Introducing Bella 3.0

What an amazing week for Bell!  So many firsts and major milestones!

We went to the eye doctor.  She turns her one eye in when she is sleepy, but he has never seen it, so we don’t treat it.  But her ocular function is great!  No glasses needed.  She doesn’t need to come back for two years, unless the eye starts turning in more.  Awesome!  I would love to hear a half dozen other doctors say see ya in two years!

I took her to the grocery store.  First time ever!  She marveled.  She signed.  Apple, banana, milk, ice cream.   So fun to see her seeing the world!

Tuesday night  - last pictures with the trach

We went to the hospital on Wednesday.  As I wheeled her into the room, she burst into tears.  Too many owies in her past.  The doctor came a few hours later to decannulate her.  I had thought this all through.  I figured if I was the one that had to live with all the stress and worry, I should be the one to do the decannulation.  So when he said, “Let’s lay her down.” I turned her around (she was facing me), undid her trach collar and place the whole thing (collar, trach, gauze) on the bed beside us and laid her down on the pillow.  He looked down at her and then up at me, “I was supposed to do that!” with a smile.  And that was that.  We watched and observed her for not quite 24 hours.  She did really well with oxygen and we went home.  A little surreal, especially how hyped up it is.  But it is finished.  She is no longer a vent/trach kid.  She is Bella.  My big strong girl.

 

The official hospital band removal ceremony,  Joy checking her out to make sure she was OK

The family celebrated Bella’s victory with cake – one with gluten and one without.  She ate half a piece!  Wow Bell!

Asleep in her bed, just her.

 

 

 

 

Congratulations Bella! You are an amazing warrior! I am so proud of you!