Our smiling girl!

So, yesterday was a bit of a strange day for Ruthlande. She was less fussy than usual - she was sitting in her seat without crying - usually she just wants me to hold her and isn't happy with anything else. And, I heard her laugh for the first time yesterday! Danielle was playing with her - showing her toys and laughing - and I heard Ruthlande laugh back! I was so excited. Of course, as soon as I came over to see, she looked up at me expectantly and stopped laughing, but I was just happy to have heard it!

So the laughter was exciting, but the rest of the day didn't go as well. She wouldn't really eat or drink much and she threw up a little bit at lunch. We're worried because this can be a sign that she's not tolerating her hydrocephalus. She did eat a bit better at dinner and hasn't thrown up since, though, so for now we're just watching her carefully. I know from my kids that throwing up once could mean just about anything (including that her food just didn't go down quite right). Still, it's hard not to worry!

Today, Ruthlande has seemed much better - no more throwing up and she's eating decently (still wish I could get her to drink more). But, the best news of today is that Ruthlande was laughing and smiling again! First, she smiled again at Danielle (she likes Danielle!). But, she was smiling and laughing like crazy when I put on the video of her momma and brother and sisters singing to her! I so wish that I had played it for her earlier! Just to preface this, I had shown her the picture of her momma a few times before and she started crying, so I was a bit leery of showing her the video. It felt like I was being a little cruel, showing her a picture when what she really wanted was her momma here with her. But, I decided to try again and show her the video today. I'm so glad I did! She almost immediately started to laugh and reach her arms up toward the TV. At first, I wasn't sure if she was laughing or crying, but it became apparent after a few minutes that she was definitely laughing and smiling! Just take a look at that picture! She actually tried to sit up in the seat to reach the TV! We'll definitely be playing this video every day now.