Post-Op Day 6 pics

This afternoon we got her up and walking!  It only took an hour or so to get her ready to walk, we walked for about 3 minutes (traveled about 15-20 feet) and it only took an hour or so to get everything back to the way it was before the walk.  

Seriously.

I don't know who was more tired, Harlie or her nurses!!!  And she caused quite the show in the CICU.  So many people came out to cheer her on.  It was so cute!  Her social worker went and got a stroller with a baby in it to motivate her to walk and it worked like a champ.  She was really motoring there for a second!  But then she stopped and wanted to sit down.  Hey, baby steps.

We were all thrilled with how she did, though.  And, in fact, her doc said he was not expecting her to walk that far and that I should probably carry her back to her room.  It was pretty funny.  I think he actually labeled her a "rock star."

Then she sat on my lap and watched most of a movie.  

However, it was VERY hard to get her up.  She was sleeping for several hours and I had to go in and wake her.  And let me tell you that was HARD!  The VECTA was on (the coma inducing machine lit up in the background of this pic taken days ago):

and the music was playing and it was all warm and cozy in the room.  All things that make you want to go night-night.

So, I forced myself to go unplug it and put it off to the side.  Then we turned the lights on.  Then we changed her diaper and I adjusted her bed to the sit up position.  There.  Wake up sleepy head and let's get outta bed!

I promise you, some things I do seem to take super human strength.  And waking a sleeping, post-op little girl with lots o' tubes coming out of her body and forcing her to walk - well, let's just say I've done easier things in my life.

But, it had to be done!  She needs to get better.  And I heard a rumor that most kids post-op day 6 would have already been out of bed.  Harlie can't have different rules!  No special treatment for her!  Even if she IS the most stubborn girl in the unit!  And possibly the funniest and cutest, but I don't think those attributes are relevant to this story.

Perhaps tomorrow I can get her to the play room.  We'll have to see.

Unfortunately, some time after her walk, she spiked another fever.  Ugh.  Hopefully tonight she will sleep well and tomorrow can bring even more progress!

Thank you for all your continued thoughts and prayers!!!
~Christy