MRI results

We got the MRI results tonight.  Nothing much new to report.  The doctors could see that she has bi-lateral arteries leading off from the heart. (one left and one right) The right artery that we could not see by echo is 'extremely pinched on the side near the heart'.  The left artery is a bit better and seems to be the one carrying the bulk of the flow to the lungs, but it too is narrowed.  They could not find any collateral arteries. (alternative routes for blood).  The MRI seems to show that the two arteries are most likely ducts and not collaterals.

So, basically we didn't learn whole lot more than we knew before.  We are still glad we did the MRI.  It does assure our Cardiologist that her readings of the echocardiograms have been reliable  - they have given us enough necessary information to go on until now.  We can continue to do the echos regularly to 'check in' on these arteries, so to speak.        

One new milestone that I keep forgetting to write about:   Rachel has been reaching up with her hands alot more lately.  She is starting to touch our face.  The other day she tried pulling down a blanket that was hanging over her basinet.  I love it! Way to go, little one! You are still learning in your own time and in your own way.  

We have decided to go home tomorrow because she has been doing well and because we have no way of predicting when she might crash again.  It might be a tomorrow or it might be weeks from now.  And even though this place is so wonderful - we are missing home too. Dave and I have had some time to recover here and we are so thankful for it....so here goes - back into the fray again. 

This afternoon, someone came in to do music therapy with the kids here.  We put Rachel's feet on the drum and she loved it!  She was 'talking' and grinning away.  Here's a picture that Kate (the play therapist) took of her.  Thank-you so much Kate!