update

It has been a couple amazing days. On Sunday we notices a split in Layla palate. It is hard to describe the despair we felt. We thought it was a complete set back. It was tough. It turned out only to be a small repair and we were so thankful. Layla has been in a great mood these last couple of days and sleeping so much better. It was really sweet.

fever gone!

Shelley and Layla spent four hours in the emergency room last night because she had a 102 fever. We were scared. We reached out to some good friends for prayer and this morning she woke with no fever and started eating again. We were so relieved and thankful. I didn't realize parenting could be so stressful. Now are working with Layla to start sleeping well again. she is so uncomfortable sleeping with the arm restraints. Shelley's mom is here helping for the next couple days and that should be huge help.

pictures and video's

Here are a few pictures and video's. We came home Thursday night. Right now Layla has a fever so we may have to to back to the hospital. We really hope we don't have to go back. It is hard to get rest in a hospital.

the next morning

We made it through the night! I have often heard parents talk about how hard it is to see their kids in pain and we now understand what they were saying. It just breaks our heart to see Layla so upset. After about six hours of continuous crying she calmed down for a little nap. We were relieved. She also started eating right away which is great because we may get to go home today!

Last night followed a similar pattern. Layla would fall asleep for about 15-20 minutes and then wake up screaming trying to rip her arm restraints off and was sometimes successful. This morning we were thankful for coffee. There was very little sleeping going on in our room.

The nurses were great at giving us perspective. They let us know that her reaction is normal and they even said she is doing better than normal. It seems that when a doctor tells you your child will be fussy they typically don't stay around to see the fuss. The nurses know what really happens.

we are in our room

All,

The surgery took 3.5 hours. Everything went well with the surgery! Layla has been in a ton of pain since we got done at 1:30pm. She has been crying for the last four hours. It has been tough to see our daughter in that much pain. It took us awhile to get out of recovery because even a shot of morphine wouldn't settle her down. She is a little more calm now.

update pre surgery

Today is Layla surgery - February 11, 2009

Since we have had Layla we have seen a remarkable transformation. We are blown away that at one point she would only cling to mom and now plays with joy and runs around the house. She has bonded with mom and dad and it is sweet. Henry has hadsome trouble adjusting. He is just now starting not see Layla as a threat. He was making a habit of knocking her down.

Layla has gained weight and strength. She loves to play and climb stairs. She is quick to laugh and smile. People are amazed how well she is doing and are surprised to hear that we have only been back for a little over a month.

This morning was as little tearful knowing what we doing. We have had mixed emotions. We aren't excited about the pain she is going to go through but we obviously know it is the best in the long run. The doctors and nurses have been great. The have informed us very well. They even let us hold her as they put her under. We are now anxious waiting as they are doing the surgery. The ear doctor came out after he put the tubes in and said there was a lot of fluid in her ears that they drained. Which was good because her hearing was not that good and now it should be a lot better.

We will update again later today

We are Home!

It feels great to be home as one big family! The trip was tough but smooth. Henry is already a great big brother.