fear not...

 "Fear not, for I am with you..." Isaiah 41:10

Fear can be so many different things. Fear can be gripping, all-consuming, intimidating and even sickening. It can prevent action, cause failure and be devastating. Fear can also be motivating and it can be overcome. Fear is something that I've been struggling with lately in many areas of my life. Mainly though, the fear of approaching Camilla's one year anniversary of her grid based/resection surgery/one year seizure-free anniversary. Why fear you may ask? Well, because things are going so well.

Strange huh? You'd think I'd be dancing for joy everyday and to a certain extent I do. If you've followed Camilla's story for any length of time you will probably remember me sharing about consciously learning to find joy in suffering and although our circumstances now are not 'suffering' by any means, I'd still call them 'extenuating' at best. But I am now on a whole new journey of finding joy in happiness and believe it or not it has been a concerted effort as well. Why? Well mainly because of fear. I know what 'suffering' looks like regarding this situation. We spent 6 long years and 4 brain surgeries there and the fear of returning to that place can be all of the adjectives listed above plus many more.  The idea of approaching her one year post op tests and battery of doctor visits has been downright frightening at times. Things are finally smoothing out somewhat and to think that one test or a change of medication or ??? might disrupt our new calm has kept me on the verge of panic over the last few weeks. But at every turn, just like during our time of suffering, I am reminded of God's promises and God's plans. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Phillipians 4:6  This verse along with the one listed above and many others regarding fear have been 'jumping out at me' almost hourly since my fears began to set in several weeks ago. And I know that these verses, devotions, songs, speeches, books, articles, etc... addressing fear are all God's way of assuring me that He still has 'plans for our hope and future'.

Soooooo..........how do things actually stand? Well, her one year post op EEG was last week and it showed 'no sign of epileptic activity'. PRAISE GOD! Her visit with Dr. Kim (neurologist) went very well and we are cleared for yearly checkups from here on out! Are you kidding me? Yearly? We have been seeing these people every three months (at least) for the last 7 years! We've gotten to know them so well I think I'm really going to miss them - but not too much :) However; we will be missing Dr. Kim in the long run. She is relocating to another state (another source of fear) and we once again begin the process of finding our perfect epileptologist. To finish the news from this visit we will keep all 5 daily meds the same for another year (she is weaning off of them as the dosage is reduced as she grows) and we will prob begin removing them this time next year.

Camilla is having some other minor issues. In fact, she will be having a minor surgery at  Children's in the morning to clean out severely impacted earwax in both ears while under anesthesia. This has been an ongoing problem for Camilla since a very young age but her ENT said this time it was most definitely affecting her hearing (most likely she hears as though she is under water). We are actually quite excited to have this problem corrected because hopefully this will have a very positive effect on speech.

We are also continuing efforts for occupational, physical and speech therapies. She will be evaluated for an augmentative communication device on Tuesday of this week and again we are very excited as this may open up other forms of communication for her.

School is going well. Her hair is getting so long and she is getting soooo tall. She and Crosby are just like typical brothers/sisters they are so kind and helpful to one another at times and in the next breath will be fighting to the death over a toy. Her 'fits' have decreased drastically in severity and frequency (we suspect because she is feeling better and is able to communicate better). She is potty-trained for the most part but does still have a few accidents here and there. She is very affectionate. She is very funny. She is adding new words almost daily. She is loud. She has the silliest laugh. She is happy.

The actual one year anniversary of surgery (and last seizure) is March 26th - National Purple Day for those of you who support epilepsy awareness - and we will be planning a BIG celebration for that day. Although technically our 8 day trip to Walt Disney World last week was the 'official' celebration and I'm sure the one the kids will remember most. Camilla had such a blast. If we mention Disney she'll start repeating over and over 'Di-Ney, Di-Ney'. I'll try to post pics soon.

Prayer requests:
successful surgery tomorrow
Camilla to remain seizure-free
Camilla to continue progressing developmentally
increased communication (whatever form that may take)
fears to be calmed
new epileptologist

Thanks continue for each and every one of you who offer up prayers and support us. Thank you for walking this journey alongside our family.

