Elliana's Big Day

Right after surgery. We were able to help wheel her down to the ICU.

Elliana's surgery went great. It only lasted 45 min, much shorter than even the surgeons had anticipated. We thought she'd be all bandaged up but they left her incisions exposed. Her face was a bit swollen but we were surprised how great she looked. Not at all like she had just come out of surgery.

The Pediatric ICU.

Because she held the same position for so long all the fluid pumping into her system made her right side swell up.

We absolutely love St. Louis Children's Hospital. The surgeons are amazingly skilled, the nurses and staff are very sweet and attentive and the facility is awesome and fun for children of all ages. However, there is no room in their ICU to accommodate anyone but the patients, which is of coarse the most important so no complaints. Heath and I traded off trying to sleep on the very hard floor. We're glad she only had to stay one night.
Right before we left we found out there was an entire floor and a beautiful roof garden dedicated for patients and their families who have to spend a long time in the hospital. How nice for them, but we're glad that wasn't us. Elli was discharged the next day by noon.

They let me hold her right before we left.

She will only have two scars hidden by her hair. The surgeons removed the middle top portion of her skull between the two incisions.

We were a bit surprised they let her go so soon with no helmet or head protection, not even bandages. But, they say she can resume life as normal. We are so thankful to live in a time with all these technological advances which allow for such a quick, safe and effective surgery for our little girl.

Even the doctors were impressed with her recovery rate. We attribute that to so many prayers and fasting given in her behalf and the power of priesthood blessings. I could feel such a tangible love our Heavenly Father had for those sweet little kids in ICU. It broke my heart to see so many little ones suffering. But I could feel the spirit so strong there and knew they must also feel of His comforting influence and presence. I am so grateful for my personal testimony of the Atonement and its power that I can share with my children. I know Christ has felt all of our pains and knows how to comfort us individually.

These pictures were taken one day after leaving the ICU.