Just a little update from the Doerr household. Tori's recovery is going extremely well. It's hard to believe that she is just one week post op. If you were to come visit you would never guess it was just last week that she had open-heart surgery. She's back to her busy little self. She wants to be chased, she wants to be tickled, and she wants to roll all around. It's hard to hold back. We're supposed to be extra careful with her for the next six weeks or so as her sternum heals. That means no rough play and no picking her up by the arms. The latter is especially hard when it comes to getting her out of the car seat or getting her on and off the potty (don't get me wrong I am extremely thankful I have a 20 month old who uses the potty for the messy stuff, it just complicates things for the next few weeks).
On a little side note, Tori is not too keen on taking her medication and often starts to whimper or cry when she hears the word or sees the bottles. There is even one medicine that makes her gag. Poor girl, it must really taste awful. This morning she started something new, she made an icky face. It was too cute. We thought we'd capture it for you to enjoy.
Tonight she had her first bath since surgery and she loved it! Bath time has always been one of her favorite times. We just had to be careful to keep her scar area dry since it has not completely healed yet. It was nice to finally be able to wash her hair. It was getting a bit crunchy.
So recovery may be going well but sleep is not. She's really had a rough time going to sleep the last few days. The past two nights it took her over an hour and a half to fall asleep. You'd think she'd be exhausted, her body repairing itself and all. Nope. Then last night, starting around 11pm, (just when I'm heading to bed) she was a bit unsettled, stirring and crying every 20 minutes or so. She often calms with just a gentle hand on her. However about 11:45pm, she was a bit more upset and took longer to settle and then she was up...she was just awake and stayed awake until 2:15am. Oh ouch. That was rough. We were so tired. She wouldn't sleep in our bed, she wouldn't sleep in her crib. When she was in her crib I couldn't take my hand off her or she'd start crying. It was tough. Finally she fell asleep but then woke up just before 6am. We're so tired.
Sleep was not great before surgery with 2-4 wake ups a night, but I didn't really think it could get much worse. It has. This is only my opinion, but I think she's unsure and afraid. The poor girl has dealt with abandonment, change in caregivers, a huge adjustment upon joining our family, and now major surgery. She handles things well during the day and we see so many things that affirm her connection to us. She always gives us great eye-contact, she wants to do things with us, she'll bring books and sit in our lap to have them read to her, she'll hang onto my legs when people arrive, she comes to us when she's hurt or frustrated. All wonderful things to show her family connection, but at night her insecurity is revealed. It will take time and we'll probably get professional help, but we know the Lord has her in His hands and we continue to pray that she will find her ultimate peace and security in Him.
On a little side note, Tori is not too keen on taking her medication and often starts to whimper or cry when she hears the word or sees the bottles. There is even one medicine that makes her gag. Poor girl, it must really taste awful. This morning she started something new, she made an icky face. It was too cute. We thought we'd capture it for you to enjoy.
Medicine is icky!!!
Tonight she had her first bath since surgery and she loved it! Bath time has always been one of her favorite times. We just had to be careful to keep her scar area dry since it has not completely healed yet. It was nice to finally be able to wash her hair. It was getting a bit crunchy.
So recovery may be going well but sleep is not. She's really had a rough time going to sleep the last few days. The past two nights it took her over an hour and a half to fall asleep. You'd think she'd be exhausted, her body repairing itself and all. Nope. Then last night, starting around 11pm, (just when I'm heading to bed) she was a bit unsettled, stirring and crying every 20 minutes or so. She often calms with just a gentle hand on her. However about 11:45pm, she was a bit more upset and took longer to settle and then she was up...she was just awake and stayed awake until 2:15am. Oh ouch. That was rough. We were so tired. She wouldn't sleep in our bed, she wouldn't sleep in her crib. When she was in her crib I couldn't take my hand off her or she'd start crying. It was tough. Finally she fell asleep but then woke up just before 6am. We're so tired.
Sleep was not great before surgery with 2-4 wake ups a night, but I didn't really think it could get much worse. It has. This is only my opinion, but I think she's unsure and afraid. The poor girl has dealt with abandonment, change in caregivers, a huge adjustment upon joining our family, and now major surgery. She handles things well during the day and we see so many things that affirm her connection to us. She always gives us great eye-contact, she wants to do things with us, she'll bring books and sit in our lap to have them read to her, she'll hang onto my legs when people arrive, she comes to us when she's hurt or frustrated. All wonderful things to show her family connection, but at night her insecurity is revealed. It will take time and we'll probably get professional help, but we know the Lord has her in His hands and we continue to pray that she will find her ultimate peace and security in Him.
Sending Kisses
Psa 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
John 14:1,27 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
love that girl!
ReplyDeleteI can just see her sweet, resilient spirit shining through!! We are continuing to pray for her healing (in all areas!). You are doing all the right things, mommy and daddy. Keep up the good work!
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