The road to recovery....

Austin's surgery was a success on Wednesday.  He will wear an eye patch for the next few days as his eye recovers.  The doctors were able to remove the 3/4 inch cyst from the corner of his eye as well as the mole on his head with no problems.   There were fears the head surgery might have to be done a second time, but they were able to get it all in one shot.    He was a very good boy throughout the day, and the nurses/doctors were impressed with how brave he was. 

He did get sick to his stomach a few times during recovery so we ended up being at the hospital for about 8 hours total, making for a long day.    Might have been the anethesia, or the popsicles and 7-up he slammed down when he was finally able to eat/drink something after 20 hours without.

Austin was given Versed prior to being taken back to surgery.  Versed is a benzodiazepine, a drug that causes relaxation, sleepiness and can cause a partial or complete loss of memory during the use of the drug. This is the third or fourth time I think he has been administered this in his short life.   Although it is always a serious situation, he is an absolute riot for the 15 or 20 minutes from when he takes the drug until he is taken back for surgery, or in a few cases, a CT scan.  His speech slows down to about 50% speed, he gets the giggles, and he starts giving us a favorite hits medley of everything important in his life, namely his trains, various books, and a few select toys.  Every two minutes or so he will also stop and loudly exclaim, "It's dark in here,".....even though we are in a bright room at the time. 

On a side note, Kettering Hospital has the best darn cafeteria I have ever come across.   Courtney and I had a delicious meal that would not have to take a back seat to many fine Dayton restaurants.  I was surprised by the incredulous looks I received from the cashier when I inquired about whether a reservation was needed for Saturday nights, as I had hoped to take Courtney back there for our anniversary.  Oh well.......

Here are some pictures of our little man.....

Our pirate.....

stitches on his head

Big Brother

Big brother Austin is having surgery tomorrow morning.  He has had a quarter sized spot on his head since birth that appears to be a birthmark, but the doctors actually call it a mole of some sort.  They have suggested having it removed before it causes problems later on.  Since he is already going to be under, we figured why not throw in a second surgery.  He also has a good-sized growth in the corner of his eye that gives the appearance of a blocked tear duct.  It's not that, but instead termed a orbital dermoid cyst.  He will have that removed as well.  

Courtney went to great lengths to coordinate two surgeries at the same time to save her little boy from going through two separate traumatic events.  I would have never even thought it possible, but she made it happen after many phone calls, consultations and appointments.

We will head to Kettering Hospital tomorrow morning at 9:00am for the 11:00am procedures.   He will be able to come home tomorrow after recovery.  He is not allowed to eat or drink after midnight, so we kept him up until 10:00pm for a Thomas/Chuggington/Sesame Street marathon.   Hopefully that will make the morning go better.

It has been about two years since he had surgery in May 2010 to remove part of his lung as a result of the bronchopulmonary sequestration issue he had.  Although he is a healthy kid, it is amazing the odd surgeries he has had to have in his 2 3/4 years.   Makes us appreciate how blessed we have been in that regard with the triplets.         

Rub-a-Dub-Dub, Four Kids (and mom and dad) in a Tub.......

We generally give the triplets baths twice a week on Wednesday and Sunday.  It is usually a mixed experience.....the boys don't mind it, but Ryleigh tends to cry loudly.  The. entire. time.

Sunday was a challenging day, so when bath time arrived, we got the bright idea to mix it up and take a family soak in the master bath.   Like many things around here, it was equal parts entertaining and stressful. 

Austin always enjoys the rare treat of bathing in mom and dad's bath.  He excitedly was first in, and naturally, within seconds, proceeded to unleash what appeared to be half a day of pent up urine upon our freshly drawn tub.   Eventually we squeezed 12 arms, 12 legs, 60 fingers and 60 toes into the bath (sorry, no pics).    Surprisingly, keeping three squirming babies above water, while a two year old practices his back stroke proved to be manageable.  The pleasant surprise was that Ryleigh did not cry and actually enjoyed her family bath.  I'm sure we will attempt it again some time soon.