"Picture Day"

Yes, that is right! What you tell your toddler when they are going for an MRI. I am so thankful for CHOA (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta @ Webb Bridge) and their patience, kindness and CLARITY. Yes, I just love that clarity!! They had some great suggestions on how to 'prepare' your child 'age-appropriately' of course. So knowing our Grace we used the suggestions but tweaked them no not tweet! LOL

So over the weekend we are going to go get your picture done and not go to therapy with Dr. Nova. then Sunday night, your picture is going to let us see inside your brain and your spine, which she thought was cool. Our 'talk' is and has always been in making each of us stronger by taking care of ourselves. There is not something wrong just other's helping us run faster, etc.

The prep beforehand was interesting. I got her up at 4:30 am so she could eat some food. No solids after 5am. Then we went back to bed for about 2 hours (well she did) and then we ate some jello and drank some water. Then NPO (nothing by mouth) after 9am.

I told her that when her pictures were to be taken she would be very still so they could get nice pictures so I let her bring her lovey, blanket, kitty (plush, of course!) and comfy socks and slippers, why not! We almost made it without sedation but it was too confining over her head, which I would have need to be sedated, too! I was very impressed with the courage and trust that our sweet baby Grace displayed today during the IV. She did not hyperventilate, gag or anything. Just crying and lots of sweating (yes, she gets that from Daddy)!! So much sweating that the tape would not hold and none of us wanted her to have another stick, so they got the 'pillow' (splint) to hold her hand in place and lots of tape and a washcloth!! Yes, they did what they needed to do! I love it!!

The sedation was FAST and hard which I will not go into much detail, why, because it is SINGED into my brain, forever! Let me just give you a hint, I never want to see my child's head fall hard into my arms (cradle position) like that again. Oh, how my heart ached. What a scary, vulnerable sight to see. But once again CHOA was there for her but even asked me how Mommy was doing. Mommy was staying strong until I got into the waiting room where I quickly started to text my emotions to my friend. I so needed to do that, it got it out so I could keep my eyes and mind on God and toward the goal.

Another compliment to CHOA, Nurse Tammy and Mr. Vinny! They were so patient and could read my body language and gestures to know what to discuss in front of her and what-not. They also used those great words like hugs, from the BP cuff and pillow instead of splint. So many times medical personnel get cynical and just go through the motions. Well, not at CHOA, they are right there for you knowing and helping you with a first sedation and they are INCREDIBLE. If I ever go back into the medical field I can see myself in this area due to their love, kindness, patient, well I could go on, but I have lots of laundry and stuff to do right!

So the MRI of the brain and L-spine lasted A LOT longer than expected. She moved a bit during the spine portion so they had to adjust her med's and evaluate her. I am grateful that they take their time. Our apt. was at 11a. they came and got us by 11:09 and started MRI attempts without sedation at 12 (right on time) and she was out of the MRI by 2 pm. She awoke with some words and rubs from Nurse Tammy at about 2:15. She was so cute and it warmed my heart that she wanted to see me. Yes, yet again, our children always amaze me!! Her trust did not waver at all for me. In fact it feels stronger, maybe because I went through it with her.

We cannot keep our children from every boo boo or heartbreak but we can be there with them as they go through it with a hand, a hug, guidance and love. Yet, another perfect example of Our loving Father. He is always there with us. We have just got to take a deep breath and realize that he is holding our hand or holding me up!! We were out of there by 2:30.

Grace is doing great. She did not have any nausea or vomiting. We relaxed on the couch for a bit and then played. What a beautiful and purposeful day. Thank you, Lord for going through it with us, yet once again! We count on you oh, so much and are so thankful!!