Recovery

The human body is really a remarkable machine.  It is hard to believe how much healing can occur in just 24 or 48 hours.  Mei Mei's surgery was this past Tuesday and by late Wednesday afternoon we were home. Thursday we were outside enjoying the sun, chalking up a storm and this weekend we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa and played out on the beach.

Thankfully everything went very smoothly.  We were able to get a surgery time of 6 a.m., so even though we were up bright and early, at least we didn't have to deal with the problem of not being able to eat.  Mei Mei was very calm (and pretty much clueless, which is how you want it, I guess!) and seemed at peace as everything got started.  I was able to go back into the O.R. with her while she went to sleep and sang to her as she drifted off.

The post-op was pretty much how we remembered it was with the Noodle.  Yucky.  That horrible cry--a cross between pain, a whimper and a groan.  Once we got up into the room and got settled, Mei Mei drifted between sleeping and semi-awake.  I spent the night with her and while there wasn't a ton of sleeping, her pain seemed to be under control, which was the main thing.

We follow up with the surgeon on Monday, but he was very pleased with how everything went--so are we. So glad that all the hospital "stuff" is behind us!!  Thank you for all the prayers and sweet thoughts.  We appreciate them and definitely felt the Lord's presence with us as we went through this journey.

Surgery

We knew there was a chance that Mei Mei would need additional surgeries once she got home, but quite honestly, since her lip and palate had been repaired in China, I was hopeful that this wouldn't actually be needed.  Unfortunately, that was not the case.  It seems that her soft palate developed a fistula (opening) and so when we went to the cleft clinic back in March, they indicated that yes indeed, it did need to be repaired.

Originally they had wanted her to go in for the operation at the beginning of April, but neither J nor I felt comfortable with that--just too many changes for the poor little peanut!  They had an opening at the end of April so we decided to go ahead.  Oh, and it also happens to fall on our 14th anniversary.  Not quite the way I had hoped to spend my anniversary, but at least J and I are together.

She will end up having a cleft plate repair with a z-plasty which will not only close the fistula but also elongate her palate, thus providing better closure for speech.  The surgeon will also inject a little collagen into her top lip to even out the fullness and finally, the ENT will put in tubes.  Whew!

Over Spring Break we took a visit down to the Clinic and met with a child life specialist for a tour and to help Mei Mei begin to understand what was coming.  The good news is that we went through (some of) this with the Noodle, so at least we know what to expect. Liquids and then soft foods for a few weeks, and hopefully just one overnight in the hospital.

It won't be pretty, but when I think about the kinds of surgeries that she could be having, it is on the more minor end.  My heart does break for her when I reflect about what she went through while she was an infant in China and how scared, confused and alone she must of felt.  Poor baby!!  I feel so blessed that even while she has to go through more procedures, now she has a Mama, Daddy and sister who love her and are willing to move the moon for her to feel comfortable and at peace.  I know that God will be in that O.R. watching over her and guiding all the professionals who will be managing her care.

Kale recipe and prayer

Indian Spiced Kale and Chickpeas

1 T olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
kale, ribs removed and coarse chopped
1 C chicken/veg broth
1tsp ground coriander
1/2 t ground cumin
1/4 t garam masala
dash salt and pepper
1 can chick peas drained and rinsed

Heat oil in pan and cook garlic to release flavors; stir in kale and cook/toss a few minutes; add broth and seasonings and cook until kale is tender; add chick peas and heat until peas are warm. Serve immediately.

Yum-O. Had this as part of Father's Day dinner tonight. The Chinese Noodle was into the flavor, but not so much the texture of the kale (sucked each leaf and then promptly put them back on her plate). She totally chowed on the chick peas though. J gave it 2 thumbs up. Another quick, easy dish. Perfect.

On a different note, I had noticed last week that there was a spot in the roof of the Noodle's mouth. The surgeon had told us that there was a chance that a fistula (opening) could form, due to a weak area in her mouth. I called for another appoinment with him, and sure enough, that's what it is. Big sigh and groan. We have another appointment in early September to see if it grows and if so how much. Sounds like another surgery is probably in our future. The good news is that this surgery is not nearly as involved or as intensive as the last one, but still requires going fully under, a stay overnight, etc. Our prayer at this time is that the fistula would remain small and not grow, and that it would not impact her speech and articulation as she continues to make progress.

A healthy report

We went back and saw the surgeon for a follow-up and he was very pleased with how the Noodle is healing. She is pretty much off the pain medicine and is back to eating and drinking (soft foods of course) almost as she was before the surgery. We'll have another appointment in 3 months, but for now, it is definitely a healthy report, praise the Lord!

With everything the Noodle been through this past week, I am so grateful that we were able to be there with her to comfort and support her. I can't help but think about all the other waiting orphans who are having to go through medical procedures and have no one to hold them, kiss them and love on them. It breaks my heart! I just pray that the nannies take a little extra time out of their busy day to take care of those little ones who are hurting.

There's no place like home!

