The Spaghetti-O's Won!!!

Adalynn had a fight with a can of Spaghetti-O's....and the Spaghetti-O's won!!!

photos

photos....Adalynnn standing and Broderick's last soccer game....don't they both look sooo big???

Slowly, but surely

Recovery for Adalynn has been very slow. She is still not eating very well. She seems to really want to, but as soon as she puts it in her mouth, she spits it back out. She has been running a fever since the surgery, but the doctor isn't concerned. I spoke with the nurse and she just seems to think it is her body working to get rid of the anesthesia and healing. Last night was the first night that she slept somewhat decently, and even then she still woke up screaming out in pain. Her snoring is outrageously loud and related to all of the swelling in her mouth and throat which makes sleeping for John and I difficult as well.

Broderick had a recheck on his ears and his hearing was tested again. His left ear continues to decline and is significantly worse than it was when it was last tested. He complained a few weeks ago about it hurting and the pediatrician checked it and said it was fine. Broderick complained again last night, and the ENT looked today and said his ear drum was recessed (whatever that means) and put him on an antibiotic. I hate that he is struggling so much with his hearing, especially since I completely relate. It is the worst thing in the world knowing that people are talking and you can't hear what is going on. Watching T.V. with someone else is really hard, because they think they T.V. is really loud and you can hardly hear it.

Please continue to pray for Adalynn as she recovers as well as for Broderick as we determine the next steps with his hearing. He goes back to the ENT in a few weeks.

Surgery....update

After navigating rush hour traffic in Atlanta on Thursday morning, we finally made it to the surgery center (just 15+ minutes late). Adalynn was weighed and her vitals were checked (19.6 lbs). She was in a fantastic mood, smiling and laughing the entire time. We were then taken back to a pre-op room and she did okay. You can tell she was getting really hungry and bored, but she was manageable the entire time. She even got to pick a toy out of the toy cabinet. We got her gown on and mommy's (I got to go back with her when they put her to sleep) and they took us back around 10:25.

John and I then went over to the post-op part and began our wait. It actually wasn't too bad. The doctor came and talked to us around 11:00 and said things went well. She was back in our arms around 11:30. She was extremely groggy and cried out in pain several times. We waited several hours waiting for her to wake up enough to eat, but she never did. Although the nurse wasn't comfortable with it, the surgeon felt that she would do better once we got home. They unhooked her I.V.'s and we finally left the hospital around 2:15. She did do a little better Thursday night and took a couple bottles and 5-6 bites of yogurt. She is on a really nasty antibiotic (it stinks) and loratab for the pain.

Adalynn wants to be held all the time, but she did better today. She is taking 3-4 ounces of breast milk at a time and wants to eat real food. I've tried more frozen milk, Popsicle, ice cream, yogurt, banana baby food, diced peaches, pasta, and cheese and she wants them all, but as soon as she puts it into her mouth she spits it back out. Hopefully she feels better and better each day and starts really eating soon-at least I know she is staying hydrated and as long as her pain meds are in her, she is happy. She even let me put her down briefly and she played with Camden. The plastic surgeon wasn't to sure that she needed her arm restraints and we don't use them while we are holding her, but I put them on when I let her play. Camden thinks it's pretty funny that he can put things on her head and she can't get it off (hence the multiple bows and hats).

She was feeling well enough that we briefly made an appearance at the Relay for Life opening ceremonies. We got to watch Missy and Ryan both walk the Survivor's Lap. It was BEAUTIFUL and a bit emotional. We also got to walk the opening lap as part of the Bethlehem Team. Broderick was SO excited to be able to hold the sign. We didn't stay long since we were expecting Heather back at our house to visit and go to Broderick's last soccer game.

Thanks for all of the support and prayers. I hope this is the last of her surgeries for at least several years. Continue to pray that this time it holds!

Surgery Update

Surgery is scheduled for 10:15 on Thursday. We have to be at the new Outpatient Surgery Center at Scottish Rite around 8:45. The actual procedure is only 30 minutes and we are supposed to be home the same day.

I love the picture of Adalynn crying. She looked so cute in her "church clothes" (as Camden calls them), but of course when I sat her down to take her picture, she just got mad. I thought you all would enjoy it anyways. She's crying already in anticipation for her next surgery.





Please continue to pray that all goes well on Thursday.

Goodbye

We were able to spend last weekend with Heather and Jesse and the boys had a blast. Jesse is getting ready to head to Iraq to be a fire fighter/EMT on a military base. We wish him the best of luck. Check out his blog! http://jessebernard.blogspot.com/



We all went bowling and had a great time. There was also a good-bye party for Jesse and the boys enjoyed their new fenced in yard (notice the filthy knees and sweaty faces).



We still don't have any details about Adalynn's surgery this week, but as soon as we do we'll let you know.



For all of those that have been asking....our summer plans
-last day of school June 11
-Adalynn's party June 14
-Leave for PA (find a house) June 15
-Go to IN (visit family) June 19
-Adalynn's party #2 June 21
-John leaves IN June 22
-We leave IN July 1
-Move to PA mid/late-July

I can't believe the summer is so booked already. We have so much to do and still so much to pack. Please keep us in your prayers over the next few months (especially John as he works on his dissertation and Adalynn-her next surgery). I don't things could get any crazier....

Other prayer requests:
Ryan and Missy Morgan
Jesse and Heather Bernard

Upcoming Surgery

Adalynn's next surgery is scheduled for May 15th. We don't have a time yet, but as soon as we do, I will let you all know. She is having her palate closed for the second time. There is a very small spot that opened back up and since she is still having so much nasal regurgitation, the Craniofacial surgeon thought it best to close it now. It is just supposed to be outpatient surgery and we should be home the same day. I am especially worried about the arm restraints this time (since she is so mobile now-and so much more aware). We pray that all goes well and this will be the last one for at least 2-3 years.

Despite the nasal regurgitation, she is loving food. Her favorites are green beans and pasta, but recently she has tried corn on the cob and even a miniature ice cream cone...which she LOVED.

Adalynn is getting better every day with eating and Broderick is finding it more and more difficult to eat. He did just lose another tooth though! Now both front teeth are gone. He is having difficulties speaking, but nothing ever slows him down eating.

We will update again sometime soon (when we have more surgery information). Until then, we send love to all.