Operation Smile Complete!

First, let me start by saying Thank You for all of your prayers! We have been truly blessed by the outpouring of support from our friends, family, and even people we haven't met during this process!

Operation Smile started like any other day! We arrived at the hospital at 8:45 as requested and started the pre-op process. Sign in, change clothes...and start the wait!


We waited and we waited...

And we walked and we waited...

And she played....

And we waited some more! I was really worried about her because she hadn't had anything to eat since 6 the night before. But Lynleigh was a trooper and made it until surgery time without much fuss! At 2:30 it was finally her turn! Apparently, the child before her had some complications that took longer than expected. I took the opportunity to rock her for a nap and pray for the child who was in surgery during that time! She had a great nap...as did I...and then it was time to take her in!

As you know, Lynleigh is not fond of strangers! So, the nurse dressed me up...

and allowed me to escort her back. I stayed until she was nice and asleep and then off to get some lunch for all of us while we waited!

Surgery took about 2 and 1/2 hours and we finally got the call to meet her in recovery. I'm so thankful that Tony was with me because after seeing her with blood in her mouth, I almost fainted! Tony stepped up and took care of her while I lamely sat to the side with a wet rag and a cup of apple juice!

We got back to our room and all settled in and everyone left around 8:30. Thus began a long night of beeping machines and a very upset and confused baby girl!

Day two started off rough but slowly got better as the day went on. We were told we would leave that afternoon because she was doing really well. I went to pick up the boys and started to have a panic attack. Tony called about the same time to tell me we weren't leaving and that she had started bleeding! It wasn't bad and all I could think was thank you Jesus! I was not ready to go home yet.

The highlight of the day was a couple of yahoos coming to visit!

The nurse gave us a wagon and we went to explore!

We painted, played bingo, picked out a new toy, and some of us had cake! (Not Lynleigh, she is still on liquids!) And then our visitors went home.


Night two was so much better! She slept which meant that I slept! It was great! And then today, we got the good news! We were getting to go home and Lynleigh was more than happy to hop back into the wagon and wave bye bye to all in her path!

It was a long two days but we were taken care of by some wonderful nurses and staff! I couldn't have asked for a better experience with surgery number one! She will need more but we won't know how many until she starts to grow!


We had so many visitors (some who came with Coke Zero in hand!) and even one of the most amazing lunches and desserts ever (Thanks Aunt Judi)! Our friends Sarita, Christa, Amanda, and Josh spent many, many hours by our sides praying with us and just being a source of encouragement!

And then, we packed up and said good bye with a smile that will make your heart melt!

Operation smile phase one is now complete. Our sweet baby girl is safe at home and sleeping in her daddy's arms while I blog! All is well with the world!!!