Killin' time, riding around the hospital in the wagon.
Enjoying the last few minutes of the wheelchair ride.
We were finally discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon and were more than ready to go home. It figures that as the nurse was giving us our last instructions, the Noodle fell asleep in my arms. She slept through most of the ride down in the wheelchair, but did wake up at the end to enjoy the last little bit. It was a tough late afternoon/evening because she was so tired. She didn't want to eat or drink anything and she threw major fits when it was time to take her medicine. Both times, I ended up with a fair amount (how much exactly??!?) of the liquid on my shirt. Thankfully she slept peacefully through the night and this morning drank some milk, ate some applesauce and was much more cooperative with the meds. I'm hoping that getting back into our normal routine will help make the recovery go even faster.

Hospital Report

Flowers from my friends E and L(and notice the lack of hospital jammies?!?!).
Pain meds are definitely a GOOD thing!
Watching a movie in bed before going to sleep
Well, it has been an eventful past few days, but only good news to report!! While we were initially given a surgery time of 2:30 on Wednesday, the poor Noodle didn't go back until about 4:00. She hadn't had anything to eat since 8:30 the night before and anything to drink since 11:30 a.m. Amazingly, she was just as happy, chipper and agreeable as she always is (if only J and I could be so pleasant when we don't eat)! Each step of the way, she was totally calm and understood what the next step would be. I can only attribute that to all the prayer, front-end planning and talking we did with her. As she and I were walking down to the O.R. she kept pointing to all the doctors' and nurses' mask and saying please, please, please! She was ready for her mask. I was able to stroke her face and talk to her as they were giving her the "sleepy medicine" and then once she was asleep, I kissed her little cheek and left. She was so peaceful and calm the entire time, thus making it sooo much easier for me.

She was back in surgery for about 3 hours (bringing her in and out as well as the surgery) and the doctor felt everything went very smoothly and was successful. Of course when she came out, she was crying and feeling yucky but both J and I took turns holding her. The first night I stayed with her and was as you would expect what a first night is like after surgery. Some sleeping for her, some awake times coupled with "discomfort". By morning, the pain medicine was working and she was able to eat a soft breakfast--AHHHH food :). Through out the day, she was generally o.k., and at one point was down right silly/wild, as long as the drugs were working, but as soon as they wore off she was NOT happy. J stayed with her last night and I'm back again this morning. If she continues to drink and eat soft foods, they are saying that she should be released today, so let's pray that she does. The eating isn't as bad as the drinking. With all the fluids coursing through her, I don't think she has any sensation of being thirsty and so doesn't want to be bothered drinking. We've been having numerous "parties", where lamb and bear join us to drink whatever the drink of fancy is at the time. Whatever it takes....

J and I are holding up. Thank you for all the prayers that were (and are being) lifted up for the Chinese Noodle and for us. God certainly took over and most importantly made this whole experience a non-scary, successful event for the Noodle. He has been sustaining J and I and will continue to do so, giving us exactly what we need at the right time.

Pinnies, play food and prayers--long post

I had talked in this post about how I've been doing some more sewing. I just love this simple pinny top because it uses one piece of material (I use two since I line it w/muslin) and I can whip it up in just a few hours. It is such a good beginners project for me and of course it is easy to sew for the Noodle.

I LOVE pockets...don't even think of trying to hold my hand! (front)
A willing model, at least on this day. (back)
Brief pause in the action for a shoe-tie. (front)
Playing at the Science Museum. (back)
Attempting to unbutton the top...look at that concentration!(front)
Wanting to crawl into her crib for some unknown reason.(back)

Another good, easy, quick project that I've been dabbling in, is making felt food. The Chinese Noodle enjoys cooking and baking (both real and pretend) and of course hosting tea parties. While Santa brought her some great play produce, it is not nearly as fun to have a tea party where broccoli, eggplant and peppers are on the menu! So....I looked online and found some great examples of donuts, cookies, pizza, strawberries, etc. The other great thing about felt food is that I can sit in the car and do the hand sewing (while J is driving of course), thus turning out even more goodies. I'll post pictures when I finish (pizza and fortune cookies are up next).

Lastly, we would so appreciate all of your prayers as the Noodle goes in for her surgery tomorrow. She is as prepared as a two-year old can be: picture books about hospital visits have been read, we visited with a Child life specialist and had a hospital tour, I wrote a personal story (with pictures from the hospital tour) for her, and we've been doing lots of pretend play regarding the doctor and hospital (with a real "sleepy medicine" mask). She has her backpack ready and is soo excited to ride in a wheelchair (on the day she leaves) and she knows just how to use her mask. She is ready!! Our little Chinese Noodle is so innocent and trusting. The true picture of how we all should be with our faith--I really should take lessons from her. I know that for as much as J and I love her, God loves her even more and that He is holding her in His hands. I need to keep reminding myself that there is NO room for fear, only faith. God is good. He will be with her throughout everything. I am also trying to put into practice all those past bible studies that I've done...to thank God in advance for a successful surgery, to thank Him in advance for her speedy recovery and to thank Him for this experience where once again we have to trust, trust, trust.

Practicing using the mask.

I can't wait to go in the wheelchair!

We will post as we are able the next few days.