Ava surgery, went well. It lasted about 3 hours just as expected and everything looks great. Nurses commented on how great the stiches look and so for no bleeding or leaking, yea! She was in pain when she got out of the recovery room, but was able to nurse and get her pain meds. She would prefer to be held at all times and loves snuggling with mama as always. 

We got home yesterday and things are healing well. She did have some breathing issues last night that continued today. Prayers that it doesn't turn into something more. Ava has been flashing her new smile and it is great to see. :) Thank you for all of your prayers, support and messages.

Love,

Thlay

Quick Update

Wow, I can't believe Ava is already 8 months old. This Tuesday the 19th Ava will be having her cleft lip surgery at Children's Hospital. It's hard for me to imagine that tomorrow is the last day that I will see our beautiful daughter's face and amazing smile as it is today. The surgery will take about 3 hours, then she will be moved into the recovery room for about an hour while she comes out of anesthesia, then moved to her room where we will stay over night. Then we go back in to have the stitches removed on Saturday. So thankful she is strong and healthy as we prepare. We appreciate all of your love and prayers and we know that Ava is in wonderful hands for her surgery as we move forward.

Here's a quick update since our last two month post. Ava is over 17lbs now. A far cry from her starting weight of 3lbs1oz. She has had some breathing issues this winter and we landed at Children's twice in December and spent a week with Ava over Christmas in the hospital for RSV and Rhino Virus.

It was so hard watching her struggle since she had seemed so healthy and I had grown to think she was just like any other full term baby, not a preemie. It was scary seeing her back on C-pap, but comforting knowing that we were in the best place possible as the virus worked it's way out of her body.

It was a great Christmas present having her smile back on Christmas morning and having her moved out of the ICU. Children's also had adorable stockings and gifts and Christmas morning and Santa even visited. :) Hopefully all of this will lead to a good strong immune system. :)

Ava is in love with her big brother and I love hearing her laugh as she watches everything that he does. They love taking baths together now and listening to Ava's mobile together in her crib.