Start to finish in 2 naps!

Look at me!

I'm eating chicken Parmesan and spaghetti! My mom is so proud of me!!

Freeeeeeeeee!!!!

Leo had his 2 week post op appointment today, not in our usual office but in a fancy schmancy plastic surgery office. So weird :)
I was terrified he was going to break something like the trash can that probably cost more than my bed or the lamp that probably cost more than my car. I took some pics of the craziness.
Anyway, his doctor said he's doing great! He got the all clear to take off the arm restraints and resume normal diet! He was thrilled when I took em off and threw em right in the trash! For dinner tonight he had chicken Parmesan, spaghetti, salad, tomatoes, cheese, blueberries and graham cracker! I'm so proud of him and glad this is behind us! Now to get him to talk!
Thank you so much for praying for him. He's doing better than we ever imagined!

Here are some pics of this crazy plastic surgery waiting room. And his last time sleeping in arm restraints!

First post surgery trip to B&N

One week post op

We got a good report from the surgeon today at his appointment, and we go back next Monday and hopefully he will tell us we can take off the arm restraints and move back toward a regular diet, although the boy ate chili and cornbread last night!
The weather has been amazing so we ventured to the playground tonight.

I can't believe how well he is doing. He's the best baby ever.

Doing pretty well!

Still not happy about eating but doing much better with volume! I'll write out the whole story one of these days when I get on the computer! But I will say its been so much better than expected!

Poor baby

First day home

Obviously surgery, a brand new palate, Meds, and arm restraints aren't enough to stop him from making his usual mess!!!

Heading home!!!!!

Just got cleared to go home!!!!

He's drinking breast milk, and ate a few bites of banana and pancake.

Last night at midnight, a nurse came in and asked where I was getting the breast milk I was giving him.

Um, where do you think I'm getting it?!?!

He was up, relatively happy, standing up in the bed, smacking me in the face with his arm restraints and chuckling, and pulling off his monitors about 100x between 11-6 last night. I am exhausted! But he's barely cried at all!!!

Amazing

He woke up at 4 and sucked down 5 oz no problem!!!!

Done!!

He's out of surgery and awake and Dr S said everything went extremely well! Can't wait to see him!!!!!

Just took him back

Last day with an open palate

Trader Joes

John Paul got stickers.

My beautiful 5 year old

Scenes from a 5th birthday tea party

Novena Prayer for Leo's Surgery

Leo's surgery is coming up in just over a week. I'd love it if you would all pray this Novena (Nine days of prayer) for him. His surgery is on March 12. Please begin the Novena on March 4 and say it every day until March 12. Thank you so much for joining us in prayer. I feel very peaceful about the whole thing so far, and I KNOW it is because so many people are holding us up in prayer. Thank you!

Novena Prayer for Leo's surgery
written by my mom (thanks Mom!)

Dear Heavenly Father,
We commend Baby Leo into your care during his cleft repair surgery. His body is your creation, O Lord. Please guide the surgeon's hand and be with all who care for him. Pour your strength and grace into the hearts of his parents and all his family and grant them your peace.
In your loving mercy, minimize Leo's pain, shorten his recovery, and heal him quickly so that his life may continue to give glory to your Holy Name.
We consecrate Leo to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to St. Joseph.
Amen

St. Madeleine, Blessed John Paul, and St. Leo the Great, please pray and intercede for him.