PS Last week after her EEG we ran into Dr. Blount (neurosurgeon) on the crosswalk and he gave Camilla the biggest hug and after a quick update and watching her he seemed genuinely moved by how well she was doing. He also noted that at the statewide walk for epilepsy last weekend that he had worn Camilla's tshirt. I sure wish I had a pic of that to share :)

PPS God is still leading us in the direction of sharing Camilla's testimony with others. So far this has included church testimonials, radio, men's gatherings and women's luncheons. We have 2 events booked for the next two weeks and have had more inquiries. I also am planning to attend an event in the summer for Christain speakers/writers (still trying to figure if I am being lead to one or the other or both). We are trying to remain ready and obedient.

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

pic

looking back...

I know - I know - it's been way too long. I have been 'not so silently' scolding myself for the last month now because I have failed to keep my promise of updating more regularly on just how great Camilla is doing. For future reference the mantra 'no news is good news' apparently fits concerning this blog :)

So as I sit here tonight, on my 35th birthday, reflecting over the past year I can't help but think how it has been, by far, one of the most difficult of  my life. As I pause to remember just how difficult, my mind is immediately overtaken by the memories that make this past year, by far, the most blessed of my life as well. Difficult because Camilla underwent her 3rd and 4th MAJOR brain surgeries and all of the worry, anxiety, stress, fear and sadness that you might imagine would go along with such events and blessed because she remains seizure-free (10 months and counting) and we continue to feel the love and grace of wonderful friends and family, a supportive community and above all God who has poured out His peace and comfort in abundance over the last 12 months. As I looked in the mirror tonight I couldn't help but notice that the reflection has changed drastically over the last several years. In fact, I'm pretty sure the last 7 years have aged me about 15 more than I'm rightly due. Instead of the word wrinkles I think I'll use the term 'battle scars'.  Oh well, either way it's much easier to deal with since Camilla is doing so well now.

And she really is doing well. 4 days ago we passed the 10 month mark of being seizure-free. Whew - what an accomplishment for her and what a relief. We are busy planning her 1 year seizure-free celebration - Walt Disney World here we come! We will be going in February (a little early we know but we're optomistic) and I can't wait to share how much Camilla enjoys herself on this trip. We are also celebrating many accomplishments as far as development is concerned. She is adding new words almost daily (still single - mostly labeling or request words - no conversation just yet) and in the last few months we have heard 'Dada' and 'Mama' almost daily :) She has learned a few new signs and is much more consistent and appropriate with the words from both her mouth and hands. There have been many 'aha' moments concerning very small aspects of her development - most too small to recount here but when put together display a child who is 'awakening' and on the path to learning and progress. We continue to take 'one day at a time' and are trying to be faithful and thankful in the small things. Prayers appreciated for continued development and many more days without seizures.

I hope to update soon with pictures from the last several months...thanks for checking on us...until we meet again....

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

 

chatty cathy...

Camilla is still seizure-free! The past 5 1/2 months have been great - her days are filled with laughter and her eyes seem clearer. Her actions are calmer, controlled and more deliberate. Her communication is clear and undeniable - though not with words - and she has learned several new signs. She is potty-trained (during the day) and is learing to dress herself. We are so grateful for our many blessings - especially the one named Camilla! We have been so happy to watch how she is growing and learning since the surgery.

On this journey with Camilla we have learned a lot about finding joy in what you have - in what surrounds you everyday - and not placing expectations on things, events or people. We have learned a lot about accepting our 'cross' and about meeting people where they are - meeting Camilla where she is rather - and not placing expecations on her. Now don't get me wrong I still have plenty of dreams and wishes for her but my happiness is not wrapped up in her fulfilling these things - my happiness is wrapped up in how far she has come and what she CAN do. I guess that's why I was so surprised last week when, out of the blue, she said a new word 'bye-bye'. Had I really gotten so accustomed to her communicating in other ways that I actually stood there, with my mouth hanging open and my heart just praising God, in total disbelief. She spoke! She spoke a new word! Since surgery Camilla has actually been less vocal than before and from all of the information that I read and everyone I talked to about this surgery and the children learning to speak it seemed that most advances were made very soon after surgery (days and weeks). So I guess I had chalked it up already that we would continue to communicate in other ways for awhile longer. I guess I was wrong because in just over a week Camilla has added 'no, blue, hi, and dada.' It's random sure but we'll take it! Praise God! I can't wait to see what He has in store next - maybe 'mama'!

