Mommy and Daddy's Good Day

I was thinking about Dana while getting ready for bed tonight, and no more than 5 minutes later she called me! There was a note of joy in her voice that made me think, "She has her baby in her arms." Sure enough, she was holding Callie as we spoke!
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These pictures were taken today while Callie was held for the first time in 11 days by her mommy Dana and her daddy Jeff.
Callie was taken off the ventilator 2 days ago and is breathing on her own again, with a little assist from an oxygen and helium mask. The doctors also removed about 40 staples from her surgery scars and the sensors from her brain.
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Dana says it's debatable whether Callie is still comatose. There is definitely a difference between when Callie is aware and when she is asleep.

An opthalmologist confirmed that Callie still has her vision, though it will take 6 months to know how good it will be. However, the damage around the optical area of her brain stem may be why she hasn't opened her eyes and her eyes aren't dilating.
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The MRI from 2 days ago is promising. The fluid in her brain looks good and the bruised area is improved. And the area damaged by the stroke is now totally clear!

Callie began receiving music therapy and physical therapy today. Dana said the music therapy was exciting. They put Callie's tiny hands on 2 little drums and told her to push down on them, and she did!
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After the music therapy was over, Callie made two audible responses to her daddy, which was a joyful noise to her parents' ears. The prayers and fasts in her behalf have brought about great blessings. God's hand in her healing is evident.
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Those of us who are so far from Callie during this ordeal can't wait to have her back here in our mountain home! When we said good-bye, I asked Dana to give Callie a kiss for me. It was precious to hear her give our sweet girl a little smack from her Aunt Mary.
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Please visit Dana's blog at the link under "My Blog List" at left to hear her firsthand account of what has transpired recently. It's Dana's first blog since the accident, and you will feel their spirit of quiet peace and joy. Also visit Ashley's blog for her report from her parents today. Thanks again to everyone who has shared their prayers and faith!