A concern and some thoughts

We are a bit concerned of late that Brooklyn's head might be getting heavier.  Of late she has been, on occasion, bending over while sitting up such that she is still sitting but her forehead is all the way to the ground.  Wish we could all be this flexible, but we think this might be a sign that her neck is getting tired and needs a quick rest.  There are some other minor signs too that have caused us some concern that the shunt might not be working properly.  We've called down to Primary Children's and they'll let us know when to come down to look into this further.  We already have an appointment scheduled for later this month, but we hope to get in to see our surgeon sooner.

I should note that her last surgery (on the crown of her head) appears to have been successful in alleviating the pressure/pain Brooklyn would experience when it was touched before the surgery.  We are so grateful for this as we do not have to be quite as concerned about laying her flat.  She also appears to have avoided any infection on her sizable scar, which is a great blessing.

So, overall things are looking ok.  While we hope her shunt is working, we'd like to know sooner rather than later if it is not so that we can address any issues that might be in play.

Here are some videos from her 1st birthday...Enjoy.

Finally, here are a few more of the thoughts I wrote down in the days after we had found out about Brooklyn's condition but before she was born:

August 26, 2013

Yet again I feel some peace today and yet again I encounter someone else who knows someone who has our little one’s condition.  [...], my old teacher’s quorum advisor, was at his father’s house today ... They were irrigating his father’s lawn and I stopped and spoke to [him].  He mentioned that he knew someone whose daughter had hydrocephalus...who the doctors said would not have much of a life but has had a miraculously functional life.  Again, this tells me that, if it be our Heavenly Father’s will, our little girl can find a productive and happy life. 

We also had our neighborhood party tonight.  The [....] family again cooked the meat, they are so kind and generous with their time.  I admire them and their marriage so much….always with smiles on their faces.  Same with the [...] who are always serving and supporting one another as the other serves. 

Life is good and grand. 

I begin teaching tomorrow, which I am looking forward to. 

August 29, 2013

Teaching has gone well so far and it has been nice to be busy...

I had a nice talk with Alison the other day.  It is nice to have her medical expertise in the family.  She was reassuring and uplifting and I was grateful for her time.  I also spoke with [my "boss"]today to explain what we are facing.  He was so supportive and said the department would be fully supportive in any way possible.  As I look around me at family, friends, and co-workers (who are also friends), I realize how blessed I am to be associated with good people in this life.  [He] was so kind with his words of encouragement.  He talked about how we’ll love this little girl, perhaps in new ways we have not yet experienced.  I agree with that thought and look forward to having her in our arms in December.

I came across the following when studying hope the other day:

“The word hope is sometimes misunderstood. In our everyday language, the word often has a hint of uncertainty. For example, we may say that we hope for a change in the weather or a visit from a friend. In the language of the gospel, however, the word hope is sure, unwavering, and active. 

"Prophets speak of having a “firm hope” (Alma 34:41) and a “lively hope” (1 Peter 1:3).” 

-True to the Faith lds.org

What a profound teaching – hope being a certainty.  I can see how this is when I know that I have received revelation from Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost that has brought peace, or, in other words, a sureness of hope that things will be ok.

I love this Gospel.