He's Back

Toby is doing much better the past couple days and seems to getting back to his usual self. The first week post surgery was rough with lots of sleep issues at night and tantrums/meltdowns during the day. The past couple days he has been needing only minimal pain meds and has really mellowed out again. He's beginning to resemble the sweet, laid back little boy we knew once again. We are still having frequent wake ups at night but he is no longer freaking out for extended periods of time and seems more relaxed again.

We know many of you have been praying for Toby and our family and we thank you. Please continue to pray for his complete healing and that any fears or anxiety caused by the surgery would be completed eliminated.

More Pictures

Okay sorry about the backwards order but I'm still learning this whole blog thing.

The picture of Toby in green was taken on Thursday. The others were on Friday. One before the bandage under his lip came off and one after.

We are just so pleased with how his lip is looking. We saw the surgeon on Friday and she was encouraged by what his palate looked like.

Photos of Surgery/Recovery

I tried to take some pictures of Toby's recovery so we can talk about things with him as he grows up. Thought you might be interested in seeing his progression from surgery day to yesterday.

In the recovery room immediately following surgery. The black string attached to the side of his face is a tongue stitch. It goes through his tongue to keep his airway open in case of swelling. It was removed before we went up to the pediatric unit.


This picture was taken the morning after surgery. It was so nice to see him calm and not distressed when awake. He liked the idea of playing but not really up for it yet.

Getting Better

Toby had a restless night but it seemed like we were able to keep his pain managed for the most part. He is starting to eat a little more and has started drinking a little from his bottles again. He seems a little irritated that we don't let him have anything but purees and liquids but that is something he will need to get used to for the next few weeks. The older kids are still at grandma and grandpa's and Dave and I have been able to focus on Toby and helping him heal. He doesn't like the arm splints but with both Dave and I with him he doesn't need them too often. Once it's mommy and the four kids again he will need to wear them a lot more. Thank you all for your continued prayers. The feel so blessed to have the support of so many people.

We're Home

Sorry I was unable to blog after surgery yesterday. Once we got to the regular hospital rooms I couldn't access blogger properly for some reason.

Toby got out or surgery at about 12:30pm. The surgeon was very pleased with the surgery and how he did. Shortly after waking up it got pretty rough for Toby. He was very difficult to console and would not relax and rest. After several medications he finally took a short nap only to start all over again when he woke. Both Dave and I ended up spending the night as he was so needy. About 5am we had a breakthrough and he began doing much better. He was never in trouble medically but it was just difficult to manage his pain and get him relaxed enough to sleep properly. I think he was scared and unsure of so many things that were happening.

We were able to leave the hospital late morning and we were all happy to be home. Toby took a good nap is drinking his bottle (yippy). He hates the arm restraints but hopefully over time will get more used to them.

Thank you so much for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for Toby's healing.

Still in Surgery

Well it's noon now and Toby is still in surgery. We haven't had any updates since that initial one so we are just waiting.... I'm pacing the floor as I can't seem to focus on the book I brought. I'll post after surgery.

Surgery Day

The morning started early for Toby, Dave and I. We left the house at 5:30am to head to the hospital for Toby's surgery. All the pre-admission stuff went well and Toby was a real trooper. He didn't even seem upset about not being allowed to eat or drink anything this morning. He played with us and was laughing as we chased each other around the halls waiting for the doctors. He looked very adorable in his little hospital gown. I'm sad I didn't get a picture of him in it before surgery. Toby was quite attached to Dave this morning (flashback to China) so Dave was the one to take him back to the operating room. Dave stayed with him until he was asleep. Now begins the long wait...

8:10am The ENT doctor came to let us know his part of the surgery was over and went well, albeit much longer than he had anticipated. Apparently Toby has very tiny ear canals and it was a bit of a challenge to place the tubes. Now they will begin the lip revision and then do his palate repair.

9:25 the nurse called us on the phone from the OR to let us know that Toby is doing well and the surgery is going as planned. They started his lip revision at about 8:45. It was good to hear an update and that he is doing well. I'll post again when I get another update or after surgery, whichever happens first.

Thank you for your prayers and support today.