Update on Austin.

Well, this week we were able to go to two different Cleft lip/palate teams to determine which one would be best for Austin. We have decided to go to the team in Jackson, MS. We were able to meet with many wonderful people there, and all of them seemed to be very knowledgeable in what they do. We were very impressed with everyone. The plastic surgeon there is Dr. Angel. He was a nice guy, but most importantly, he was an experienced doctor and highly trained in what he does. He showed us some pictures of children that he had worked on that had a similar cleft to Austin, and they looked wonderful! He does things a little different than the "standard" procedures. He will be doing the first surgery at about two months of age. (The surgery date it August 1st). He first does a partial lip repair, where he tries to adjust the tissue so it will stretch where it is supposed to be. He will then go in for another surgery where he will finish off the lip. At about 10-12 months, he will do a palate surgery, and depending on Austin's situation there could be more surgeries there, but he said he likes to be done will all surgeries by about 15 months. There will be another surgery when he is about seven or eight; they will have to do a bone graft from his hip and place it in the palate, so his permanente teeth have bone to attach to. There also might be more surgeries with the palate if he is having problems with speech. The speech therepists can determine if it is a surgical thing or a learned thing, then determine what needs to be done to correct the speech problems. We feel really good about our decision to take Austin to this team. We know they will take care of our little guy, and we are so grateful that things are now moving forward and we can begin soon to help our little Austin. We love all of you and are so grateful for everyone's support and prayers throughout this time. We are blessed to have such wonderful and supportive family and friends.