I’m 17 Months Old Today

Wednesday February 13, 2008


The amazement never ends. In the past month Tessa has begun walking. Although her gait at times is clumsy she is definitely walking. Tessa also had her eye surgery and her eyes seem straight. Everyone comments on what a change their is in Tessa's appearance. There also has definitely been a change in her personality since the operation. Miss Rose, her teacher at day care as also noticed that Tessa has become let’s say more “assertive” in expressing her wants. Miss Rose actually spoke to me about Tessa hitting some of the other children to get their attention. Our little girl is changing.

The Day After

Thursday February 7, 2008
Today when Tessa woke up her eyes were swollen and stayed that way all day. They also were still red. The good news is Tessa's eyes stayed straight all day and her coordination was so much better both of which is a good sign that her brain is already adjusting to the alignment. I would say she was 80% back to normal on Thursday.

Tessa has a follow up appt with the dr for 2/28. It's a 3 week check up and then he sees her again after 6 weeks. I still am amazed at what a strong little girl Tessa is. She really is a fighter.

Today Was Tessa's Eye Surgery

Wednesday February 6, 2008

Tessa at the hospital in her operating gown. The X's on her forehead are to tell the doctor he has to operate on both eyes.

Back at home later in the evening

On Wednesday morning we brought Tessa to the hospital at 6:30am. We had to wait until 8:15am for her surgery. Prior to surgery Tessa was fine. She had no idea what was going on and didn't even mind being in her hospital gown which was way too big on her (one size does not fit all babies). She did cry though when they had to draw in marker the x's over each eyebrow on her forehead for surgery.

When it was time for the surgery only one of us was allowed to go into the operating room to be w/her while she was given anesthesia. I immediately told the anesthesiologist that would be me. Michael was a little upset and said "I don't get a vote." I guess I felt as Tessa's mother of course I was going to go in with her!

In the operating room they told me Tessa should go under in about 5 seconds. Of course Tessa had to be different. She really fought the mask on her face and it took a good 30 seconds with her crying before she was knocked out. I had to hold her hands/arms down to keep her from pulling the mask off. The actual procedure took 45 minutes but with recovery we didn't see Tessa again in recovery until nearly 10am.

Poor Tessa was whimpering and disorientated when we saw her. She cried for a good 30 min. The dr told us he felt her surgery was a success. After that we were told Tessa couldn't leave the hospital until she drank at least 2 oz of water or juice and only after that could she get a cracker. Tessa refused more than a sip of either. I kept asking about giving her formula which is really powdered water but the hospital said no because it was too thick. Well, after sitting there for over 2 hrs I said this is crazy we could be here all day. (Poor Tessa was so uncomfortable whimpering with the IV in her foot and they didn't want me to let her go to sleep until she drank) So Michael told the staff we were going to give her formula. They reluctantly agreed and low and behold Tessa drank 7 oz of formula right up with no problem. After which we were finally able to leave.

Tessa was pretty good when we came home all considering, and she slept thru the night. Her eyes were red which is to be expected. What was upsetting was that in the evening both eyes started turning and then would go straight. It was really noticeable now after the surgery. It was as if her eyes would turn and then were pulled back straight. The dr had told us this could happen and that it really takes 6 weeks before you know the end results. Moving around was awkward for her. When Tessa walked you could see her coordination was all off and she would fall into a sit position.

Tessa's Third Pediataric Appointment

Monday, January 28, 2007

Today Tessa had an appt today with her pediatrician. Besides having to get shots she also needed to be cleared for surgery. The pediatrician was so happy to see Tessa walk. He said that Tessa is continuing to progress at a good pace. Tessa has gained 2 pounds since her last visit and now weighs just less than 20 pounds. She also grew a half inch and is now 29” long. We also spoke about Tessa still not speaking. The pediatrician was not concerned and said it would be fine if Tessa wasn’t talking when she turned two.

I Can Walk

Friday, January 19, 2008

This afternoon when I arrived at the daycare Tessa was about to take her usual few steps toward me when her teacher told me to stop and watch. Low and behold Tessa was able to walk across the floor all by herself. I was so surprised. We couldn’t wait to arrive at home and show daddy.

I’m 16 Months Old Today

Sunday, January 13, 2008

It is just amazing how fast the time is going. Over the past month Tessa has learned to stand on her own and is taking her first steps. She is able to walk about 4 steps before falling. You can see how determined she is to walk. Tessa also loves to walk using her push toy. She does however get very frustrated if after crashing into furniture she is unable to redirect herself.

Tessa seems to have made a positive adjustment to daycare and now smiles as soon as we enter the place. Typically when I pick her up she is playing with her classmates.

Another Visit to Eye Specialist

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Today was Tessa’s follow up appointment with the eye doctor. Again the doctor had a difficult time trying to obtain a complete measurement of Tessa’s eyes. He was though able for the first time to get a partial reading of her eyes using prisms. The doctor tried to be funny stating “Well its official Tessa hates coming here.” The doctor then went over Tessa’s surgery which is still scheduled for Wednesday, Febuary 6th.

The Xmas Tree in Rockefeller Center

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Tessa in Ruth Chris restaurant

This evening we took Tessa into Manhattan for her first visit to FAO Schwartz. Tessa was so happy to be around all the different toys. We then went to see the Christmas tree. Unfortunately it started raining so in most of the pictures we look like wet rats. Afterwards we went to dinner at Ruth Chris’s. Tessa was such a good girl in a grownup restaurant. She dined on crab cakes and creamed spinach. We didn’t stay for dessert because we didn’t want to chance a change in Tessa’s behavior after being seated in a high chair for so long.

Opening Presents

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Here are some pictures from my birthday and Michael’s which was on 12/20.

Tessa’s First Artwork On The Refrigerator

Thursday, December 27, 2007


Today is my birthday and one of the best presents I received was from Tessa at day care. Miss Rose gave me a paper bell and Christmas tree that Tessa had decorated of course with their help. They are both proudly displayed on the kitchen refrigerator.

It’s Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Poor Tessa, both Michael and I were sick today so we did not open presents until early in the evening. Thankfully Tessa has no concept of the holiday so she was none the wiser. Tessa seemed to fixate on the Disney sippy cup that Christine and Billy gave her. We had to hide it in order for Tessa to continue opening her presents.