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

testimony...

You can't have a testimony - without the test! We have had several people contact us regarding the testimony we gave at Fairhaven Baptist Church several weeks ago, some blog-followers who were trying to get a DVD of our story, please know that we will be happy to share those with anyone who wishes to have one. You may email or message me directly or you can contact Fairhaven at 334-289-0712 (ask for Brandon & Kelley Smith's testimony) and one will be mailed to you at no charge. We are grateful to have the opportunity to give voice to Camilla's story and we feel that God is leading us to share with others. We are also grateful to the several churches and other groups that have scheduled Brandon and I seperately or together to speak. I'm very excited to see how God will use these opportunities to reach families being tested and to bring glory to His name.

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 

birthday bubble bash-

beWhat a fun day! Camilla's  7th birthday bubble-bash was great fun! We had bubbles of all sizes, shapes, colors; we had bubble wrap, bubble gum, bubble coloring and bubble bath all worked into the mix and Camilla thoroughly enjoyed them all. Seriously, I don't know that I have ever seen her have more fun than being elbow-deep in bubble solution for  several hours straight. She wouldn't even leave the bubbles to blow out the candles on her cake - we had to bring the cake to her.  

 Officially this marked Camilla's first 'real' birthday party - friends and all. Typically we have just done very small parties with close friends and family because Camilla had such behavior and socialization issues that it made it difficult for her to be in large groups especially if there were lots of distractions and since she doesn't speak it made it difficult for her to befriend and communicate with other children. Also, in the past it has been a struggle of mine to see Camilla with children her same age. It was always just so difficult to see where she 'should be' developmentally - and birthday parties would
 always just throw me into a funk. Those issues
 just don't seem to bother me anymore - finding
 joy in the blessings that surround me everyday
has to be one of the most gracious gifts God has
given me. Camilla is just that too, a joyous blessing, a 7 year-old joyous blessing.
Happy birthday my sweet angel!





"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Birthday Camilla!

Wow!!! 7 years certainly does fly by when you're having fun. In all honesty I wouldn't call all of those 7 years fun (have you read the rest of the blog) but I can say that I wouldn't change a thing. There have been so many great times and great memories with my sweet 'baby angel' and God has used her in a mighty way to shape me into the person I am today. In fact, He has used her smile and her story to shape many people in many different ways. **Please pardon me for the retrospective and sentimental tone to this post - her birthday's are always a difficult time for me and for some reason I can never pinpoint exactly why. I just always find myself a little 'emotional' this time of year.**

reliving the journey...

So last Sunday night Brandon and I shared our testimony with our Fairhaven Baptist Church family. It has actually been a very emotional week - reliving the journey to relive the journey. There were so many emotions, so many fears, so many tests and so many tears that I would have loved to have never revisited. But in all honesty, now that it is over, I'm really glad to have had a reason to honestly dive back into those first few years after Camilla began having seizures. It was quite theraputic to look back and see where we were as compared to where we are now and to realize just how God's hand was guiding us all along. I'm so thankful for the love, support and encouragement that was shown to us on Sunday. We do feel led to share Camilla's story with others and Sunday was a very important step in leading to that goal, if for no other reason than for us to see if we could handle it and to see if there would be a message that would reach people no matter the similarities or differences between their story and ours. We had originally intended to close our talk with a slideshow of pictures of Camilla but as time was running out I still couldn't get the music to load properly so we scratched it but I thought I would share it here - I know how to do the music here :) Oh and it is worth noting that we are past the 3 month mark (March 26th-June 26th) and we have still not seen a seizure!!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! This is the longest she has been without seizures since 6mo old(and there were only 2 other breaks-one for 5 weeks and one for 3 months)!!! "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Dreamnight at the Zoo

