Very successful surgery!

We just got off the phone with the surgeon and Gracie's surgery went VERY well!  She said that the change in her blood pressure numbers when they pinched off the ductus arteriosis were significant and very positive.  She called it a very "hemodynamically significant" procedure.  Translated: the blood flow before the surgery was quite imbalanced-- too much going to the lungs and too little to the rest of the body.  The lower number of her blood pressure reading actually doubled when they closed the artery off, a very good sign.  She said that there was quite a bit of blood bypassing the body that needed it and going to the lungs, so this should be a very positive change for our little Grace.

Praise God!  And thank you all for bringing her to the Throne with us!  There is, of course, still chance of infection and other issues as she recovers, but we're obviously past the most critical part.

We spent most of the afternoon with Grace before the procedure, since it was about 4 hours later than planned.   Just before the surgical team came, she was wide awake and very alert-- more than we've seen her before.  It was fun to watch her looking around at us and everything else!  Here are a couple pictures.

Gracie is in the top of the gurney with the blanket draped over her-- they transported her about three blocks away to Children's hospital.

Sticking her tongue out for the camera.  She's already got an attitude!