Melody Updates

Melody shortly after birth

Melody Annalise Allen made her debut at 11:44AM on 9/9/09 via C-Section. Mom & Dad got a quick peak at her cuteness and her head full of hair before she was whisked off. She did also let us know that her lungs functioned quite well- no problems there, just like the other 4!

While Mom was recovering, Dad & Grandma Allen got a quick peek before she was taken to NICU. By mid-afternoon, Mom was up for the wheelchair ride to NICU. We had the privilege of getting to hold her for the first time that afternoon just after she got her first bath.

Melody clean & alert in NICU

By evening of day one, Melody's condition was stable enough to plan for closure surgery on Day 2. If you haven't gotten enough info. and have a spare day, google myelomeningocele. I think we can almost pronounce it now.

Surgery was scheduled for 7Am, it started about 11:15AM. We got to hang out with her just outside the operating room for 15 minutes before they wheeled her in. The surgeon reminded us of what he'd be doing and let us know that she would not need a shunt today. Our surgeon refers to this surgery involving an exposed spinal column as easy- he has done over 200 of them.

She was done with surgery in about 2 hours and then received the surgeon's report that all went as planned. Based on how the nerves looked, it reconfirmed that her left leg and foot will have more motion & maybe more feeling than the right. He did feel like Melody will one day be a "Walker," which was encouraging. We were able to see Melody a few hours after surgery and she looked good.

A Drugged-Up Melody after surgery

Melody will continue to have tests at least through Monday to check other possible Spina Bifida areas of concern. If all looks good, Melody could get out the middle of next week and Sara should be out by Sunday. We still have many more questions than answers, some which we may not know for years.

Sara & I are extremely greatful for all of your support and prayer. We are delighted in the gift of Melody to our family and with the help of God and all of you, we will move ahead a day at a time.