Benson and Claire were born with a rare genetic disease in which their liver produces too much oxalate--called primary hyperoxaluria. Claire's condition has progressed much faster than Benson's. She was on dialysis since she was 3 months old and for much of that time, did dialysis 3 hours a day, 6 days a week. She receive a much needed kidney / liver transplant on December 18, 2009. It is expected Benson will eventually need similar transplants.


Sunday, December 27, 2009

Dec 27 5:30 pm

Something clicked last night. About 10:00 pm, Jared and I were interacting with a different girl than we had been for the past 10 days. She's back!!! So crazy how sudden it happened. It was literally like a light switch. We haven't heard the words all done ALL DAY, she's happily plays with all her babies, is talking up a storm, sings the abc's and twinkle twinkle, and even put a red vine licorice in her mouth and actually ate a bite (swallowed it and all)! She is just about as normal as could be today. It is amazing! We have had such a fun day playing with Benson and Claire on the mats on the floor. And she's had no problems going potty. Wow. What a day! We got our princess back. Better than ever!

They've been doing a lot of education teaching today. They're trying to get discharge teaching (from then nurses, pharmacist, dietitian, and transplant team) done within the next few days so Claire could be ready to be discharged as early as Tuesday or Wednesday of this week!

All her labs for the kidney and liver look really good. Things literally couldn't be better. As Jared and I have been praying for Claire's transplant for the past 2 years, we have always asked that things could go as perfectly as possible. That has fortunately been the case for Claire's transplant. We know our prayers have been answered by a loving Father in Heaven who knows Claire and has blessed her so greatly.

18 comments:

Tricia said...

All I can say is YEA!!!!!

** Adrian ** said...

That is SO fantastic!! It gives me chills all over reading about your wonderful day & the return of your sweet princess!!! What a blessed MIRACLE!!!

Schroeder's in a NUT SHELL! said...

She's beautiful! It is a Christmas Miracle.....

Rebecca said...

That is so amazing how well Claire is doing! I'm happy for you guys. I love the pict. with the licorice....priceless.

Six divided by two..... said...

How blessed you are!! I am glad to see Ms. Claire back!!!! You and your family will continue to remain in my prayers.

Philip, Melissa, & Summer said...

I am glad she is doing so well. Good to hear.

Amy said...

I am so excited to hear she's doing so well! Your family has been in our prayers since we stumbled onto your blog. I went to high school with Jared, and I couldn't be happier that things are going so well for little Claire! She is beautiful!

Sarah Jayne said...

Wow Natalie. What an amazing blessing. When I read that message I felt overwhelming relief as I am sure you have!

~adelle said...

Well it doesn't get any better than that. Sounds like she is acting better than my two girls. :)

Ryan & Keri said...

This is such wonderful news! Who would have guessed things would go so smoothly. It's pretty miraculous that she's going to be out of the hospital in less than two week's time--seriously miraculous. Your family is so blessed. We love you, and we're so happy for you. I can't believe how great Claire looks in this picture too; her swelling has gone down tremendously and she looks like a perfectly healthy little girl. What a blessing! We know you're being watched over.

dawnkp said...

I have become so anxious to read the latest updates on Claire each day. I was talking to Kayleen on Christmas day and she told me about the issues with eating that primary hyperoxaluria patients have. I was so excited to see Claire eating a piece of licorice on today's post, I almost jumped out of my seat. She is such a cute little girl. I'm so glad to see how well she is doing.

Bloom said...

this is the update I've been waiting for! so glad to hear things are going well. she is such a darling.

xo

Anonymous said...

Hooray!! It's so exciting to see how well she's doing! You guys have had a lot of prayers from all over the country, and it's clear that Heavenly Father has answered them!
Hugs!
The Stutz Family

Marshall n Mylinda said...

YAY!!!!!!

Marshall n Mylinda said...

Hey, Natalie, what is your address? I have something I'd like to send ;)
My email is: mortysfam99@hotmail.com

Suzie said...

What great news! I can't imagine how scary it must be as parents to have her go through all this, so the reward must be even sweeter when she's back to her sweet self again!

Cindy said...

Wonderful!!!! I'm so glad that things are looking up! Love that picture of her. lol

AF Nixons said...

That is the best news and it's so fun to read your posts and hear how wonderful she is doing. We are so happy for you all, especially Claire!