More medical issues...

After nap time on Wednesday I noticed that the left side of Chloe Desalech's face was droopy. I thought maybe she slept wrong and didn't think much of it. I noticed it a few more times throughout the afternoon, each time it seemed to get worse, but she was acting completely normal. The only way I could explain it without say the word "paralysis" is that the left side of her face wasn't working.

I knew I wasn't dreamed when the first thing Monte said when he saw her was, "What is wrong with Chloe's face?". I immediately went into doctor mommy role and tried to figure out what is could be. I was so scared for her. We literally sat there all night and just studied her. It was only truly noticeable if she laughed, smiled or cried. We decided we would wait until morning to see how she was and at that point we could call the doctor if need be.

On Thursday morning her face was worse. I called the doctor and told them what was going on. They got us in promptly. Not a good sign for a mommy whose nerves are already on edge. The doctor asked me a few questions, but not knowing her medical history it is hard to answer most of them. He told me that he is certain it is Bell's Palsy (paralysis of one side of the face). He said they'll never know how she got it, but he thinks it could be from the chicken pox/shingles virus that seems to be living in our house right now. In most cases it is short term, but if she is not better within three weeks we will need to go see a neurologist. He also called a pediatric neurologist to confirm treatment for her. Since we got her into see the doctor so quickly (seriously, what mother wouldn't?), he put her on medicine that will hopefully stop the progression.

Like I said, it is only noticeable when she laughs, smiles or cries. When she woke up this morning she looked the same, so I think the medicine is working. I am so thankful that she wasn't in Africa when this happen and that we were able to get her into the doctors asap and start treatment. Please keep Chloe Desalech in your prayers. Please pray that it does go away and we don't need to go to a neurologist.

The girls will be home for 4 weeks tomorrow. Also, one year ago tomorrow was the day we started the adoption process. I don't think either of us dreamed we would already be home with the girls when we reached the one year mark. We have so much to be thankful for. Even with all the medial issues we have had since bringing the girls home, it could be so much worse.

This picture isn't clear, but I just love it. Chloe getting some kisses from Daddy. She loves her Daddy, it is pretty obvious!