Post-Op Check-Up

This afternoon we had another check-up with Dr. Uitvlugt, the surgeon who repaired Henry's omphalocele.  Everything considered, he was very pleased with Henry's progress.  With a surgery such as this, it's quite common for the skin around the incision to break down and for the patch that holds his muscles together to become exposed.  If this were to happen, it's not critical, it would just require an additional surgery to remove the patch.  However, at this point, the doctor sees no sign of such erosion, and so unless we start to notice the patch peeking through, we won't see him again until Henry is one year old.  He did mention, though, that he will likely want to remove the patch at that time.  While I'm not eager for Henry to have yet another surgery, he reassured me it would be a rather simple out-patient procedure.  So all in all, a good report.  

I am so grateful for Dr. Uitvlugt, such a wonderful surgeon and caring man.  Everytime I see him, I just have to hug him.  I feel indebted to him for my son's life and health.  I'm sure we will continue to pray for him and his practice.      

Twosies

My two year old and two month old.

Henry is doing well.  The speech pathologist, who sees him twice a week to work on his eating, feels he is beyond the feeding tube.  Nothing would thrill me more than to throw out all his feeding tube supplies!  She also feels that his feedings have been improving consistently, and if he has one more week of solid weight gain, we can start moving from a two hour to a three hour feeding schedule.  OK, that's perhaps the one thing that might thrill me more.  Way to go Henry!   

Claire continues to spread sunshine around our home.  Well, that and countless toys, books, and other household items.  She's become my little shadow, mimicking with her baby how I change Henry's diaper and give him bottles.  She'll say things like, "Oh, wow.  Good poopy diaper, baby."  Also, she's obsessed with the ABC song and sings it all day long.  You would think this would be endearing, but I tell ya, it gets a little old after a couple dozen times.  Nevertheless, she's a great little girl, and I always look forward to hearing what she's going to say next.   



07.07.11

Four years ago today...



Happy Anniversary, Honey! 
You're my best friend, my lifeline, my true love.  In times of hardship, you've supported me.  In times of celebration, you've danced with me.  I love you.

Andrew Peterson "Dancing in the Minefields"
" 'I do" are the two most famous last words.  The beginning of the end.
But to lose your life for another, I've heard, is a good place to begin.
Cause the only way to find your life, is to lay your own life down.
And I believe it's an easy price for the life that we've found."

Fourth of July

I hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July festivities.  What a perfect weekend to celebrate!  Here are some pictures of our day at the lake with Joe's family.

Lovin' the lake

The play-dough was also a hit!

On the boat with Grandma



Henry with Great Grandma...

...and Great Grandpa

The Men