Emergency Surgery

Hi, friends -
Some of you may know from Facebook (or email, Twitter, texting and every other means of communication that's kept me going these last 24 hours) that our Mary Brooks had emergency surgery yesterday.

She was diagnosed with intestinal malrotation and volvulus, essentially a twisting of the gut that cuts off blood flow to her bowels. She had been sick since Friday and I was hoping for an answer of some kind, but certainly not this one.

Twenty four hours ago we were just arriving at the hospital for an ultrasound, hoping to get a closer look at her stomach and possibly some insight into what was going on. Within an hour, we had surgeons lining up and were scrubbing up to hand our baby off in the OR. Unbelievable.

She came through beautifully, with none of the major complications doctors had brought up initially. We have felt, in so many ways, God's hand in this situation and I can't wait to tell you all about it.

Sweet angel in radiology, just before her diagnosis and the rush to surgery

In the meantime, would you continue to pray for her healing, for her comfort amidst this pain, for her brother as he adjusts and tries to understand the many changes, and for us as we work to split our time and care?

I've been surprisingly, shockingly, truly okay. I am carried by the prayers of others and I feel a peace that knows no explanation beyond this one. That said, natural childbirth was easier. I'd do it ten times over just to keep this tiny, sweet, angelic little creature from feeling one more ounce of pain.

It's an apt analogy, natural childbirth and our stay in the pediatric unit. People applaud you for it, but you (or I) don't choose it. You aren't a hero for surviving it, because you don't want it. You don't feel like you're doing it well, it's certainly not what you would have preferred to do, but you're tossed into this situation and you just do it. There's no other way but through it.

Thankfully I have felt far more carried than I have like someone "powering through" a tough time. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop but so far I have been a person entirely unrecognizable even to myself. Few tears, little panic, just peace. And gratitude.

I am ready to hold my girl without tubes and wires, ready to take her home, ready to pile our family onto the sofa and feel "normal" again. That will be a while, though, as they anticipate a five to seven day stay here at minimum. And obviously we want her to stay until she is 100% ready to go. But please, Lord, let that be soon.

MB resting this morning

I'm too thankful for words for each of the notes and calls and prayers. Know how very much they mean right now, to me and to Bradley as well.

I'm so grateful to know we're taking her home, that she'll be well and healthy and likely never think of this another day in her life. As for me, that's probably not the case; I'll never forget the care and love we've felt here and the miracle we're living.

We love y'all and will keep you posted!