Good Times and Hard Times

Though it is soo sad to post a few pictures of Claire in the hospital, we are so thankful that the doctors were able to figure out what was wrong with our sweet girl. Most of the people reading our blog already know what went on with her a few weeks ago but for those that don't I'm doing to make a LONG story REALLY short; she had been extremely fussy and clingy from about the first week in October (we thought it was teething.) Next, we noticed that she was choking on her milk with every sip (after two doctors appointments about this we were told it was a throat infection.) The coking continued so we got a chest x-ray that came back fine. She was put on an antibiotic after two weeks of EXTREME fussiness (which is not like her at all, actually her entire personality had totally changed.) The antiobiotic didn't change anything and we finally became very concerned because she was seeming very clumsy and was unable to stand up on her own. We took her to the doctor again and they sent us to have a brain scan. THe scan came back fine but they admitted us to the hospital for more tests. After blood work, and MRI and a spinal tap she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, an incredibly rare illness. Her case was a mild one, thank goodness. She was in the hospital for 4 days while the monitored her to make sure the illness was not getting worse. She did not have to receive any treatment and she will be completely recovered in a few more weeks.

Needless to say, that was one of the most scary things Jon and I have ever been though. We are so grateful for the diagnosis and to have an answer to what was going on. Claire's funny, lovable and crazy personality is back in full force and Jon and I are loving being able to enjoy her again. We have received so much love and support from friends, family and people we have just recently met here in Charlotte . We know so many people were praying for our sweet girl, thank you!


We think that Claire got a bad reputation with the doctors and nurses during her stay :)
She would SCREAM every time someone new walked into the room to check on her.
Between the doctor and nurse visits she really was a great sport. She was spoiled and enjoyed treats of stickers, balloons and doughnut holes!



Our last day there. Can you tell she was feeling better? She loves putting "hats" on her head.



Claire will actually sit still for a few minutes at a time now!



All dressed up for the Halloween play date. We borrowed cousin Bradley's pjs because we didn't have a costume. I promise she will be something sweet next year, though it was actually appropriate after all that she had just been though!



We were still able to take our trip to PA for Jon's cousin's wedding!
We spent a night at my Aunt Merle's house and Claire loved seeing Andrew again!



Gramps took Claire for a ride on the lawnmower at Grandmother and Grandfather's house.






Looking pretty at Susan and Bj's wedding.






Dancing with GramE and Gramps!
I love this picture!
Notice Bradley running up to join the party and Jake groovin' on the side.
It is rare that I actually get a picture of Jake because he always runs away from the camera :)




Having fun with Daddy



So sweet. She loves snuggling on soft things now.



Her hair kind of reminds me of a 70's boy band 'do in this picture.



Claire and her favorite, lovie. Aka "luhlie"



Just woke up! Good morning.