Friday, March 21, 2008

Owen's "Innie"


Wednesday morning Owen had surgery to repair his umbilical hernia. We have a terrific pediatric surgeon, Dr. Chang -- supposedly the best in the area -- and we were very confident going into it. The surgery went smoothly and Owen came out of it well. Dr. Chang had told us that Owen's was the largest umbilical hernia he'd ever seen. We were advised by the nurses after the surgery that Owen's post-op recovery would be a little rough simply because of the size of his hernia. He has had some up's and some down's over the past couple of days, but overall our boy has been such a TROOPER and true to form he rarely complains. He is instead very thrilled with his "innie." He had been asking us for an "innie belly button" for awhile now, and now he has it. I didn't realize just how important this was to him until after the surgery. As soon as he could feel that his belly was flat, he was ecstatic-- despite the pain he was in. He looks at it 100 times a day and is just absolutely thrilled with what he sees (even though right now there is a thick covering on it so he can't even actually see the belly button). Since Owen came home from the hospital Kyle too has been wearing a covering over his belly button (in his case a sticker that Owen brought home from the hospital for him). Kyle refuses to take off the sticker until Owen's bandages can come off. Owen seems pleased with that arrangement. ;0
Having your child go through surgery is never fun or easy. But Braydon and I experienced this surgery with Owen very similarly to how we experienced Kyle's surgery (to have his adenoids taken out and ear tubes put in) two years ago-- we are grateful first and foremost that our kids are as healthy and robust as they are... and secondly, we are profoundly grateful that we live in a part of the world that has such superb health care, and we feel incredibly grateful to be in the position to be able to access that health care for our children. It is hard, in moments like these, to not think of the 'what if's' (i.e., 'what if they hadn't gotten out of Haiti?'). On a smaller scale (yet huge nonetheless) we are also truly grateful that my mom was willing and able to come spend much of this week with us. She was a help beyond belief and we seriously don't know how we would have done this week without her. It has been a rough few days, but our focus has remained on all that we are grateful for. Which is a good way to go into Easter weekend. I've been neglecting the blog for the past week, I have lots to post about, and I promise that I'll get on the ball as soon as Easter is over.

10 comments:

Mamato2 said...

Get well soon, little man, Owen! Here's to innie healing solidarity, Kyle!

Anonymous said...

I'm soooo happy to hear all went well! They both look great, as always!!

Hope you ALL have a wonderul Easter.

xoxo
The Petschs

Anonymous said...

We are very happy surgery went well, recovery is going well and Owen is pleased too! Hugs all around!
Love, Trish

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear all went well with surgery. I'm sure Mor mor was a godsend as always. Godspeed to all of you for a quick recovery.
Easter is here...time for new life!
Love,
Cheryl

Jess said...

Phew. Here's to successful surgery, and to the support and love of a twin brother (& Mom & Dad & grandmother). I love Kyle's bb sticker and his arm around Owen.

Anonymous said...

Fell better soon to Owen! And - as you said many times before - how cute and twiny they are!

Kathrin

Ani said...

so glad to hear all went well with owen's surgery!

Karen Vitek said...

I'm so happy to hear that all went well! Never is it easy to see your child go through anything like that but these two seem very resilient and support each other so well. A tribute to you both! And Mor Mor is a real treat to have around!!

Bek said...

Glad the surgery went well and that eveyrone is happy with their NEW innies!!

My mid kids both had herniated bellys but they closed on their own.. and imagine our suprise to see that Grace has one too!! (that throws the theory that black kids have them more out the window--at least in our family)...

Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog. I wish we were at your school. 4 DS kids in the same class. Sigh. Lucky. We just MIGHT have to move..

P.S. I am so excited for the arrival of your sweet girl. The last stretch can be the hardest, but I felt really good.. so I hope you are too...
R

This Mama said...

hope you feel better soon little guy!