Those eyes have it!

Madelyn can see. Madelyn can see.

She's sleeping now. I just gave her a bottle. Afterward I sat in the rocker and held her for a long time, listening to her baby grunts and squeaks; loving the way she snuggles into the curve of my arms, as if I'm all she will ever want or need. And I let the dark future I'd imagined for her dissolve and fade away. Madelyn can see.

The ophthalmologist said she is, in fact, delayed -- not quite where she should be for a 10-week-old. But he said, "I'd more surprised if her vision were normal, given all that she's been through." Her eye structures and optic nerves were fine, and he said she does react to light with "primitive responses."

He thought there were times during the exam when she was focusing on faces and objects. (My husband and I really don't see this in here, but obviously this doctor has more experience!) He said we should find ways to stimulate her vision using high-contrast toys. He also said, "I've seen hundreds of blind babies, and she doesn't act like she's blind."

So, we'll have another checkup in two months, and meanwhile go on to the next crisis--

Kidding. Right now all is well. And, th-th-th-that's all for tonight, my wonderful friends. I've got a baby to cherish.