Yesterday....
less than 48 hours after having her lip surgery....
and able to put both lips together for the first time in her life.....
Olivia called me mama.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Surgery Success
Yesterday, May 9th, was Olivia's surgery to repair her cleft lip.
We arrived at the hospital at 11am for her 12:45 surgery.
She was in by 12:30 and done by 1:45.
They let me walk her in to the operating room and hold her while they put her to sleep. I just assumed that she would struggle for a bit when they put the mask on her, but she didn't at all. In fact, when the dr. came near her with it, she leaned forward and let him without one complaint. They gave her some nitrus first to relax her as she layed against me, then the medicine to put her to sleep. It happened very quickly at that point and they took her from me to lay her on the table. That part was hard to watch. It was hard to walk out of there and leave her looking so tiny on that big bed, and so vulnerable to what we were doing to her.
Then we waited.....and prayed.
It didn't take long for the first surgeon, who was putting tubes in her ears, to come out and say he was done. This meant the next doctor was now starting on her lip. It was strange to think about what she would look like when she was finished.
When the surgery was done, we got to go into the recovery room.
On the way there, the nurse told us 3 things....
...that she was awake
...that she looked amazing
...and that she was "P.O'd" (that's "pissed off", in case you weren't sure)
Our first reaction was utter amazement. We could not get over how different she looked. It's just unbelievable what a difference an hour can make.
She reached for us right away and so I picked her up and started to rock her.
We stayed in recovery for about a half hour until let us go up to her room she would stay overnight in.
Once there, Jay held her for at least an hour as she went back and forth between being awake and upset and asleep. They had her on some morphine, so she was pretty out of it for a while.
By about 2 hours, post-op, she was really starting to look a little better. She just didn't look so foggy and she let me lay in bed with her and put on an Elmo movie, which she loved. She even laughed at one part...that was huge.
As the evening went on, she got more and more like herself. She ate an entire plate of mac n' cheese, applesauce, and some yogurt. That was great. She even took some milk from a sippy cup....wrapping her whole mouth around it for the first time. Very cool to see.
Jason had to leave at about 5:15 to go to Tyler's National Junior Honor's Society Ceremony, but he came back afterwards with Cindy and the boys. They were so excited to see her. It was fun to see their faces as they saw her for the first time.
Tony said he was a little "freaked out"...and Tyler got light-headed and had to sit for a bit...but otherwise, it was all love. I think just the blood and all made them a little nervous.
She stayed close to Jay and I for a while, but ventured off the bed when her baby cousin Ben showed up with Pat and Lindsey. They brought her a Dora bath doll that flaps it's tail in the water. She will have a lot of fun with that.
The night went well. I was able to sleep on a pull out chair by her bed side. She slept good except when the nurse kept coming in to check her vitals every 2 hours. That woke both of us up, but luckily she would always fall back to sleep.
She was discharged by 10:15 this morning and has been noticeably happy to be home. She must have wondered what the heck was going on and where the heck we were. She looks even more amazing today as she did yesterday and I know it will only continue to get better and better as it heals. I'm so excited for her.
The morning of her surgery....
PLaying in the waiting room.....
Getting her blood pressure taken....
A bed was ready just for her....
More toys while we wait...
er
We arrived at the hospital at 11am for her 12:45 surgery.
She was in by 12:30 and done by 1:45.
They let me walk her in to the operating room and hold her while they put her to sleep. I just assumed that she would struggle for a bit when they put the mask on her, but she didn't at all. In fact, when the dr. came near her with it, she leaned forward and let him without one complaint. They gave her some nitrus first to relax her as she layed against me, then the medicine to put her to sleep. It happened very quickly at that point and they took her from me to lay her on the table. That part was hard to watch. It was hard to walk out of there and leave her looking so tiny on that big bed, and so vulnerable to what we were doing to her.
Then we waited.....and prayed.
It didn't take long for the first surgeon, who was putting tubes in her ears, to come out and say he was done. This meant the next doctor was now starting on her lip. It was strange to think about what she would look like when she was finished.
When the surgery was done, we got to go into the recovery room.
On the way there, the nurse told us 3 things....
...that she was awake
...that she looked amazing
...and that she was "P.O'd" (that's "pissed off", in case you weren't sure)
Our first reaction was utter amazement. We could not get over how different she looked. It's just unbelievable what a difference an hour can make.
She reached for us right away and so I picked her up and started to rock her.
