Surgeon's Follow-up

We drove to Atlanta today for the follow-up appointment with the surgeon. Sam got chest xrays (which he didn't like), and then got a quick look over by the PA and head nurse. They took off his steristrips and took out his stitches (which he REALLY didn't like). His incision looks soooo clean! There is barely any scab left, and the scar is so thin and smooth feeling. The surgeon came in and looked at Sam. He said he looks fantastic. The surgeon estimates that Sam's next surgery will be somewhere between 18 and 24 months of age. It certainly should not be an 'emergency' situation like this one was, though! Until then, our only instructions from the surgeon was to "treat him like a normal kid!"

We have been kind of impressed with Sam's development over the last two weeks since the surgery. I don't know if it is BECAUSE of the surgery and subsequent higher oxygen levels. Sam is using his hands and arms SOOOO much more. He sleeps a million times better at night...he is getting 8-9 hours at a time now! Actually getting him to bed has become a breeze. After his last bottle, I let him get to the drowsy stage and then just lay him in his bed...he does the rest. He is far more alert, and smiles at everything. He is just a much happier baby all around. Don't get me wrong, he still has his cranky butt moments. But we kind of feel like he is the baby that we always imagined. I don't know if low oxygen pre-surgery had anything to do with it, but it's hard not to blame it on that a little.

The bunny ears are from Easter (clearly). He wasn't too happy with them on his head but I HAD to get a photo of him with bunny ears!!

~Kathy