We thought Grace’s birthday was a great day to give you an update on how she’s doing in regards to rehab from surgery and progress she’s making in preschool.  We’ve also included a few pictures at the end of this post showing just how much our little Grace has grown over the past 5yrs.

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Preschool has been a fantastic thing for Grace.  Not only has it helped her physically in her post op recovery, but it’s done wonders for her socially. Before surgery Grace was just a typical 3yr old little girl.  She was silly, sassy and active.  She lost quite a bit of that after surgery and from the long hospital stay.  Although we were starting to see glimpses of our silly little Grace before she started school, we are amazed at just how being in a classroom with all the other children has done for her.  She seems like she is now feeling more comfortable and confident in her little body and her personality is more relaxed and playful. 

 

She absolutely LOVES going to school each day and seeing her friends, playing outside and showing off her daily choice of jewelry to the teachers and aides. 

 

This past weekend we actually heard a true, genuine belly laugh from Grace.  It was a deep Santa type laugh and made us smile and be grateful for the progress she’s made and look forward to what the next few months and year have in store for her and her journey.

 

We haven’t mentioned sodium levels in awhile as her levels have been in range for quite awhile, however, last week Grace had a really bad day and we even had to pick her up from school.  The following day we did a sodium check and it was very high (165).  We’ve subsequently had to do two additional checks and she’s been consistently 150.  Although this is way out of range (135-145), it’s a more tolerable level for Grace.  As proud and amazed parents, we have to tell you that Grace is one tough cookie. She didn’t cry or flinch during any of the blood draws unlike her parents.

 

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