ANNA'S PALATE SURGERY DELAYED UNTIL 2009

Anna went to see the plastic surgeon on Monday so that we could determine whether she would be able to have her palate surgery on December 3rd. Dr. Sargent was pleased with her skin being closed where the sutures had ruptured, but felt that it would be beneficial to wait for the scar tissue and skin to soften so that he can revise the skin above her lip when he repairs the palate, if it is possible to perform both procedures together. Therefore, he decided to postpone the palate surgery that was scheduled for December 3rd and wants to see how she is progressing in two months. We go back on December 15 for him to look at her and he will make a determination about the date for the palate to be repaired. We even discussed the possibility of him not being able to revise the skin above her lip until next fall when they lengthen the columnella (skin from the tip of the nose down to the lip). The scar tissue may not be healed well enough to attempt the revision where her sutures ruptured during the next surgery, so we are just going to wait and see what advice he gives us at our next appointment. We had hoped to have the next surgery completed in 2008 because our deductibles have been met for the year, but the ruptured sutures were a small setback to that occurring. We are just thankful that we have come this far and she has done as well as she has.



Anna after her birth (February 25, 2008) and this past week (October 11, 2008)

Anna has made such wonderful progress thanks to the TN Craniofacial Team!


We were looking at the photos from our first appointment with Dr. Sargent (taken just two weeks after Anna was born) and it is amazing what Dr. Sargent has been able to do so far. We will forever be indebted to him for the work he has performed on Anna, as well as Dr. Cox,the dentist that placed her Latham device at the first surgery. We have a long journey ahead with at least two upcoming surgeries in 2009, but the Lord has poured out His grace on us through all that we have faced so far. We are certain that He will continue to sustain us through the upcoming procedures that we face, and we stand in awe at His provision this past year.

Thanks to all of you that have prayed, cooked meals for us, visited, helped by sitting with the kids, and given to us financially to help with Anna's medical expenses. I am so encouraged by the notes and cards that we have received throughout the last eight months. I can't wait until Anna is old enough to comprehend all that our friends and family have done for us during this time-she will be amazed at the love that has been poured out on our family this past year. You all have been such a blessing to our family and we could never repay you for all you have done.

A quick update...Anna went to the pediatrician today due to both ears draining and they placed her on an antibiotic, as well as ear drops. She has not slept well the past few nights because of pain in her ears. Please remember her in your prayers during the next week. We are still working on eating baby food; some days she likes it and on other days she doesn't want any at all. We are starting her on Zantac because we feel like she has had symptoms of reflux for quite some time now, and hope this will give her some relief concerning some issues with her stomach. Samuel went to the dentist for the first time this past week and had a good visit. He loves to go to the hopsital for Anna's appointments so he can ride the elevators! :) Isn't that a typical two year old? The simple things in life bring such satisfaction! We are working on potty training some...pray that mom has great patience during the coming weeks. :)

May God bless each of you richly!

STILL RECOVERING...NEXT VISIT TO SURGEON IS OCT 13

All is well with the Carr family (just on the go as usual)! We go back to Dr. Sargent in a few days to determine whether Anna will have her palate surgery on December 3 as scheduled or whether we will have to reschedule it for January 2009. She is loving life without the "No-No" arm restraints and playing excitedly with all her toys. Her lip is healing fairly well, but still has a small hairline opening that runs horizontally across the top of her lip. She is eating baby food, well at times and not caring for it at all at other times. She is using a spoon like a pro, but we just have not got her eating schedule figured out yet. If we wait too long to offer her the baby food, she just wants her bottle of milk and lets us know clearly that the baby food is not going to make it into her mouth. :) Hopefully you can see the progress she has made in the last month from the photos I am including.

Samuel is growing more and more, talking more and more, and on the go more than ever. He is a good helper, though, and loves Anna. He is currently teaching her to say bye-bye and loves to go with her to her many appointments. We are still learning to share our toys (a lifelong task we will face, I presume). We will let you know how her visit with the surgeon goes next week. Thanks for your continued prayers.