February 27, 2012
Lily,
Today is our first day back to regular schedule after a week off together. Although it was a really busy, hectic week, we loved being home together. Last week I had a week off for Mardi Gras holidays! Your school was closed part of the week, and we were able to hang out together and really have a great week in spite of your having surgery.
Your surgery was scheduled for 5:15am on Wednesday morning. It was to have tubes put into your ears and have your adenoids out. You have had 5 major ear infections since mid-December and there doesn’t seem to be any way of clearing your poor baby ears! Of course, you come by this innocently. Your Dad and Nanny both had terrible ear problems too.
I was pretty nervous about this surgery as you have never had anything like this done before! (Although, even if you had it done a lot of times, I would still be worried.) I woke up very early Wednesday morning and got our things together. Nana came over at 5:00 and we got into the car to go to the surgery center. As you were the youngest patient of the day, you were first.
First we went back and you were check over by the admissions nurse. She was exceptionally sweet and helpful. Because you’ve recently had bronchiolitis, the doctor wanted you to have a little breathing treatment. We sat together while you breathed in the medicine. You didn’t mind at all. You were very curious as to what was happening, and very cute as always. All of the nurses came over to ohh and ahh over you and your beautiful eyes.
After being checked in, we went back out to the main waiting room. I thought that we’d be there a while, but our wait was very quick and very soon you were called back again. We met with the anesthesiologist and Dr. Hall, the ENT. After we spoke to them, the surgery nurse came for you. She smiled and spoke to you and said, “Mom, I’m just going to sweep her away!” She took you and before you could get upset, took you to the surgery room. I was so emotional. I trusted the doctors, but you are my baby!
I went back out to the waiting room and immediately texted your Dad, Meme, and Nanny. That was 6:00 on the dot. Nana and I chatted and tried to keep our minds busy while you were in the back. I was expecting a wait, but eleven minutes later, 6:11am, the desk nurse told us that you were all done and that we could go to the doctor conference room to meet with Dr. Hall. Minutes later he appeared and told us that your poor little ears were absolutely clogged with thick infection. He said that they never would have cleared on their own and that we made the right choice to get tubes. He also said that the infection was definitely impeding your hearing and that he would not be surprised if you began talking very soon now that you can hear! Dr. Hall said that the adenoids came out very easily and that you did great. We were directed down a hallway to the waiting area outside the recovery room.
I flew down the hall in extreme anticipation of being reunited with you. I waited for a minute or two and could hear you crying. Oh, this was hard! There were two doors, one to my right and one to the left. I felt like a caged animal waiting to be admitted through those doors. Very quickly, the doors were opened and I could see you!!! You looked sleepy and a little disoriented. You were crying and you were confused as to what was happening.
There were two nurses who guided Nana and I through the doors and into the baby recovery area. I was directed to sit in a recliner and you were handed back to me! What a wonderful feeling! You calmed down once I had you in my arms. I had brought Wubby and you were very happy to see him as well! We rocked and cuddled for a while. Every now and then, you would cry and push the gas from your lungs. You sounded hoarse and I could smell the gas on your breath.
I was reassured that you were not crying due to pain, but from the confusion of the anesthesia. As it wore off, you relaxed more and more. Finally, after about ten minutes, you sat upright and seemed to be over it. The recovery nurse came over and checked your vital signs. You did not like this! You are a lot like me in that you don’t like to be messed with. She listened to your heart, took your temperature, and checked your pulse-oxygen level. None of these things are intrusive, but you did not like it! Sadly, she did have to remove the IV that the doctor had put in once you were asleep. This was a little sadder because the tape hurts when removed. You were a trooper though and calmed down soon after. As soon as the nurse was done, we were released!
Nana went to pull the car up to the door and I brought you out. In under ten minutes we were home and you were excited to have breakfast! You devoured a waffle and cup of milk in no time! You seemed really alert, but I wanted to make sure that you were taking it easy, so we went upstairs and into our rocker. I sang you one of our songs and you fell soundly asleep!
I, too, took a nap and we got up later in the morning. I was up by 9:15 and you at 10:15. When you awoke, you had a balloon bouquet and stuffed puppy waiting for you! You were thrilled!!! You ran around and around with the balloons and kissed the puppy until his nose was wet!
You have been happier these last few days than in the two months prior. You feel better without that gunk in your ears. You babble more excitedly and have regained your balance! The doctors both say that you should begin speaking soon and I am so anxious to hear your little voice! You did say, “Bye” this weekend to Nanny and I want to badly for you to say more!!! We are waiting for your every word! You are so loved!
