Journey of a Smile, continued . . .

One month ago today Teddi had surgery to close her open palate.  The surgery was a success, and we are so grateful for the surgeon's capable hands, and for God's continued healing of our little bird.  Looking back over these pictures it is hard to believe that it has only been one month.  The first few days were tough, and the nights were rough for a bit longer than the days (a good bit), but she's come around.  I am happy to report that for the past several nights Teddi has only fussed once or twice, and for the most part has gone back to sleep on her own.  This is the most peaceful she has slept since she came home in May.  Thank you Lord!

Wee hours of the morning, waiting for surgery . . .

she had no idea what was coming,

 precious recovering bird.

Her tongue had a stitch through it, and the thread was taped to her

cheek to protect her airway.  This did not make for a happy girl!

The stitch remained for the first 24 hours.

Tiny toes . . .

and a bandaged hand protecting the I.V. line.  She held these

 stickers for hours,  they were a reward for 

opening her mouth for the nurse.

Covered in cool towels to fight a short lived fever.

Enlisting the help of her favorite panda to hold the oxygen mask.

Day two, moved from ICU to the Pediatric ward.

A visit from Grinner, who was so brave to have be apart

 from Mama, and Baba and Teddi for three days.  

Thank you Grinner!

Big sister helps with the coloring, one of the main forms of

entertainment.  Teddi would color for a bit and when she became

 tired she would direct her "coloring assistant" which marker

 to use, and which area to use it in . . . and you had better do it right!

Strong enough to journey to the play room and

play with Baba.  Thank you Baba!

A visit from sweet Claire, and her family.  

Thank you Haine's Gang you brightened our night!

Coloring by herself . . . taking a break

from the bossing! 

So proud of the Get Well card made by big sister,

she took it on the last journey to the playroom and back.

Almost ready to bust outa Dodge . . .

Two and a half days after surgery,

our little bird is flying home.

She walked in the door, and immediately spied new 

glittery paint markers.  Big sister had left them out after 

making get well cards with Brogan.  

Teddi insisted on making a picture, so we did!

Four days post-op.

There were ups . . .

and there were downs.  DON'T touch a grumpy girl's tissue

paper, when she doesn't want help.  Lesson learned.

Thank you to Daddy's work for the new baby doll,

 it brought a smile . . . eventually!

Out for some fresh air, and some side walk chalking . . .

too tired to chalk  . . . gonna have to take a seat.

Ice cream anyone?  I have no desire to know how much ice

cream this little one consumed. . . day and night . . . it was a lot!

She did manage to maintain all 27 of her pounds,

for that I am thankful!

Today, one month later . . .

our littlest bird is back to flyin' high!

We love you sweet girl, and we are so very proud of your bravery!  

Blessings from my happy to be sleeping nest ~

Tina

Prayer requests ~

* Blogger friend Tammy, whose daughter Madi will undergo palate surgery in the morning.  Pray for a safe and successful surgery, and a speedy recovering for Madi .  . and for sleep for all involved! ( Tammy is in my blog roll.)

* Rob, Laine, Kimmie, Quan and new sister Candace Le are en route from China (as I type), and will arrive in Alabama on Friday night.  Candace is coming home!!!!  Pray for smooth travels, and for Candace's other four siblings Katie Lyn, Colby, Clay and Carlie as they wait to be united with their new sister!

Thanks ~ T.