Owen's Eye Surgery

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to give you all an update on how Owen's surgery went...

We are just over 24 hours home and things are going really wonderful. As I type, Owen is in his jumperoo playing with his toys and jabbering up a storm while the big kids nap. He is such an amazing guy, he doesn't have time to be upset- its all smiles and sunshine for him! We're so blessed <3 My sister, Jennie came up with her girls to watch Ashton and Kiera while we were gone. Cousin Nikki also came over to lend a hand. We are so thankful for the family and friends that can help us through these hiccups. We couldn't be the people we are or make it through without them. Thanks guys!

The surgery itself went as expected, with no surprises. We had a comical moment in the OR when Owen got the gas to relax him for his IV's. The tech asked if he would like the gas flavored... I said I don't think Owen cares and we can save it for a kiddo who really needs it. The tech said, 'yea, at this age anything I put on his face is going to make him mad.' I cradled Owen and the tech put the mask on him- in perfect Owen style: he smiled ear to ear and started laughing. He laughed a few good belly laughs then drifted to sleep. The OR staff couldn't believe it!

After 1 1/2 hours in surgery, a quick 1 hour in the short stay unit for recovery and a bottle of eye drops later we were sent on our way.  His eyes look really good! I can't believe the change we already see. He is now looking at us with both eyes and not crossing, he looks so much different to me. I said it yesterday and can't think of a better way to say it... he's my little butterfly -always changing into something more beautiful. His smile is as wide as ever and his personality comes through even stronger when he looks at you.  We are so thankful for the medical miracles that his doctors and surgeons are able to achieve. He doesn't seem to be in any pain, however we have been giving him Tylenol every six hours too keep him that way!! We have weaned down his cortisol (stress hormone) to his everyday stress coping levels and he seems to be tolerating that just fine. We have to 'pump his body up' with triple doses to cope with the stress surgery, since his own body does not do that for him.

We will be traveling back to St. Paul next Tuesday for his post-op eye check, repeat audiology tests and a pre-op visit for his cleft palate repair. We will also be scheduling his palate repair surgery on Tuesday- it will be so great to have that date set on the calendar for him!

I was at the store today and passed up a onsie shirt with a toolbox on it that said 'high maintenece' ...It was really adorable and would have been perfect for him if it would have been in his size! :-P 

That's it for now. We are VERY thankful for all of you and your prayers. I know God hears us!

We'll talk to you soon! Love and Hugs, Shelby & Sarah Fox