Recovery update.

I had a few moments while Jake is busy with Sesame Street and Austin is napping, so I thought I'd update with some pictures of how Austin is recovering. He is doing really well. He is such a tough little guy! He wakes up almost every night hurting (last night he woke up, but got himself back to sleep), and he is still having rough times during the day, but there are many happy moments as well. I was so blessed to have Gary with me for a week. He took work off last week to help me out, and federal employees got Monday (Columbus Day) off, so yesterday was my first day alone. It made me really appreciate all of his help; it was really hard until about 11:00, when Austin took a nap. After that, I was able to get things a little more under control. Today is even better than yesterday, so hopefully within a few more days, Austin will be feeling much better. Enjoy the pictures!

This was on October 6th (just a few days after surgery). I love those smiles!


Jake is doing really well. When Austin first got back from surgery, Jake wanted to hide from him. The next couple of days he wouldn't go near him. Finally, he started to become more comfortable with the situation. (This picture was also taken on the 6th).

Here is a close-up of his face (10-08-11). Such a cutie!


On Sunday (9th) I decided to see how Jake would react with Austin in the tub. Jake loved it! He kept laughing and playing with Austin. I finally had to take Austin out when Jake began dunking buckets of water on Austin and thinking it was funny. It was good while it lasted! In the picture Jake is singing in his "microphone" (really a tub toy). He's been doing this lately. It's pretty funny!


Here's another close-up picture of Austin's face. This was taken yesterday (11th) after a bath. His stitches are starting to come out. I'm sure they'll be gone within a few more days. (I think he looks a lot like Jake did at this age).

Finally, before bed last night we tried on some sunglasses. He looks like such a cool dude!

The First Surgery.

We have now experienced the first of many surgeries. My heart has hurt so much in the last few days, and I have been overwhelmed with many emotions. I want to thank everyone for comments, calls, and prayers. We appreciate the support of our wonderful family and friends; we love all of you. Here are a few pictures to update you on Austin.

Our family the day before the surgery.

I'm going to miss that HUGE grin. We have felt many bitter-sweet feelings these past few days, and this is one of them.


Waiting for surgery to begin. We were wating for two hours before they even called him back.

Mommy and Austin. (He's in his little hospital gown).

We said our goodbyes, and Jake even dished out a kiss for his little brother. What a sweet moment to remember!

Here is the after shot. We had been with Austin for about ten minutes when this was taken. He was still very out of it. (His poor little face is swollen).

Here's another angle of his face.

This was the next day. He has started taking his tongue and moving it around in his mouth. I'm sure he's wondering "What's going on? Something's different."

My two boys getting ready to come home. (He's stuck in those arm restraints for two weeks. He's having the hardest time being stuck in those).

On our way home in new pjs! We made it through the hospital, now wish us luck helping him recover. It was a LONG night in the hospital, and I'm sure it will be a similar week. Wish us luck, or say a prayer or two (we'll need it)!