Each year Children's Hospital hosts an event for their patients and families. Last year they rented out Alabama Adventure for an evening and this year it was the Birmingham Zoo. They partnered with Chick-Fil-A to provide an absolutely wonderful evening for these special kids. Not only was the weather perfect, not hot and a breeze blowing, but there were no lines anywhere and it was like our own personal zoo experience. The staff was so friendly and really tried to help the kids enjoy the animals, which is something Camilla has never been able to do in the 3 or 4 other trips to the zoo we have made. She especially noticed the flamingos, giraffes, elephants, tiger and gorilla. My favorite memory was during the sea lion show when he hopped up on the side of the pool and waved and barked and Camilla waved and barked back (amazing how they did both so similarly lol). The Children's Hospital clowns were there painting faces and Chick-Fil-A was handing out stuffed cows, gummy bears, free drinks, paper fans and cow hats every time you turned around. Crosby's favorite part was of course the 'choo choo' but he really enjoyed the animals as well. Thank you Children's Hospital of Alabama, Chick-Fil-A and The Birmingham Zoo for a wonderful 'Dreamnight at the Zoo'!

finally...

I'd like to apologize - I've been slacking on my updates and there's really no good reason. Except, of course, if you count that fact that it's summertime and my babies and I have been too busy having fun to do much else! So far our days have been filled with the park, slip-n-slide, swimming, Vacation Bible School, sleeping late, the zoo, golfing, fishing and naps! I can't wait to see what the rest of the summer holds :) As for Camilla - SHE IS DOING GREAT! We still have not seen any seizures and even though there was a small amount of activity in her right parietal lobe on the EEG we are thankful for 2 1/2 months of seizure-freedom. Once we reach 3 months we will be celebrating the longest she has gone without seizures since she was 6 months old (the one other seizure-free period was at the beginning of the Ketogenic Diet when she was about 10 months old). She has been sleeping so well these days now that the 'white noise' has been quieted in her brain that in the past has robbed her of sleep and so many other things. The first week out of school she was sleeping until 10:30 each day and she is now averaging waking about 9:00 each morning. The general rule of thumb in our house - if Camilla's brain is sleeping DON'T WAKE IT UP! I really believe her body and brain are catching up on some much needed rest. During the day Camilla is showing signs of being more aware than she ever has been before. She just seems to be more 'present' in the moment with us and seems to be processing our words, asessing situations and reacting so much more typically. These characteristics are allowing her to make great strides in many areas but the most noteable being in potty-training (and Mom lets out a big WOO HOO after almost 7 years of diapers). Camilla is consistently letting us (and others caring for her) know when she needs to go by saying 'abath'. We are to the point where we are beginning to trust leaving the house with her wearing panties and there have been very few accidents to date. We are so proud of her and she is proud of herself as well. There are so many positives to mention that I couldn't possibly remember them all but I'll try to list a few: she is more steady and not shaky, she laughs a lot, she plays well and interacts with Crosby, she throws fits when she doesn't get her way (yes believe it or not this IS a positive), she is learning to dress herself, she continues to eat well, she helps me around the house (throwing things away, washing dishes, cleaning up spills and loading/unloading laundry), she is playing with toys appropriately these days, and the list could just go on and on. It seems like every day we are finding new accomplishments, large and small, to celebrate. I will mention one negative, Camilla has been very quiet these last couple of weeks. We are having to provoke her to get her to say much of anything and we certainly aren't hearing any new words. Even with the potty-training, the first couple of weeks she would constantly say 'abath' but she is now coming and taking me by the hand and leading me or just getting right in my face and staring in my eyes to let me know she has to go to the bathroom. We are very confused and frustrated by this silence. Back to the positives - she is adding more signs to her vocabulary. She will now regularly sign 'please' and 'thank you' in addition to her usual 'more' and 'eat'. We will begin adding two more new signs next week (it seems that focusing on one or two at a time for her to learn and do works best even though I do a lot of signing throughout each day to label objects and actions). We continue to be on the same medications as before and are waiting and watching with anticipation as her hair grows longer everyday over the completely healed scar. I think this about sums up her progress for now. For all of my epilepsy moms I did want to let you guys know that Camilla's resection was officially a right temporal lobectomy and right frontal topectomy - just FYI. Also, several posts back I asked you guys to pray for how our family would properly share Camilla's story and use her for His glory and He has answered our prayers. We feel we are being led to speak about our journey with Camilla to various different groups and organizations and God is opening these doors. Our first speaking engagement will be to share our testimony with Fairhaven Baptist Church on June 24th at the 6:00pm service. Brandon will also be speaking at the Brotherhood Breakfast on the 3rd Sunday in July and there are several other opportunities pending for us together and seperately. We plan to share the details of her diagnosis, the challenges that we've faced, how we've gone from enduring to enjoying life with a special needs child and how God has been there all along..."For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

a stroll down memory lane...

surgery pictures...

please know that I spared you the gruesome pics with the wrap off and during surgery...you can thank me later...

cheese...

