Update on Milly's surgery

Today was Camille's post-op appointment with the surgeon, so I thought I'd share some info about her surgery.

We had surgery last Friday to remove a dermoid cyst that was on her forehead. We noticed the bump when she was about 3-4 months old, and asked about it at her 4 month check-up. After that, we did an MRI and met with 2 specialists to determine what we were doing. The 2nd specialist, a plastic surgeon, recommended that we wait until she was at least 1 year old before proceeding with surgery. So we waited for what felt like forever, but once it came up on us, felt like it was very rushed. I know that's contradictory, but I'm sure any parent whose been in a similar situation knows exactly what I mean.

The surgery went well, but took a little bit longer than expected. Turned out the cyst was much bigger than they thought it was, it had embedded itself pretty deep into her skull and what was visible was only the tip of it. The surgeon said that it was roughly the size of a marble, whereas we originally thought it was about the size of a small pea. I know we did the right thing by going ahead with the surgery, if it had gotten any bigger it would have worked it's way through her skull.

All of the nurses, the anesthesiologist, the surgeon - they were all wonderful. kept us in the loop on everything, they all appropriately loved on Camille, just plain friendly and nice. It made the whole ordeal much easier.

They were also very pro-breastfeeding and were happy to hear that we were still nursing past one year. Each time I had talked to someone regarding the surgery, I was told that she wasn't going to be allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. Her surgery was scheduled for 10am! When I finally talked to the anesthesiologist, I asked again if she would be allowed to nurse any time after midnight. She asked "breast-milk, or formula?" When I replied breast-milk, she said that I could nurse her up to 4 hours before surgery because breast-milk was soo much easier for babies to digest. This was a huge relief to me, as Milly has a huge nursing session everyday about 5am, so the timing was perfect.

They also encouraged me to breastfeed Camille as soon as she wanted after the surgery because she would be hungry and "she's going to want that comfort from her mama." It was very nice to hear someone (or in this case, multiple someones) in the medical field so supportive of breastfeeding, even past one year.

Before surgery:

And immediately after:

24 hours later, you can see how swollen and bruised her eye is:

And today, 1 week later:

Blogging Slump

I've been in a bit of a slump lately when it comes to blogging, just realized that it's been over a week since my last post. Been very busy though. Lots of crocheting going on, and of course, having three kids, I don't have much free time as is.

Most of my posting usually occurs at work, and we've been very busy lately. One of my close co-workers, and friend, just gave her two weeks notice. I know that this is an excellent opportunity for her, and as a friend, I am happy for her. On the other hand though, this means that until we hire a replacement, I will be taking on much more work. And then, I will have to train and get to know a new person, all over again. We've been working with the same tight group for 3+ years, it will be a tough adjustment.

Camille is getting soo big, almost 7 months already! We started solids a few weeks ago. Our first attempt was a hilarious failure - she absolutely wanted nothing to do with it and looked at us like "WTF are you putting in my mouth!" lol We backed off, but she was still very interested in everything we ate and was reaching for foods, so we tried again. I guess she just needed that extra week or so, because now she loves it! She has tried banana, avacado and applesauce. She doesn't eat much, just a dozen or so bites before she turns away, but it's a fun adventure for her.

And now for your viewing pleasure, some pictures. First, Camille's first thoughts on foods:

Now, she eagerly awaits each bite and tried to feed herself:

And just because these are cute pictures, Camille and the giant Care Bears (they're not really giant, but they sure do look like it next to her!)

And, Celeste always loves to listen to Kaitlyn practice her trumpet. The other day, Kaitlyn let Celeste play it. She was actually able to get a few notes out!

Will have more to post later - crochet updates and tomorrow is our Heart Walk.

Birdies!

Well, for now it's just one birdie. But there will be more! I found this pattern on Ravelry, and it is oh so cute! Quick and easy to make, also. I started this one this morning and am already more than half way through a second one.

Anywhoosle, I plan on making a small flock of these, a little birdie family if you will, to be a Christmas present for Camille. She will love them. They are just the right size, and the wings and tail will be perfect for gnawing on. lol I'm not to keen on the eyes, but I didn't want to use buttons or anything, same goes for the beak. I'm afraid she might yank/gnaw those off and choke on them.