How many Staples?!

This is Kate. When I got here today Shannon was very responsive to me. I got to have some alone time with her. Shan held my hand and every once in a while as I would say something she would raise her eyebrow trying to open her eyes at me. I saw her eyes follow me a few times if I moved. She also nodded yes when I asked her if she wanted me to put lotion on her feet. She also smiles at times which is cute too. She has reached for my hand a few times when she notices I am not holding it. This all could be just her wanting to move around and get up, but it is comforting for me to see her respond to me so well. When she is "awake" she wants to move and is really enjoying exercising her legs. She is bummed out that the tube is back in her mouth and she still has the brace around her neck. It is cute to see her almost beg for me to take it off when no one is looking!! No worries though, I told her she has to keep them in for a few more days. After Shanny and I had some time together, she was very worn out and went back to sleep. She has tried to open her eyes a few times and reached for a hand to hold, both mom's and mine, as they continue suctioning and other stuff she is not too fond of.

So on to what the post is meant to be about. Shannon got the staples out of her head today!! When the nurse was talking about it, Shan actually grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze. I asked her if she was scared and looked at me as if to say yes. The nurse reassured me and Shannon that it would not hurt. A little while later one of the Doctors came in to take out the staples. I decided to record some video so if Shan choices to watch it, I have it documented, of course. Shan was tough and did not feel too much. In fact they did some suctioning while they took out some staples and Shan was more annoyed with that. Anyway we finally have a number of how many staples were in her head. She had 68!! WOW!!

Right now Shan is resting. The opthomologist is going to come to look at Shan's eye, it has swollen up a little more as today has progressed. They don't seem too worried about it but the Doctor will be here soon just to make sure. Shannon's pupils have been responsive and doing good. Also other great news is her ICP has been WAY down today!! It has been anywhere from a 0-3 all day. It is amazing to both Mom and me to see those numbers so low!! We keep thinking that maybe something is wrong, but the numbers are good and Shan is doing great!!

I too have been amazed at the love and prayers that have come our way. It is amazing that Shannon has touched so many people's lives. Made me think of how many people I come in contact with and what kind of an example I am. I know, in comparison to my Sister Shannon I am not anywhere near what she is, but I have become more aware of how I treat people and trying to be more positive to those around me. Shan is my Rock and Always has been. She is such a great example and I look up to her in so many ways. I have gotten the time to think of all the ways I look up to her and am amazed and what she does for me. It does not surprise me at all that she has so many people pulling for her and praying for her. I, as her older sister, look up to her and I know that many others do as well.

On behalf of my family, thank you again for the thoughts, prayers and concerns for Shan and the family. We are also blessed to have all of you as a part of our lives and know that the prayers go both ways. Thank you so much for your love and support! Love you all!!

Kate