We stayed in recovery for about a half hour until let us go up to her room she would stay overnight in.
Once there, Jay held her for at least an hour as she went back and forth between being awake and upset and asleep. They had her on some morphine, so she was pretty out of it for a while.
By about 2 hours, post-op, she was really starting to look a little better. She just didn't look so foggy and she let me lay in bed with her and put on an Elmo movie, which she loved. She even laughed at one part...that was huge.
As the evening went on, she got more and more like herself. She ate an entire plate of mac n' cheese, applesauce, and some yogurt. That was great. She even took some milk from a sippy cup....wrapping her whole mouth around it for the first time. Very cool to see.
Jason had to leave at about 5:15 to go to Tyler's National Junior Honor's Society Ceremony, but he came back afterwards with Cindy and the boys. They were so excited to see her. It was fun to see their faces as they saw her for the first time.
Tony said he was a little "freaked out"...and Tyler got light-headed and had to sit for a bit...but otherwise, it was all love. I think just the blood and all made them a little nervous.
She stayed close to Jay and I for a while, but ventured off the bed when her baby cousin Ben showed up with Pat and Lindsey. They brought her a Dora bath doll that flaps it's tail in the water. She will have a lot of fun with that.
The night went well. I was able to sleep on a pull out chair by her bed side. She slept good except when the nurse kept coming in to check her vitals every 2 hours. That woke both of us up, but luckily she would always fall back to sleep.
She was discharged by 10:15 this morning and has been noticeably happy to be home. She must have wondered what the heck was going on and where the heck we were. She looks even more amazing today as she did yesterday and I know it will only continue to get better and better as it heals. I'm so excited for her.
The morning of her surgery....
PLaying in the waiting room.....
Getting her blood pressure taken....
A bed was ready just for her....
More toys while we wait...
She got to pick out a scented chapstick....
We smelled all the different kinds before picking....
Picking out some new toys.....
Found one......
First post-op pictures.....
watching Elmo in bed.....
Her brothers come for a visit....
Playing with her new doll from Pat and Lindsey.....
Monday, May 9, 2011
Livi's night before.....
Last night when the boys said goodnight to Olivia, they knew that it would be the last time they saw their sister with her cleft lip open.
We are heading to the hospital at 11am today for a 12:45pm surgery to repair her lip.
We took video and pictures last night to have as our momento of how she once looked.
We've all gotten so used to it in the past 2 mos. It will be strange to see her all fixed up.
I feel bad for her that she has to go through this. It's hard because we cant' explain to her what's happening. But I'm also very excited for this new point in her life.
She will be even more beautiful than she already is.
We are heading to the hospital at 11am today for a 12:45pm surgery to repair her lip.
We took video and pictures last night to have as our momento of how she once looked.
We've all gotten so used to it in the past 2 mos. It will be strange to see her all fixed up.
I feel bad for her that she has to go through this. It's hard because we cant' explain to her what's happening. But I'm also very excited for this new point in her life.
She will be even more beautiful than she already is.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sunday Snapshot: Choosing Life
This Mother's Day is more special than usual.
Sure, I have all my plans for sitting around and being waited on.
But today I'm grateful to 2 woman who I've never even met.
My nephew, Ben, and our little Olivia were able to join our families and become our children because 2 women chose life when they didn't have to.
One from America and one from China..both places where, unfortunately, it would have been very easy for them to not carry these precious lives.
What a gift.
One of these mothers can start to find peace with her decision to give her son a better life because she knows the family that adopted him.
One gave up her child in secret, never knowing what her fate would be...only praying it would be more than she could give her. I pray for her and that she is able to sense her little girl's smiles and laughter, love and happiness...and feel peace in her decision.
What an awesome gift they gave.
I think about my mother in law and how she found herself pregnant at 17 in 1971. I wonder....had it been only 2 years later, would there have been someone pressuring her into not choosing life.
Just imagine if that had happened.
I wouldn't have my wonderful husband....a man who I have no doubt God had big plans for from the moment he was conceived.
God knew there would be a Tyler, Timmy, Trae, Tony, and Tanner from this baby growing in his mama 39 yrs ago.
If he hadn't been born, they wouldn't even exist....except in the eyes and heart of God, who had planned on their lives through Jason. Does He cry for all the babies that could have been from all the parents that never were?
So this is what today is really about..right.
Not how we, as moms, can get pampered and spoiled...although I'll take every bit of it.....
