Seizure

We've had a big week in the Gurry house. My mom has been visiting with us - she stayed with the kids while David and I were in NY last week-end - and we've all so enjoyed her visit. Taylor is a huge fan of Nana and it's been so fun to see them have a great time together. The first day Nana got here, Taylor gave her a huge, sloppy kiss and they've been great friends over the past week. Lauren and Jacob are having a ball too - putting on shows, playing, riding bikes, and generally having a great time.

We had a big development this week and it was quite scary. Taylor had her first seizure on Wednesday. I was holding her and talking to Alison in the kitchen and mom was playing with the big kids upstairs. All of a sudden, Taylor stiffened, jerked her head back and her eyes rolled back in her head. It was quick - maybe 10 seconds - and I wasn't sure if it was a seizure. Alison and I exchanged big-eyed glances and I asked her if that looked weird - she agreed. Then Taylor squinted her eyes shut real tight and cried a sad and scared cry. I comforted her and she quickly fell asleep. The whole thing lasted maybe two minutes - including the time it took her to fall asleep. I told Alison I thought it was a seizure, but wasn't sure. I called the doctor's office because I wasn't sure what to do. Taylor was sleeping peacefully, so I didn't think I should call 911. The doctor's office told me that it was likely a seizure and Dr. Spector said he wanted us to get an EEG on her brain - to look at frequencies and patterns of her brain activity.

Wednesday was a hard day - David was in LA for work and desperately wanted to be home. Taylor felt fine after she woke up from her nap, so there was no need for him to rush home. We've known that she was more susceptible for seizures because of her brain condition, but had been told if she didn't have any before she turned one, she likely wouldn't have them. So, this was a surprise - we thought she was out of the woods on the seizure front. And, we both were overwhelmed with an "OK, she's had enough to deal with" feeling. Between the brain condition, severe allergies, and now seizure, it just is too much for a little gal. Our synopsis - she deserves a break. We're so hoping she gets one soon.

I was so thankful my mom was in town and was a great help with the big kids while I gathered myself and took care of Taylor. I was also so happy that I was home - not in NY - and that Alison and I both saw the seizure so I could ask her to help me describe what happened. It was definitely one of those life moments that was quick - but incredibly long - at the same time.

Today, we did the EEG test and I was so thankful that they didn't have to put her out for the test. She was such a trooper. The test would be uncomfortable for anyone, but again, too much for a little baby. They spent about 10 minutes measuring her head and marking it with lines. Another twenty minutes were spent putting sticky paste on her head and then attaching about thirty electrodes - on her tiny little head. Each electrode had to be taped on so she wouldn't knock them off. The poor thing was such a good sport - she was definitely sad at times, but remarkably patient and good-spirited - not only was it a cumbersome process, but she was tired. It was well past nap time and she wasn't supposed to sleep before the test. Once they got the electrodes on they wrapped her head with gauze to try and keep them in place. She looked so pitiful all wrapped up, but she did the test perfectly. They were able to track some brain activity while she was awake, while she fell asleep and while she was sleeping. I was able to cuddle her in the hospital bed with all of this crazy stuff on her head. She had a hard time going to sleep at first, but we gave her a bit of her bottle and she fell asleep. We were so thrilled that they were able to do the test exactly as they wanted.

We're not sure what we'll find out. Dr. Spector should call us next week. Hopefully they will be able to tell if she had a seizure, potentially what type, and maybe provide guidance for us. We never expect much from these tests anymore - but we'll see. We're so happy to have that part behind us and now just want to have a fun week-end with the kids and my mom.

Send Taylor an extra prayer or well wish - she's happy as a clam right now, but we so want her to be healthy.