evening update

WARNING (especially for your kiddos): There are a couple of somewhat graphic images on this post.

Brooke has tolerated her ventilator weans like a champ today. Based on her agitation (sad little cries) this afternoon, it was obvious to me that she is ready to have this tube out of her throat. They are continuing the weaning process throughout the night and hope to have the vent out by tomorrow morning around 8:00.

Also, the echo that was done this morning indicated no concerns or issues. Her heart looks great. The attending CICU doc assessed that her heart is just going to need a little time to adjust to the repairs, and, with time, her heart rate should come down into normal range. And it has! It's hanging around the lower 150s now! Woohoo! Thank you for being faithful to pray for our sweet babe. God is answering, and we are SO, SO, SO thrilled with her progress. The remainder of her numbers continue to look great as well. In addition to all the prayer support she's had, I'm sure the Kari Jobe music I've been playing for her is helping. :)

 

This girl. This. girl. She's a fighter. A heart warrior for sure. She's been through more in her nine days than most people will go through in a lifetime.

 

This was quite hard to take when we first saw her after her surgery on Monday, especially with her chest still open...

 

 

...but, it's getting easier as we get to spend some sweet moments like these with her awake and alert and responding to our voice and our touch. She's holding Daddy's finger with her left hand. Just cannot wait to snuggle her again.