Only 41 Fingers Now

Lee is out of surgery. Doc said it went better than he thought it would. However, there is some question about his ability to manipulate / bend his thumb at the joint because the ligaments won't be "wired" in the same way that a normal thumb is wired. But, we won't be able to comment on that further until the cast comes off in 4-6 weeks. 

Here's a pic of the finger:

Lee when we first got home: 

Ava thought she needed a cast too

 

Yes- those are Taco Bell napkins. Don't judge. 

Chris is busy assembling the bunk bed while the kids turn the boxes into a house:

One Month... Under Water!!! Kidding!!!

As most of you know, Lee is having surgery on his right thumb today. It's sad that it took Lee going under antisesia for me to have the time to update this blog- but I have lots of good news to report!!

Lee's transition continues to go smoothly. He seems to love his new family. Every morning he wakes up (after a long night of nightmares) with what we think is a look of relief on his face that he is still with us. He insists on a good morning snuggle before breakfast to celebrate! Ava also likes to wake up with mom, so we finally blew up an air mattress in Lee's room for Ava to sleep on. The experiment led to an easier bedtime, a more comfortable sleep, and both were sleeping at least an hour later in the morning. Chris and I assume they must take comfort in each other.... So we invested in a really cool bunk bed (Ava will bed in the twin top bunk and Lee in the full bottom bunk). The bunk bed has stairs and great safety rails. And now Ava is the envy of her friends.... So score!! 

Lee is trying to speak English- but he only speaking in single syllables. So, for example, hungry is "re". But, he seems to understand us- even the less common things like "move back from the tv". We try to challenge him to say the individual sounds correctly- which for the most part he can do.  I'm sure with time and help, the correct pronunciation will come. 

Our lazy days of summer are fairly typical- lots of water play and sports. Lee has quite an arm on him!! 

Ava still likes her brother, although she's a little tired of sharing. But I've noticed that around other kids, she is extremely protective of him!  

Lee has regressed a bit- something that the books said will happen. He loves to be held most of the time (especially when he's hungry, making dinner prep a challenge). Potty training has gone completely out the window for now (we'll try again later this summer). He's getting molars, so he chews on anything in sight. And he is still super clumsy. I'm considering a fanny pack full of first aid supplies!  

Bonding with dad has drastically improved. Dad has been allowed to help with dressing, diaper changes, and holding!! Finally!!! 

For the most part, it is me who has struggled the most with the transition. I have a hard time with the noise and mess, but it's getting better every day. I will be significantly improved when I can sleep in my own bed and possibly have a moment to myself here and there. But- I knew this would be hard and am trying not to complain. (The Darius Ruckers' song It Won't Be Likre This For Long keeps playing in my head.) 

As for the surgery, the doc is working in his right thumb today. The extra will be removed and they are trying to straighten out the remainder. Unfortunately he will be in a full arm cast for 4-6 weeks- which will be interesting considering Lee finds band aids to be awful. But, we are rewarding the kids' patience with a fun beach trip at the end of July!! 

I'll try to post a few post surgical pics later today.