Do you hear what I hear?

I've done a poor job of posting updates lately but what a month it has been!  Ryder had his first visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus as well as his first ear surgery and we also visited the NICU to show Ryder where he spent his first 7 days of life. 

On November 17 we, along with my sissies and Ryder's cousins, all went to Bass Pro Shops for our annual visit with Santa. It's so great to build memories with my sisters and Ryder's cousins - to have these photos as precious reminders of such special days. Ryder did great and didn't even cry when we woke him from his stroller nap for his very first visit with Santa! 

On Saturday, November 23 we went back to CHOC of Mission Viejo's NICU to visit and thank all of the wonderful nurses who were so loving and gracious to us during Ryder's week-long stay after he was born. I must admit that my stomach kind of dropped taking that walk from the elevator to the unit but I just had to remind myself that we were there for a simple visit and not a stay. 

During Ryder's stay there was a very special nurse who entered our lives and we pray she never leaves, her name is Ann. Throughout life, there are some people you meet that you just know, the instant you meet them, that they're very special. Nurse Ann is one of them and words cannot begin to describe how comforting she was during Ryder's NICU stay. She made what was a very difficult time all the easier through her love and encouragement and she's officially become Aunt Ann to us! I'm convinced she's an angel in disguise working in the NICU - how wonderful is God?! Another whisper to remind us He's present in ALL things! Here's a pic of Ryder with Aunt Ann. 

On Tuesday, November 26 Ryder had his first ear surgery at 7am near CHOC of Orange. Ryder did well but mommy did some tear shedding. I was doing okay until we had to dress him in his little hospital gown - my heart just broke. Oh how I wish I could take his place! One thing that put me at ease was nurse Monique! Not only is Monique a fabulous nurse but she is also a very near and dear friend of our family! I've known Monique for years and when we scheduled Ryder's ear sugery and Monique told me she would be the one carrying Ryder back to surgery I was so comforted! I'm continuously in awe when I see God's fingerprints ever present throughout our journey! 

Here are some pictures of Ryder and Aunt Monique on the morning of Ryder's ear surgery. 

Here are pics of Ryder with Dr. Pham right before sugery and Ryder being carried into sugery by Aunt Monique. This is the moment that always breaks my heart - hearing my baby cry as he's being carried away. 

After 15 minutes Ryder was out of sugery and we were able to see and feed him right away! 

So far his recovery has been slow but steady. He seems to be less fussy and definitely responds to sounds differently. He failed his hearing test prior to surgery and we're hoping the ear tubes will improve his hearing - we will know for sure when he's re-tested on December 20. Praying for a passing grade! Now that we have 2 surgeries down, we gear up for the palate surgery that should take place around Ryder's first birthday in July 2014.  

We're looking forward to enjoying the next few months of celebrating life, surgery-free, and watching Ryder continue to grow, explore and blossom right before our very eyes! Oh how blessed we are to call him OURS!