Happy Fall!

Once again, we have fallen behind on posting to the blog. I can't believe that this week marks the end of October. I am going back to work next week and trying to enjoy every minute of this last week at home with David (and trying to share him with Pete in the evenings!). Every time I think about going back to work and putting him in daycare, I must admit that my heart breaks, but I know that things will be just fine! At least he will be downtown with us and just a short walk to see him for a visit.

We are also less than 3 weeks away from his first surgery (lip repair and ear tubes on November 17). Pete and I are both a little nervous and have been trying to educate ourselves as much as possible in advance. We will have meetings with the pre-op nurses and ENT doctor prior to the surgeries, so that will help with our questions.

I'm aprehensive about how his face will change after the surgery - he's my little boy and I love the way he looks and his gorgeous smile just as it is. Sometimes I feel that we "need" to do the lip surgery just so that he is accepted into society and it seems so unfair - why can't people accept him the way that he is? After all, isn't everyone a little "different" in their own way? Why can't we embrace these differences rather than focusing so much attention on them? I have been comforted by the fact that the lip surgery is not just purely cosmetic - it will help him a great deal with his speech, especially with pronouncing b's, p's and m's. And, I know that his smile will continue to melt my heart forever :)

Here's David without his tape and retainer - so cute!

If anyone is interested in learning more about cleft lip and palates, as well as the surgeries, we have posted a few websites on the left toolbar. One is for Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, where he is receiving treatment. Another is for the Cleft Palate Foundation, with links to many different resources and brochures. The last link is for Wide Smiles, a website from the perspective of parents of children with clefts.

On a lighter note, here are a bunch of photos from the past two weeks! David and I spent some time in Grand Forks with Grandma and Grandpa Dohn, while Pete had a work trip to New York. We all then spent the weekend in Eureka with Great-Grandma Martha. We had such a fun time and were also able to spend time with Rachelle, Rob and Dylan and other family in the area. Enjoy the photos!

Having fun playing at Grandma and Grandpa's House, aka Camp David!

Sitting in a "Big Boy" chair with Dylan!

Snuggling with Great-Grandma Martha!