Mission accomplished!

In the holding area Vivian contentedly entertained herself watching Madeline in London on her iPod Touch

The surgical procedures to remove Vivian's feeding button and her mediport this morning were successful and uneventful! Vivian was a real trooper and didn't even require a sedative before the anesthesiologist inserted her IV.


Resting in the recovery room after the surgery

Vivian had no issues with the anesthesia, and the surgeon relayed that everything went smoothly in the OR. Despite a 2" incision on her abdomen, Vivian has reported all day that her tummy feels "just fine" when I ask her if it hurts, so I have not given her any medication for pain.


As soon as she woke up, Vivian started yanking off her hospital gown so I quickly found the clothes I'd brought for her. Perhaps Vivian wanted to make it clear she was not staying long!

The best part of the day was taking Vivian upstairs to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she spent 32 days this summer. The doctor who admitted us as well as many of our favorite nurses were there today. Everyone was elated to see us and could not get over how well Vivian was doing! Even though she was still a tad groggy from her earlier sedation, Vivian answered questions and interacted with the staff much more than she ever did while she was hospitalized.


The waiting room outside the PICU. It was a bit eerie being up here again


Vivian with many of her nurses from the summer

One of the nurses asked Vivian if she was going to school today. Vivian responded quickly, "I don't want to go to school. I want to go to McDonald's!"

On our way home I went to the drive-through at McDonald's and ordered Vivian a hamburger Happy Meal with a Sprite. The McDonald's lady asked if the Happy Meal were for a girl or a boy, and I answered, "A girl." From the backseat Vivian exclaimed, "A big girl!"

Yes, indeed. A big, healthy girl!

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." Psalm 9:1