At it's core, it's about thanking your mom for life....or thanking your mom for adopting you and choosing YOUR life.
Every life is precious
Every life is planned
Every life is wanted by someone
Every life is a gift from God
Who are we to not give that life a chance
Happy Mother's Day to all who chose to do just that
What a beautiful day.
Sure, I have all my plans for sitting around and being waited on.
But today I'm grateful to 2 woman who I've never even met.
My nephew, Ben, and our little Olivia were able to join our families and become our children because 2 women chose life when they didn't have to.
One from America and one from China..both places where, unfortunately, it would have been very easy for them to not carry these precious lives.
What a gift.
One of these mothers can start to find peace with her decision to give her son a better life because she knows the family that adopted him.
One gave up her child in secret, never knowing what her fate would be...only praying it would be more than she could give her. I pray for her and that she is able to sense her little girl's smiles and laughter, love and happiness...and feel peace in her decision.
What an awesome gift they gave.
I think about my mother in law and how she found herself pregnant at 17 in 1971. I wonder....had it been only 2 years later, would there have been someone pressuring her into not choosing life.
Just imagine if that had happened.
I wouldn't have my wonderful husband....a man who I have no doubt God had big plans for from the moment he was conceived.
God knew there would be a Tyler, Timmy, Trae, Tony, and Tanner from this baby growing in his mama 39 yrs ago.
If he hadn't been born, they wouldn't even exist....except in the eyes and heart of God, who had planned on their lives through Jason. Does He cry for all the babies that could have been from all the parents that never were?
So this is what today is really about..right.
Not how we, as moms, can get pampered and spoiled...although I'll take every bit of it.....
At it's core, it's about thanking your mom for life....or thanking your mom for adopting you and choosing YOUR life.
Every life is precious
Every life is planned
Every life is wanted by someone
Every life is a gift from God
Who are we to not give that life a chance
Happy Mother's Day to all who chose to do just that
What a beautiful day.
Friday, May 6, 2011
My Timmy
Wow, just to say that amazes me.
I was just getting the hang of Tyler being a teenager...
and now I'm on my way to having two.
Every year at his birthday, I'm reminded of how wonderfully special he is.
I remember his birth so clearly and the absolute joy he instantly caused
He has always been my warm hearted boy.
The one who cried at every Livi milestone during our adoption...including telling the boys we were going to adopt, telling them we got matched, and seeing them at the airport coming home from China.
He's good at sports...wrestling and football are at the top of his list.
He loves fishing and biking and camping
He has the thickest head of hair in the bunch and takes the most time combing it after a shower
He is a great big brother and loves his new little sister
He is a bit of an debater and will argue that the sky is blue
.....I wonder where he gets that from.....
He's kind and respectful at school and makes people laugh
He's a really great artist
He blushes when he's embarrassed
He's known now as Tim to his friends...but he will ALWAYS be Timmy to me
And he hugs his mama whenever we're in the same room
How can you not be in love with that.
Happy Birthday to my Timmy Fimmy Cocoa Pop.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
My sweet boys
My boys have a knack for making me smile.
Sometimes without even realizing I need it....they say just the right thing.
I've always said they are very affectionate and protective of their mama....
so maybe they sense when something they say will offset some of the stupid things other people say.
These are just a few of the things that people have said to me about our adoption and about Livi.
Before adopting....
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
"What......5 isn't enough?"
"Want that girl, huh?"
-I know that one doesn't sound that bad, but I've really gotten sick of it after hearing it about a million times-
"Kept trying for a girl, huh"
-Um...no, we kept trying for a child
Since we brought her home....
"You adopted when you already have 5.....wow, I hope they have a return policy?"
-and this chick wasn't even smiling when she said it
"Is she yours or did you adopt her?"
-Umm.....both?
"Finally got your girl, huh?"
-I know...not terrible...but again...a million times...every.single.day. ugh
It makes me feel like I wasn't happy to complete with my boys and that makes me feel very defensive of them and has made me really hate that comment.
"How much did she cost" (store clerk....they always have the most interesting comments)
-um, she was marked down on sale....yep, we got a good deal on her. She's like a little bargain baby.
And then there was the store clerk who, as soon as we got the the checkout, kept saying...."Oh, poor baby....poor, poor baby.....oh, that poor thing....."
About 25 times during the whole checkout process.
I finally said, "She's not a poor baby...she's a very happy, healthy baby and she'll be just fine".
