Grace's Surgery

Grace had surgery in early December and it was very quick and very easy. It's still worrisome (since she would get gas), but it is such a common surgery to get tubes. I don't know how many friends that had them as kids, and how many friends' kids have had the surgery - but it is a lot.

Pre-op appointment

We had pre-op the day before and Grace as usual was super happy. He checked her ears and sure enough, still full of gunk.

All smiles, even before the sun comes up!

We had to get in the surgery building by 5:45 a.m. - for surgery at 7:30 a.m. That was fun. Not really. Matt even asked the doctor if one of us could show up earlier than Grace to fill out forms (knowing full well that is all we would be doing), but no, they wanted us all there. So Grace ran around the office smiling and squealing at everyone (that probably didn't want  to hear those noises at that hour). We went back with her and sat with her to speak with the doctor. They took her from us (which didn't phase her one bit) and literally five minutes later the doctor came out to get us. I thought there might be a delay or something was wrong, but nope, ALL DONE!

They warned us when kids come off anesthesia they are usually NOT happy. I thought if there was to be any anomaly it would be Grace. She's ALWAYS happy! Nope, she was P-O-ed. It was horrible. I felt so bad. It really confirmed that Grace is never upset because we've never heard her cry so sadly or for so long. She couldn't open her ears yet and she seemed so disoriented. Matt was trying to console her as the nurses gave me the information. She cried until we got home and cried herself to sleep, which was conveniently nap time any way. By lunch she was semi normal. Seemed a little groggy, but by dinner was completely normal. Running around and getting into things as usual.

The saddest and most crying we've heard from poor Grace

Grace didn't have any noticeable problems (such as ear infections or not hearing us at a normal voice level), so we didn't get to really look forward to any changes exactly. All we know is that she hears clearly, for sure.

BACK to normal that evening - causing mischief!

We go back for a post-op appointment very soon. In the meanwhile, the tubes will sit in her ears for 6-12 months then eventually fall out. She can take swim lessons and go under chlorinated water a couple feet (not like she needs to be diving or anything), but we need to watch bath water not getting into her ears. No dirty water. Other than that it's an easy thing to deal with at home.

Baby's first surgery. Poor thing, but she was a champ!

Grace in Naples a week later