  I have no idea where she got that thick skull from...  We shared our heartfelt gratitude to the surgeons and bid them a good rest of the day as they had 2 more babies to do.  Josie was #2 of the day.

What was in the envelope was this:

A lock of Josie's hair which they removed during the surgery.  Her first haircut.  I had no idea her hair was that long.  Thinking back, she didn't have much hair until we started the process of coming to San Antonio.  Dr. Jimenez said that the hair will not grow much while she is wearing the helmet.  I guess that will be cooler for Josie in the Mississippi heat.

After we left the surgeons, Wai took us to the PICU on the 9th floor where we waited in the waiting room another 30 minutes before we were able to see Josie.  During this time we called our family to share the news.  All I could say was "How do you spell perfect".  Not much else would come out except tears of joy.

Soon the nurse came to get us to see Josie.  We are in a room right in front of the nurse's station and have a very nice nurse, Patricia.

Here is her room

Our first look at our baby girl...

The pink fabric is just holding in her pacifier.  Yes, her hair looks red. It has a reddish tint to it, but there is still some iodine from the surgery prep

So good to finally touch that tiny arm!

Of course I kissed her hand too!

She did very well, and had to have one dose of ibuprofen when we got in her room.

And then she opened her eyes and saw us at her bedside.

Looking at her head, I can already tell a difference.  It's like the vice grip has been removed.  Her brain is very happy right now.

I filled out piles of paper work.  Josh ran across the street and got us some Chick-fil-A when we felt like we finally could eat.  She has been resting well and since starting this entry she has had to have one small dose of morphine and Tylenol.  She went back to resting.  The goal is to rest another 2-3 more hours and then we may get to feed her this evening.  Poor baby is hungry!

Josh has gone to lay down and take a nap in the parent room.  I have never seen him this exhausted.  I'm resting in a chair in her room.

Thank you everyone for the prayers and support.  I felt so lifted up today and knew my baby would be ok.

The Lord is my strength and my song; 

he has become my salvation...

Open to me the gates of righteousness, 

that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.

This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.

I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day that the Lord has made; 

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:14-24