One week later....

My mommy and Ryder - pre-surgeries....

It's been one week since Ryder had his sugery and what a difference a week makes! His lip is healing incredibly fast, his stitches are falling out (they dissolve on their own) and he's kinda back to his normal schedule - with the exception of sleeping.  He's never been a fan of sleeping and would rather have us walk him around the house at all hours of the night. Ryan and I have become pretty good at sleep walking :)

Our hearts are overwhelmed with the outpouring of phone calls, text messages, meals and visits we've received since Ryder's surgery. We are continuously amazed at the support system God set in place for us as He knew it would be needed. For those of you who may not know my mom was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer and has been in the hospital for the past week (she had surgery 3 days after Ryder's surgery). I was a total wreck not being able to have my mom by my side throughout his recovery all while digesting her new journey and wanting to be there for her as well. Having you all surround us with love has really made an incredible difference!  I can literally feel God's loving arms wrap around me through each and every one of you!  I am in awe of all the suppport, kindness and encouragement we have received (and continue to receive) that the words "thank you" couldn't possibly express all of the gratitude I have for your unconditional love! God is so good! 

My sisters and I have created a blog for mom. I invite you to join us in prayer and follow us on her journey as we know she will conquer this cancer and be victorious! 

Mom's blog:

http://weareconquerers.blogspot.com/?m=1

Since his surgery Ryder has been talking up a storm! It's fun to hear all the different sounds he can now make with his new lip. I think he's also discovered he can make new sounds and after every meal gives us a full recap of how he's feeling with his "Oooh and ahhh" sounds. It's adorable and I'm pretty certain he's praising God with every sound he makes! 

Psalm 8:2 

"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."

Next steps are ear tubes. We have to make an appointment with the ENT doctor to schedule this procedure but it can't be until Ryder's lip fully heals. They have to be able to put a mask over his mouth to administer the anesthesia. We're guessing this is going to be scheduled for some time in November. 

Below are a few pics from the week and just yesterday we celebrated Ryder's 3 month birthday! What a journey these past 3 months have been and I wouldn't trade a single moment of it for the world! I consider it such a privilege to be Ryder's mommy and I thank God for his little life that has filled our lives with so much joy, love and laugher! He truly is a perfect gift! 

James 1:17 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."