To which she replied..."Oh, I know...but poor, poor baby"
Oh, brother.
This is what I hear at home from my boys.....and it makes me forgot all those
stupid comments. Why are kids smarter than some adults?
When Tyler found out she was scheduled to get her lip surgery done...
"aw, I'm gonna miss it. It's like a part of her"
Trae, the other night as we are all sitting in the family room getting a kick out of something silly she was doing...
"how did we get so lucky to get her?"
Tanner, when he came in from outside and left her out there with dad and his other brothers...
"mom, she was so sad that I was leaving her....it's because she just loves me so much"
He's always saying how she's so cute and how much he loves her. And this is the kid that everyone was wondering if he'd be jealous.....nope.
Those are just a few of the things that come to mind.
There are so many times, daily, that they all say how much they love her.
They hate to see her cry.
They fight over who's next to hug and kiss her goodnight.
Anyone who ever teases her or, God forbid, decides to date her will have to get through them first.
She is so lucky to have such sweet brothers.....
....and I'm so lucky to have my beautiful boys.
Sometimes without even realizing I need it....they say just the right thing.
I've always said they are very affectionate and protective of their mama....
so maybe they sense when something they say will offset some of the stupid things other people say.
These are just a few of the things that people have said to me about our adoption and about Livi.
Before adopting....
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
"What......5 isn't enough?"
"Want that girl, huh?"
-I know that one doesn't sound that bad, but I've really gotten sick of it after hearing it about a million times-
"Kept trying for a girl, huh"
-Um...no, we kept trying for a child
Since we brought her home....
"You adopted when you already have 5.....wow, I hope they have a return policy?"
-and this chick wasn't even smiling when she said it
"Is she yours or did you adopt her?"
-Umm.....both?
"Finally got your girl, huh?"
-I know...not terrible...but again...a million times...every.single.day. ugh
It makes me feel like I wasn't happy to complete with my boys and that makes me feel very defensive of them and has made me really hate that comment.
"How much did she cost" (store clerk....they always have the most interesting comments)
-um, she was marked down on sale....yep, we got a good deal on her. She's like a little bargain baby.
And then there was the store clerk who, as soon as we got the the checkout, kept saying...."Oh, poor baby....poor, poor baby.....oh, that poor thing....."
About 25 times during the whole checkout process.
I finally said, "She's not a poor baby...she's a very happy, healthy baby and she'll be just fine".
To which she replied..."Oh, I know...but poor, poor baby"
Oh, brother.
This is what I hear at home from my boys.....and it makes me forgot all those
stupid comments. Why are kids smarter than some adults?
When Tyler found out she was scheduled to get her lip surgery done...
"aw, I'm gonna miss it. It's like a part of her"
Trae, the other night as we are all sitting in the family room getting a kick out of something silly she was doing...
"how did we get so lucky to get her?"
Tanner, when he came in from outside and left her out there with dad and his other brothers...
"mom, she was so sad that I was leaving her....it's because she just loves me so much"
He's always saying how she's so cute and how much he loves her. And this is the kid that everyone was wondering if he'd be jealous.....nope.
Those are just a few of the things that come to mind.
There are so many times, daily, that they all say how much they love her.
They hate to see her cry.
They fight over who's next to hug and kiss her goodnight.
Anyone who ever teases her or, God forbid, decides to date her will have to get through them first.
She is so lucky to have such sweet brothers.....
....and I'm so lucky to have my beautiful boys.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Happy Easter
Okay, so I'm a week late. I've been so terrible about getting on my blog lately. Lots to do around here and, truth be told, it's garage sale season so that has taken priority these days. I never drive by a good garage sale.
Anyway...getting back....Last week was Easter and it was not only Livi's first Easter with US, it was her first Easter EVER.
She's had a lot of "firsts" in the past 6 weeks and it's been fun to have a front row seat to each and every one.
It doesn't take her long to get the hang of things that are new and fun.
I wonder what she must think when we do things like coloring Easter eggs.
The Easter Bunny knew she couldn't really tackle the traditional candy in the baskets, so he brought her the movie, Tangled.
Our annual picture on the steps before the kids get to come downstairs.
She was so excited!
And loved finding all the colorful eggs in all their hiding spots. The Easter Bunny made sure to make some easy to find for her.
We were all decked out in our Easter best. Coordinated and all....much to Tyler's chagrin.
Time for Grandma's annual Easter egg hunt outside. Thankfully the weather was nice enough.
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