Emma Cynthia
Leighton Brooke
Friday, May 25, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Emma's first trip to the Hospital
Last week I attended a conference in VA Beach, which is about 3.5 hours from DC. I left on Monday morning and was planning to drive back Wednesday evening. As I was walking into the last session of the conference, I checked my cell phone to make sure it was off and noticed several missed calls and texts from Chris. I called him back immediately and he told me that he and Meybory were taking Emma to the hospital. Meybory had witnessed Emma having, what appeared to be, a mild seizure. After hanging up the phone, I literally ran to my car and drove home (like a crazy woman) crying hysterically and praying for my baby. I felt completely helpless and all I could think about was getting home to Emma. When I got to Children's National Medical Center, Chris, Meybory and Emma were still in the ER. My Sweet Pea had an IV in her arm, which was bandaged so she couldn't touch it. She was in a relatively good mood when I arrived and she was so excited to see me. I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck.
We waited several hours before we could move into a room in the Neurology Department. The doctors told us they wanted to do an EEG the next morning.
The next day, the EEG technician placed all the wires on Emma's head and then hooked her up to the machine. He wrapped her head and then gave us a backpack she could use when she walked around.
Meybory came back the next day to visit Emma. She stayed there for hours holding her and making sure she was comfortable. We are so thankful that Meybory was with Emma when it happened and she reacted appropriately. Once she composed herself, she was smart enough to grab her phone and videotape Emma as she was beginning to come out of it. We were able to show the video to the doctors, which helped tremendously. Originally, the head of the Neurology Dept. told us they wanted to monitor Emma for four hours, but after seeing Meybory's video, she felt it was best to keep Emma overnight. Emma had all these wires on her for a total of 21 hours. While she could walk around, she couldn't leave the room. Emma was such a trooper throughout everything. She adapted to only having the use of one arm. She got used to the wires, bandages and backpack. She was amazing. We have the bravest little girl in the world.
That night we were all able to get some much needed sleep. The next day, the nurse removed the IV and the technician removed the wires, which was a huge relief. Grandpop and Nana came to the hospital to visit. Emma was very happy to see her grandparents.
While she was monitored, Emma did not have any seizures or episodes. She will have an MRI in the coming weeks and then a follow up appointment with the neurologist on June 18th. We were discharged that evening. Before we left, Emma was able to play with three very sweet dogs. They are there every other Friday to play with the kids. After everything she went through, she needed some puppies to cheer her up.
All of the nurses and doctors were so sweet with Emma. One of them gave her a stethoscope, which she now knows how to use.
We were very excited to leave the hospital and get home to our beds. Emma has been doing well these past few days. We've been watching her very closely, and she hasn't exhibited any signs of abnormal behavior. We are hopeful this was just a freak occurrence and it's nothing serious, but again, we'll know more after the MRI. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate all of the love and support. These past couple months haven't been easy, but we are staying strong and positive. The Salisburys are due for some good luck!
We waited several hours before we could move into a room in the Neurology Department. The doctors told us they wanted to do an EEG the next morning.
The next day, the EEG technician placed all the wires on Emma's head and then hooked her up to the machine. He wrapped her head and then gave us a backpack she could use when she walked around.
Meybory came back the next day to visit Emma. She stayed there for hours holding her and making sure she was comfortable. We are so thankful that Meybory was with Emma when it happened and she reacted appropriately. Once she composed herself, she was smart enough to grab her phone and videotape Emma as she was beginning to come out of it. We were able to show the video to the doctors, which helped tremendously. Originally, the head of the Neurology Dept. told us they wanted to monitor Emma for four hours, but after seeing Meybory's video, she felt it was best to keep Emma overnight. Emma had all these wires on her for a total of 21 hours. While she could walk around, she couldn't leave the room. Emma was such a trooper throughout everything. She adapted to only having the use of one arm. She got used to the wires, bandages and backpack. She was amazing. We have the bravest little girl in the world.
While she was monitored, Emma did not have any seizures or episodes. She will have an MRI in the coming weeks and then a follow up appointment with the neurologist on June 18th. We were discharged that evening. Before we left, Emma was able to play with three very sweet dogs. They are there every other Friday to play with the kids. After everything she went through, she needed some puppies to cheer her up.
We were very excited to leave the hospital and get home to our beds. Emma has been doing well these past few days. We've been watching her very closely, and she hasn't exhibited any signs of abnormal behavior. We are hopeful this was just a freak occurrence and it's nothing serious, but again, we'll know more after the MRI. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate all of the love and support. These past couple months haven't been easy, but we are staying strong and positive. The Salisburys are due for some good luck!
Happy Mother's Day!
I had a great Mother's Day weekend with Chris and Emma. Rory and Jordan were in town for a wedding, so we got to spend some quality time with them. And then Saturday, we drove to the Cottage to see Nana and Grandpop. This was Emma's first time in a pool since last summer. She was nervous at first, but quickly got used to it and was even putting her face in the water. Emma had a blast swimming with DaDa and Grandpop.
Playing with Rory and Jordan
Rory and Jordan were recently in DC for a wedding. Emma had lots of fun playing with them on the playground.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Take Me Out To the Ballgame...
Emma's great Aunts and Uncles visited us a couple weekends ago---Aunt Vic and Uncle Tom from Pittsburgh, and Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Fred from Florida. Sue also drove down from Philly. We had a wonderful visit with them-- we had everyone over for dinner at our house on Friday night; and then we went to the Nationals game on Saturday (Emma's first baseball game) followed by dinner at Rosa Mexicana. Emma lasted all nine innings, but didn't make it past the appetizers. We all took turns walking her around the restaurant. : ) Thanks for a great visit!
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| I love this picture of Emma looking at Uncle Tom. : ) |
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