So far, her recovery has been pretty much flawless except for one hiccup we had just two days before her two week follow up. That morning about 4am she spiked a fever. We called the after hours number and her cardiologist, who happened to be on call that night, told us to pack a bag and head to the emergency department when the sun came up. It wasn’t too much of a rush. Of course, we didn't wait. My dad came to stay with Noah. We packed up and were back at Cook’s before 8am. Within the hour, we had bloodwork taken, IV, EKG, X-rays and another echo. Phoebe was overwhelmed. The moment we stepped into the ED she lost it, understandably. She fought the entire way. She had been though some pretty traumatic stuff just a short time ago. It was heartbreaking. Her cardiologist informed us that she had developed pericardial effusion (fluid accumulation) at the bottom of her heart and it was touching her diaphragm causing her pain and weirdly the hiccups. I had noticed that a few days ago but didn’t think much about it. She was prescribed a scheduled Ibuprofen regimen and an echo to recheck and make sure the fluid was going down. She gave us the choice: be admitted to the hospital or stay close and just follow up at her previously scheduled time. We chose the latter. We didn’t want to put her or us through that again. We stayed with our good friends nearby and went to her follow up appointment. The fluid was already 75% gone. She responded very well to the ibuprofen and I could tell she was feeling much better!

It was smooth sailing from there on out.

She passed her 3 month and 6 month checkups with no complications and we were informed that the risk now for complications was very low. We will only need to have yearly check ups with the cardiologist and as she gets older they will probably extend that.

Things I have learned! When you don’t have the opportunity to see your child’s normal it is hard to know whether or not something is a symptom. I noticed some improvements after her surgery and recovery.  She is much louder! Her stamina has increased dramatically as well. I thought she was always a pretty chill baby, never too active. Boy, was I wrong! This girl is crazy. Nothing slows her down. She is spunky, full of attitude and fearless and I’m all for it! When you go through something like this it really makes you appreciate the things that would normally be annoying or frustrating.

Also, photos are so important. Even if they are on your phone, take pictures! Every milestone and moment is a gift. I am notorious about living in the moment and often forget to grab a camera or my phone. I know, I know, I'm a photographer how could I forget! It just happens, alot... You can always hire a professional, too. Even I have to hire a professional from time to time! I am back in business and I would love to photograph your moments for you! Hit me up anytime!