April 23, 2000

It's Easter Sunday, and I'm born at 745 pm. I weighed 5 pounds 3 ounces, and was 16.5 inches long. Not too bad for showing up five weeks early, I think! After two weeks in the NICU, I get home for Daddy's birthday. 

 May 9, 2000

My first visit to the pediatrician. Found out I needed bilateral hernia repair. So back to the hospital we go. Only was there a couple of nights.

August 10, 2000

The day before my sister Larissa's 3rd birthday, I go in for a shunt placement. My neurosurgeon had been watching the growth of my head, and now is the time to help drain the excess fluid building up in my head. The shunt placement went well. Momma says she can see a world of difference. My neuro is part of the Spina Bifida clinic team at OHSU/Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

October 2000

Two and a half weeks in the hospital to clear a belly infection. Bad thing is, the shunt had to be replaced also.

January 23, 2001

Nine months old today! Had a Pediatrics appointment. All is looking good! I'm up to 12 lbs 11 oz, 24 1/2 inches long, and following the growth curve!

February 18, 2001

An unscheduled visit to OHSU.  Mom noticed my soft spot (fontanel) was bulging, so off to the ER we went. Five and a half hours later, I was checked into the Peds unit for shunt revision. The part of the shunt in my brain had clogged. Monday morning, surgery and recovery. Tuesday afternoon went home. I'm back to my cute and cheerful self. Three weeks later, I'm in to have a complete revision due to the incision site on my head leaking CSF. What a trip!

March 29, 2001

Scheduled foot surgery to correct bilateral clubbing. Came thru that ok with casts up to my hips. On April 18th a clinic visit brought shorter casts that glow in the dark! Also had my 1 year SB clinic visit. Everything is OK.

April 23, 2001

ONE year old today! I had two parties because there are so many people who want to see me. Got lots of presents.

May 3, 2001

Back to the hospital because of fever and general not feeling good. Started bunches of antibiotics. Was going to go home on the 6th, but some bugs were found in my CSF. So we had the plumbing removed, all sorts of antibiotics, and then the plumbing replaced. Got out on May 20th. Have not been back since!