Matt had his first surgery on Friday. They put tubes in his ears and fillings in four teeth, plus one baby root canal. As you can see above, he was looking a little nervous before the surgery. He was under for over 2 hours where the ENT suctioned almost "sap like goo" from his eustachian tubes.
The pediatric dentist said his one tooth had absyssed and oozed when they entered the pulp. They were able to complete the root canal, but we could sure use some prayer for him that it will take. She (the dentist) said we will know within a month if the tooth will settle.
They also did xrays which we will take to our first cleft team meeting in two weeks. The xrays contained helpful information on the location of his adult teeth. Most likely, he will need surgery again sooner than later, as the xrays revealed the portion where his front baby and adult teeth are located is very fragile and the whole section of tissue and bone is mobile. We are sooo thankful that his adult teeth are in tact and healthy. The pediatric dentist said a big bump to his mouth could have sustained serious damage. We are certain the Lord has watched over him because we see daily his raw enthusiasm and daring "all boy" adventure with which he embraces life. Thank you Lord for watching over your children!!!
Post recovery, Matt did very well. As you can see by his "comfy Daddy lounger", as Robert calls himself, Matt settled into several hours of juice, recovery, and popsicles. By two hours post recovery, we could all ready hear the difference in his speech and articulation. He was much more quiet, as I'm sure he could hear himself speaking in a totally new way. He also was more articulate in his words with less nasal intonation. It was simply amazing the differences we could hear in such a short time!! It was so sweet, on the way home in our van, he said to us "van loud Mommy!" I'm sure it was...as he had never heard all the road noise before:O)
We want to thank everyone who was praying out there on behalf of our sweet boy!! He has bounced back very quickly and we are so thankful for a successful surgery and the benefits we are all ready hearing and seeing!!!
[A quick chime-in from Robert: One of the first things Matt wanted to know, once he was fully aware, was if he was going to get to go to CJ's football game that night. He loves to go and root his big brother on at football games. So, sure enough, in the stands that night the dynamic duo of Ess and Matt were cheering CJ's team on to victory! CJ's team is undefeated and now on to the state playoffs and Ess and Matt are ready to cheer them all the way.]
A fun glimpse of our motley crew on Halloween day. I love the diversity and uniqueness of each blessing the Lord has placed in our family...a dancer, a princess, a dinosaur, a sherriff, and a ninja warrior...what does the Lord have in store for each of their unique giftings and talents? What a privelege to team with Him in raising these sweet blessings He has entrusted to our care.
Waking up Christmas morning and getting ready to open stockings. Matt and Esther were sooo excited...it made everything more fun!!
Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, a donkey, an angel, two "wise guys", and one "mean king" as Ess and Matt call him. The E Team family players perform for a very special drama.
A star...a star...which led them to the new born babe. Matt and Esther loved their stable.
After sledding in the mountains (which Matt loved going "faster, faster"), we found a little hide away under a pine tree and the kids crawled in. Can you believe it was only 8 degrees in this picture? Somehow, with the sun shining and our bodies moving, we stayed nice and warm.
