Sunday, August 1, 2010

Somewhere In Between

Ava has been eating a lot more by mouth since her surgery!

So here we are. Trying to find the balance in things. Trying to make sense of what has happened and what still needs to happen and everything in between. Since day one of Ava's life we have been told by doctor after doctor to be careful with germs. At the beginning we were under strict orders not to expose Ava to anything for the first 3 months. Then, our ENT said to wait through the whole winter and not leave the house unless necessary. Spring came, but all of the issues with her spine and lungs crept up and the Pulmonologist and Orthopedic Specialists said to be just as careful. We thought after this last surgery, that we could loosen up more, but we spoke to 3 different pulmonologists and the message was still pretty clear; don't relax quite yet. But when? We don't know. Her lungs are still small. A lot of it is common sense but still hard; wash your hands before you touch her, don't let sick people near her, if you go anywhere public don't let people come closer than 3 feet. I really don't think they realize how hard this is. You have to treat people like they have the plague. You feel paranoid all the time and can't relax in public. You can't let Ava touch germy things; pretty much you can't really live life. Thats how it has been for 11 months now. AHHH! We have decided we need to find our own way to live and still be responsible "good" parents. It's difficult but we have attempted a few brief outings in the last week and it felt good. We especially need to keep her well for her upcoming surgery in 3 weeks. Ava is doing so much better now though. She seems a lot happier! I can't wait until we don't have to worry if she gets sick. What a liberating day.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

This picture of Ava is so adorable. She is looking so healthy and relaxed! I'm so so grateful for the miracles that have brought her this far.

Natalie said...

I look forward to the day you can relax about germs a little more for your sakes and so we can get together more - so frustrating being so close and yet so far away.

Lauren said...

I'm glad to hear she is doing better still. And look at all that hair! Zoey is jealous! She told me that Ava has to stay healthy so they can have a pool party when you come back to Utah. :)