All Tucked In!!!

The first picture is how we started the recovery process................and look at that forced smile even through tears.
And this is how you can find him now!!!!!!!!!!! Now if I can just wake him to get the bed all turned back for us.

Actually, right after I took this picture he jumped up and SPRINTED to the bathroom............that's right, nauseated and sick (for the 2nd time, first one was in the car-9 miles from Auburn- dang it, we almost made it!). I don't know what is different about this time than the others, but the 1st two surgeries we never experienced this. Oh well, it comes with the territory so I just hope it is short lived. Please pray for a speedy recovery and GREAT results!

Round 3!!!!

Well, so far today has felt like de' ja vue...........but I guess that is to be expected. We should be total pros by now, but like last time, it doesn't get any easier sending your baby off with strangers all dressed with masks for surgery. The only thing we did different today was that I went back to the OR with Nathan, per his request. This was a little different for me, considering I am usually the person hooking up the patients and helping to take care of them.....this time all I could do was hold my baby's hand and tell him it was all going to be okay. He did good and I got through it with out any tears-----until I left the room. I stood with him and talked to him and as they put the gas mask on him, kissed him on the cheek and watched him drift off to sleep........it was something I will never forget. That image will be with me forever!

Now all we do is wait......he went back to the OR at 12:30 est time and Dr. Jones got started on the procedure around 1:30. He told us to be prepared for a 3 1/2-4 hr surgery. I will update as we receive news. Until then, enjoy some pics from yesterday and this morning.

Nathan and Rod showing off Nate's artwork/pics that are displayed in Dr. Jones's office.

The whole display----from Dr. Jones's pediatric patients with microtia! (Christie, look in the top left corner and you will see Nicholas's pic)

Waiting!!!!

And MORE waiting!!!!

ALL We Want For Christmas Is.................

A Successful Surgery!!!!!!

That is right, we are having Nathan's 3rd surgery next week................AAAHHH! right before Christmas. I know it's a horrible time of year to do it but we are hoping the excitement of the holidays will distract him a bit. We thought long and hard about our decision and decided that we didn't want to wait until after the school year and then ruin another summer of fun. The sooner this stage of our life is over, the sooner we can take that long awaited trip to Disney World. Have I mentioned that yet, after all the stages of surgery are over (we will have one more after this one) Nathan gets to take a trip to Disney World with just Rod and I --- leaving baby brother at home with grandparents.

This little fella has been such a trooper and although he is well aware of what is taking place next week he has enjoyed every aspect of the holiday season thus far. We will leave on Monday morning for the normal pre-op appointment with Dr. Jones that afternoon. And surgery is scheduled for Tuesday morning around 11:00 central time. Please keep us all in your prayers.

For those that don't know (note: if you have already heard what this surgery is all about, skip on down) what the Stage 3 surgery is, let me give you a brief run down ---that way I don't have to repeat it a million times in the next few days :) ................As most of you have seen or heard, Nathan right now has basically an "ear-beneath-the-skin" look on his microtia side. This procedure separates the ear from the head with a skin graft (that will be taken from his upper leg/hip area) producing a limited space behind the ear. He should be in surgery for approximately 3-4 hours.

Of all the stages of the ear reconstruction, the new ear is probably the most delicate and vulnerable after this surgery and therefore will require a strict 4-6 weeks "no major activity" recovery.

Specific prayer requests..........For Nathan's courage and bravery, for mine and Rod's anxiety and worry to be lifted, for Dr. Jones's knowledge and skill to be at its highest, for a successful surgery with no complications, for safe travels to and from Atlanta, for minimal pain afterwards, and for a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope each and everyone of you that takes the time to stop and read my blog occasionally to have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

**Check back on Tuesday for updates throughout the day. Blessings!!!!

Christmas Programs!

Well, today proved to me how very different my two boys are! They both had Christmas programs at school. Wilson's was as entertaining as any 2 year old program can be. Imagine 40 2 year olds trying to sing the same Christmas carols......pretty amusing. Well, 39 actually because there was NO WAY you were getting Wilson to open his mouth and sing a single note. He stood up there for only 1 song (out of 4) and when I say stood, I mean stood ---he didn't even want to shake the jingle bell for the dang song. After that, he pretty much sat in his sweet teacher's lap. After the program we headed to their class party --- food and fun!

A little picture opportunity with mom and dad
After we finished at Wilson's school, I headed off to catch Nathan's performance. This is where the boys are so different. Nathan can't wait to sing some songs in front of an audience ---- he doesn't hold back one little bit.

Sophie, Isabel and Nathan

A little Feliz Navidad

And guess who our surprise guest was---------

PAPA!!!! Nathan was very excited to show his papa his talent :)

A little pic of puppy love on the playground :) I couldn't resist!

Santa Fun

Today after church we headed to Moore's Mill to have a yummy brunch and hang out with the Big Elf himself!! The boys were beside themselves. Not only did we get to have lunch with some sweet friends but we got to talk to Santa and Ms. Claus and take some pics. I love watching the look in their eyes (especially Nathan, since he kinda "gets" the whole idea) as they watch the "magic" of Christmas unravel. Of course, having them know the TRUE meaning of Christmas is the most important thing....I will say this, I am a proud mom of a 6 year old who last week in church (during the children's moments) raised his hand and said, "Christmas is all about Jesus's birthday". I love moments like that!

My 3 handsome guys!!!!

Me and my littlest man!

The Reaves....sweet Anne Reynolds was asleep in her car seat so we didn't bother her for a family photo op.

Santa arrives!!!!

My little Rudolph!

We even ran into the Baker Family!

The boys with little Miss Karlee.

Deck the Halls!

Well, it's official.....the halls have been DECKED OUT!!!!! Nathan has been on my case since the week of Thanksgiving to start decorating for Christmas..........I have tried to tell him to let Thanksgiving have it's holiday moment, but to no avail I finally caved. The house is finally decorated and oh so merry! But that little stinker still says EVERYDAY........."mom, we need more decorations!" Um, I don't think so!!!! Not only is the inside decorated but we finally gave in on doing some trees outside of the house too.

Here is a little peek into our festive little home...................................

Ornaments on tree.............check!

Stockings hung by the chimney with care..................check!


The Nativity and the whole reason for the season...............check!

I had to share these little guys, they were given to me after my grandmother passed away some time ago. I LOVED them when I was little.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus...............check!

Our first ever artificial tree.......check!

Watching the joy in my children's eyes as they see it all comes together........check, check!


And then there is this little guy, Freddie as we so graciously named him last year. He returned to us this year from the North Pole on Thanksgiving day. And he brought the boys letters to Santa for them to fill out. Freddie's job is to watch the boys throughout the day and then report back to the big Elf every night. They love getting up in the mornings and finding out where he is hiding....and I might say, he sure does get creative.

So Fresh and So Clean!

We headed to the dentist this week with both boys. It was Wilson's first time, which was a little nerve racking, only because I didn't know how he would react. As for Nathan, he is an old pro by now.
While we waited to go back, we had lots of entertainment with the trains. This was definitely a plus for little man. He loves his trains and cars so there fore he thought....this place is pretty fun!



We let Nathan get in his chair first to show Wilson how he was supposed to do things. To let him know there was nothing to be scared of.

Wilson even "helped" with Nathan's cleaning......"Nate-Nate, open up, say AAHHH!"

My little monkey before his cleaning....after this pic, I left the room and he did it all by himself. He didn't want to lay back in the chair, so they just cleaned his teeth while he sat up. Whatever works, right?!?!?!?!?

And at the end of their appointments, they both received a golden token, which they could get a toy with. Even more fun!!!!