She's a Fighter!

Ashlyn Grace is so strong. I am in awe of everything she has been through in her first week of life and how gracefully she has done in the midst of it all. There is no denying she is a fighter and will never give up! I cannot believe that a mere 23 weeks ago, a perinatologist was discussing our "options." Ashlyn is a perfectly normal and happy baby girl....how could the doctors even think I would consider having an abortion?! I feel so lucky to be blessed with my brave, beautiful, amazing baby girl.

Beaufiul Imperfections

Ashlyn's bandages were removed from where her incisions were. She has two incisions on her scalp and one on her belly. You can also see where the shunt lies under her skin. I do believe her scars are so beautiful because they represent her strength and amazing grace.

Belly Incision

(where the distal catheter was placed in the peritoneal cavity)

Scalp Incision #1

(where the proximal catheter was placed in the lateral ventricle)

Scalp Incision #2
(where the shunt valve is located...look carefully you can see the outline of the shunt)

The Waiting Game

Ashlyn is in surgery to get her ventro-peritoneal shunt right now......

(Daddy, Ashlyn, and Mommy right before they left for the OR)