© 2002, The Purdys

October 22, 2002
Things are going pretty good with the Haley-bean. She's acting like your typical 3-week-old. Kelsee was able to entertain her today with colorful picture books and by placing things in her line of vision. Haley was able to keep her focus for more than 30 minutes. She's also able to find her hand frequently to suck. This may not seem like much, but for a baby with Dandy Walker, it's a great sign.

We were a little concerned about some signs of overdrainage from the shunts. Her soft spot seems pretty sunken, and the skull bones appear to be crossing over each other. However, after Kelsee's conversation with the nurse practitioner (and from conversing online with a community of Dandy Walker parents), our minds are eased. Babies this young often need some time to adjust to their shunts, we're told, and these conditions often correct themselves. Because of her age, there isn't concern of the bones fusing together at this point.

Needless to say, we're still just trying to get back into the flow of normal life. Kelsee's adjusting nicely to being a stay-at-home mom, while Jason's trying to cope with being away from his girls so long each day (seminary, work, school...)

We've posted some new, post-surgery pictures. Check 'em out by going to Haley's Gallery.