Ben's surgery was a success! He is recuperating nicely. He was just giddy with excitement all the way to the operating room. Today is the 3rd day after surgery and he's just been hanging out at home. We go back to Chapel Hill on Monday for a follow up. Then back on Jan 9th for the 1st activation. He is very anxious to get this bandage off his head, which will be in 2 more days. He's handling everything really great. He's a super kid. We are so thankful God paved a way for us to be his family, and for the gift of Ben getting to hear. Stay tuned for updates...
Pictures of our room at the Ronald McDonald house...
Ben thought the hospital pajamas looked a bit like karate clothes...
Bayla & Brinley playing in the waiting room at Chapel Hill Children's Hospital...
Ben in the recovery room...
Back home from Chapel Hill...
Leaving tomorrow for Chapel Hill...
12-7-08
Well, tomorrow I will be taking Ben to Chapel Hill. His cochlear implant surgery is the next day (12-9). Bayla calls it his "ear-plant" surgery. He is so excited. He's been counting down the days. We'll stay 2 nights in Chapel Hill... we hope to be able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House this time, if they have space available. It'll just be me, Ben, Brinley & Bayla. Mike will stay back to work and take care of the rest of the kids. Ben's biggest question is... what sports will he be able to play? I do remember the doctor saying he should never play football, or soccer, since there is too much chance that his head could get hit. A 15 year old boy at church who also got his implant at age 11, plays baseball and basketball. He had the same surgeon as Ben. So, I'm anticipating Ben will get approved for the same... we'll see. He really likes sports, and he's pretty athletic. Ben will have his 1st activiation on January 9th, where they'll turn on his sound. I think they will start with lower frequencies at first, then we return back to Chapel Hill every 2 weeks a couple more times for complete activation. In the next few months, it looks like we will be going to Chapel Hill at least 8 times. Please join us in prayer that Ben's surgery goes well, and for his introduction to the hearing world.
Since I haven't posted an update for awhile, here are some pictures from; the fall festival at church, Brinley's 5-year old birthday party, decorating the Christmas tree, Thanksgiving, and more.
2 beautiful princesses, ready to go to the Fall Festival at church....
2 goofy guys, going to the Fall Festival...
All princesses LOVE cotton candy !
Brinley turns 5 !
Putting up the tree... Ben's 1st Christmas !!!!!!
(Lidia's retains her "chief-of-staff" position for the decorating department)
Lidia with her teacher after the D.A.R.E. graduation at school
AND A FEW PICS FROM THANKSGIVING
Blake and me...
My sister Wendy and my Mom...
Bayla with Aunt Wendy...
Bayla with Aunt April...
Ben must have taken 1,000 pics !! (well, it seemed like it anyway)
That's all for now!
Blessings <><
Lisa
