Ellie's mom here....I have to brag for a minute. See those stints? I PUT THEM IN MYSELF!!!! To many non-cleft parents, you are probably saying to yourself, "What's the big deal?" It's HUGE! I actually called Brian on the phone this morning all excited that I managed to get them in position and sticking without help! YES!
Just wanted to also update you on our post-surgery appointment this week. It went well. We spent a lot of time with our surgeon explaining our situation and how hard it has been to deal with the stints. He understood and was helpful. Basically, they are important to the development and shaping of Reid's nose. We understand that. So, he showed us some other taping options and worked with us to show us exactly how he wants Reid taped. That helped. We were also told that we could go to a smaller size if really necessary...but he would rather stick with the 5 if we can manage. So far...so good. Don't get me wrong.....Reid HATES having them put in. It is an ordeal to say the least...but once they are in, he manages fine. They can be stitched in as well, but if Reid would yank on them and pull...our surgeon said, and I quote, "It will cut his nose like a cheese slicer." Ok, nope....not going that route! So, we are dealing, knowing that this will one day be over with....and hopefully working in the favor of Reid. One day this WILL be a memory, I keep telling myself! Reid is still sleeping in the carseat for now. He can't bump the stints as easily, and has had 3 good nights in a row. I feel like a million bucks when I can actually get some uninterrupted rest.
And lastly, thank all of you for your prayers, concern, notes, e mails, calls, and just understanding. I so appreciate all of my "cleft" friends who have helped me in COUNTLESS ways. I feel so close to you all, and am thankful for the bond that we all share. Our kids sure go through a lot in their little lives, and I am so thankful that they have taught me more than I could ever have imagined. Honestly, I don't think I even had a slight understanding what a cleft lip/palate was a year ago, and I am surely the lucky one who has taken more away from "our" kids than you know. We love you ALL. Thanks for all your love! Until next time......
4 comments:
Good Job! You are such an amazing mother and Reid and Ellie are blessed to have you. Keep up the good work!
Glad you have gotten some sleep. I can not believe how well Reid is healing...it is truly amazing that God gives doctors the ability to do these things!!
Hope to see you out and about the neighborhood this weekend. The girls want to get the sprinkler out sometime, so if you see us out...bring Ellie down.
Congratulations on the success!! What a huge accomplishment! As you know, we didn't make it with the stents. But our plastic surgeon didn't offer a smaller size, I might have wanted to try that, had I known...Totally understand about the sleep situation. Holly has most of her life slept in her swing, just this week we have had a few days in a row of sleep in her crib at night. What a relief! Hope your success continues.
What a handsome young man you are, Reid! :)
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