Camilla has gotten to where she will do a really 'cheesy' grin when you snap a picture and say 'cheese' - here she is 'cheesing' it with Dr. Blount(neurosurgeon) and Gigi(his nurse practioner)at her last check-up. **I'm trying to get the blog up-to-date, pictures and all, and I think I finally figured out the problem I was having uploading pictures so hopefully I will get caught up and back to posting regularly :)

and the verdict is...

We spent yesterday at Children's for Camilla to undergo a 2hr EEG, her first since surgery, to determine what is now going on in that pretty little head! It was very difficult to hook her up for this test (as usual) and we had to use a papoose board for only the second time ever. Once she was hooked up though she was calm and happy even smiling and laughing to pass the time. After the test we saw Dr. Kim who gave us the results. The verdict: there is still spiking in the right parietal lobe. Are we upset at all by this news? Heck NO! We still have not seen any seizures and Dr. Kim stressed that this activity could very well dissipate by her 6 month EEG. Realistically we know that any abnormal activity is not good news but we don't really put our hope in EEG's now do we? "My hope is in you Lord, all the day long. I won't be shaken by draught or storm..." Anyone else like that song too? I plan to do a very detailed update tonight to brag on all the great things going on with Camilla right now! "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Run/Walk/Roll a 5K for Camilla

I just wanted to let everyone know that some sweet people at our church have gotten together and are hosting a 5K for Camilla this Saturday, May 19th. Registration begins at the Demopolis City Landing at 7:00am with the 5K and Kids Fun Run beginning at 9:00am. The entry fee is $20 and includes a t-shirt. If you need more information or would like to participate or volunteer you can leave me a message here or email me at kelleyjsmith@yahoo.com Thanks to everyone involved and Camilla can't wait to be there and cheer everyone on!

quick update-

Bear with me - I've been trying to update the blog for four or five days now with some pictures and I'm having some space 'issues' with blogger. Hopefully I will have that resolved soon and will be able to post the slideshow from surgery and do a thorough update on how Camilla has been doing. For now I hope you'll settle for a quick update - she's GREAT! No seizures so far and the only real 'issue' we are dealing with at this time is the fits that she is having daily. These are 'I'm not getting what I want' and/or 'I can't talk to you to make you understand what it is I want/need/is hurting me' fits and since she is approaching 70 lbs., is very tall for her age and is stronger than most adults I know it is becoming increasingly difficult to deal with her during these fits. Please pray for this specifically - pray for her frustration, all of our understanding, physical and mental strength for Brandon and I and for us to find an effective way to deal with her when these fits arise (which has been 2-3 times daily for the last several weeks.) Hoping for a detailed update soon and pictures! Oh and Happy Birthday to Crosby - he turns 2 tomorrow:)

hope...

Hope...wasn't it too perfect that our Sunday school lesson was entitled 'A Living Hope' this past Sunday. The words from Max Lucado just seemed to jump off of the page, "It may be just a coincidence that 'hope' and 'cope' rhyme, but it's a happy coincidence. If we can't see beyond our immediate circumstances in life, the outlook quickly turns to a shade of despair." My hope is in you Lord and I thank you for the promise of "...hope and a future..." I am so full of hope for Camilla and her future. She is doing GREAT! She is eating and sleeping well and seems to have regained most of her strength and ALL of her silliness :) We have not seen any seizures and we are very thankful for the last 16 seizure-free days (the record for her was when she was on the Ketogenic diet and went 3 months seizure-free...she was 1yo). Her incision seems to be healing well and so far we don't seem to be having the 'scabbing' issues that we had with her last surgery. We go for her first checkup with Dr. Blount tomorrow and will see what he has to say about how it is healing. We are still having to clean the wound twice daily. As for her progress in other areas: she seems to be processing language faster; she seems to be saying some new sounds-especially vowell sounds; she has picked up 3 new signs and will do them when prompted - thank you, please and more; she is showing some progress in potty training - PRAISE GOD for every accomplishment large or small :) Overall, like I said before, Camilla is doing GREAT. She has only had one day of not feeling very well since we have been home from the hospital and after some Tylenol she perked up quite a bit. I remain AMAZED at how well she has done through this whole process-she is such a trooper! We visited her school yesterday and she was thrilled to see her friends and teachers again - we will find out tomorrow when she can return to school. I want to thank EVERYONE for the outpouring of love and support, we are overwhelmed with the kindness that has been shown to our family. Specific prayer requests include: healthy healing for her incision and strength and patience for all during cleanings; no seizures; tantrums to disappear; delevopment; and for our entire family as we live and share Camilla's story for the glory of God. "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you HOPE and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

