A Shiney New Pair of Tubes

Yesterday was a day full of mixed emotion for me.  We decided last week after a long battle with double ear infections, an ear rupture and a really unhappy baby...that we would consult an ENT specialist about the prospect for tubes.  Upon seeing Dr. Menendale, he quickly agreed that tubes would be the best answer.  Despite the healing of the rupture and cured infection, there was still a lot of thick mucus behind James' ear drum.  Dr. Mehendale explained that this would cause James' hearing to sound as if we were all talking to him with our hands covering our mouths.  This could delay his speech as well as cause a lot of discomfort...we scheduled the surgery for Friday, yesterday.

James, you did so good buddy. The mean doctors wouldn't let you eat for 6 hours prior to surgery and after a bit of protesting you decided to forget about your milk and settle for your paci. You graciously allowed the nurses to examine you and you were so patient while we waiting the hour and 20mins for the procedure.  When the nurses took you from my arms, that was the hardest part... for both of us I think.  However, just a quick 10 mins later the doctor came to get us from the waiting room and told us you did great, but you were "REALLY mad". I know you were confused and scared when you woke up in some strange place with a woman you didn't know holding you. Your ears were hurting and you were starving. It took mommy a while to calm you down. You cried the whole way home despite my best effort to comfort you.  Thankfully, once we got you home and you felt safe, you calmed right down. You took a nice 1.5hr nap and woke up a new boy. Since the surgery, you haven't stopped smiling and talking. I know you feel better having that pressure in your ears relieved. I know you are hearing things you have never heard before, and that makes momma's heart soar! You are eating better and faster! You are sleeping more peacefully and waking with a smile on your face.  You didn't have one fussy spell yesterday or this morning...this, my dear boy, is very rare for you.  I've prayed for more smiles, more peace and comfort for you for 7 long months. I finally feel like those prayers have been answered. I know there will still be colds, flu, teeth, who knows what else...but for now, we have calm in our home, and a little boy who is happy!