Morning! What an incredible fall day after some rain last night. Sun is shining, cool air, windows open and leaves falling. 

Big milestone today: post-op day 10. Bandage can come off and she can shower when she is ready!!! 

🙏 Bella has had several good days. She woke this morning saying it was her best sleep yet since the surgery. Michael and I slept well, too, and we are so thankful for the gift of sleep.

🙏 We've reduced the pain meds and muscle relaxers to every 6 hours (alternating every 3 hours)--this is a very good step in the right direction. We have also reduced her pain medication dose and sliding in some Motrin (goal: replace pain meds with Mortrin in a few days). So far, so good! Muslce relaxers will remain apart of her life for a while--muscle spasms are still the roughest part of all of this. 

🙏 We had a wonderful visit with her bestie/her mom yesterday and that really lifted her spirits. They brought a delicous meal and her appetite was amazing! We start with small portions to not overwhelm her and last night she asked for SECONDS!!!

🙏 She has been awake ALL DAY the last few days! No napping needed. Today, she's binge watching Marvel movies which makes her very happy. 

🙏 Bella's also asked to get into a "routine"--waking up by a certain time, cleaning up, and doing a bedtime routine with a somewhat set bedtime. Feel like that is also a major step in the right direction---for her to initiate some structure in all of this. 

🙏 I've mentioned God has provided the most wonderful support group here in Atlanta that has helped us prepare but also guided us in expectations as related to recovery process. When we listen to others, it seems that she's right on track if not slightly ahead of schedule. We might feel differently tomorrow but for now, definitely seeing the light at the end of this tunnel!

Have some extra time and live nearby? Stop by! She'd love to see you. 

--Continued prayers for a positive recovery process, that she gets stronger every day, and has increased stamina.
--Prayers that she wraps her head around taking the bandage off and calming her nerves regarding showering for the first time (bandage can come off today but she's not ready). She finally asked for a mirror yesterday and the site of the bandage was overwhelming and resulted in a strong emotional reaction. It's a long scar---base of neck down to small of back.
--Also pray for calmed nerves as she slowly starts easing back into school. There are moments where she has some signifcant anxiety about how much she's missed and how she will possibly catch up. Sitting is still painful and only lasts about 10 min. Looking for a standing/rolling desk if anyone has one they aren't using, we would love to borrow for a few weeks. Pray she can try her hardest to take things one step at a time and that school is patient with her. 

The Tucker Family