So much has happened over the past few days. Iris has been disconnected from her breathing tube, feeding tube, heart monitor, drain tubes, central line and pacing wires. She went for her first true walk yesterday .. 3 days post surgery .. and was transferred out of ICU. I am in complete awe. These steps do not happen without pain, and there have been plenty of tears .. but those tears fall from the eyes of my brave little girl. At 4-years-old she just underwent open heart surgery combined with airway reconstruction, and is now talking, walking, eating, smiling, laughing .. and on the verge of being discharged from the hospital.

There is still a long road ahead of us, but each day brings progress.

Here are a few photos that capture Iris’ journey at Doernbecher …..

Sunday morning. Despite all the equipment hooked up to her, she was resting comfortably:

Here she is out on her first walk Monday morning: (the nice ICU nurses gave her the stylish leggings)

Practicing her coughs:

Thank you for your kind notes and voice messages. I do read them, and listen to them, and I’m strengthened by your support.

Hugs.