...from whom all blessings flow...

PRAISE GOD! Camilla is doing GREAT! PRAISE GOD! Who would have ever guessed that this time last week my 'baby angel' was lying in Children's hospital with a blood clot on her brain, not able to do much more than sleep and her doctors were using words like 'urgent', 'serious', and 'in trouble' to describe her situation. Not to mention too, that she was facing a major surgery the following day. Imagine that it hasn't even been a week since removing part of her brain and today, here we are, at home and she has been riding the golf cart, riding in her wagon, coloring with sidewalk chalk and even went to a resturant to eat Mexican food (one of her favs)yesterday. I will try to video her tomorrow and post some of the different things she is keeping herself busy with these days but it is absolutely AMAZING! God continues to have his hand on Camilla and so far we have seen no seizures, an amazing calm and lots of smiles. She is loving wearing hats but feels of her head often and then looks at me to say 'WHERE IS MY HAIR?' Camilla's appetite has returned fully (another praise) and she is no longer on ANY pain meds (even Tylenol or Motrin) just her regular assortment of anti seizure meds (which FYI she would have to be seizure free for at least one year before they would consider weaning some of those). Right now the only real daily challenge (besides healing and resting in general)is that we have to clean her incision twice a day with soap and water and considering the problems we had with scabbing-over (prevents new skin growth and increases chances for infection) with the Corpus Callosotomy incision we are having to be very thorough and diligent with our cleanings. Last time they almost took her back to the OR to remove scabs after about five weeks and we certainly DO NOT want to find ourselves anywhere near that situation again. So please pray for her comfort and patience during these cleanings and our strong stomaches and arms that have to hold her down and scrub :( Let me say again and again, thank you ALL for all of the prayers that have carried us through this time, they have been felt in a very real way. Thank you too for all of the gifts, cards, donations, food, messages, bracelets, t-shirts, texts, videos, songs, verses, etc... that have found us during these last few weeks. Even though we have not been able to respond to each gesture immediately, please know that each and every one seems to reach us at just the right moment to provide a smile or encouragement - whatever the case may be. What wonderful people we have been blessed to share our lives with - that would reach out to us during this difficult time in our lives - some we have known forever and some we are just meeting through this process. THANK YOU ALL for the blessings of your kindness. We continue to hold on to our hope and know that HIS perfect WILL will be done - whatever is to come 'it is well'. "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

are you kidding me?

Home??? Didn't we just have major brain surgery Monday??? As I said before, God is showing off!!! As long as she has a good 'first-part' of the day today she will be discharged this afternoon. I'm so thrilled but also a little nervous at it being this soon. Camilla's swollen eyes started to open late yesterday afternoon and she was able to get up and do some walking. She even walked to the activity room here in the Burn Unit and was able to play with Crosby for about 30 minutes. We are about to try to get her up this morning to see if she will walk some more or maybe go for a wagon ride around the hospital. She is dealing with a little more pain today than yesterday but we were able to get a good dose of pain meds in her about an hour ago - she is still giving us major trouble taking all meds at this point.When Dr. Blount made his rounds a couple of days ago he said that she needed to be eating and drinking well, managing pain well and for the swelling to go down enough that she could see in order for her to go home and she has definitely met those hurdles. On one of Dr. Blounts visits he pulled out his cell phone and asked if we had strong stomaches, and we do, so he proceeded to show us pics he had taken during surgery showing the grids, the blood clot and the parts that were resected - WEIRD - not many people can say they've seen their child's brain! So anyway - no time for a long post - there's packing to be done :) "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11