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Fourth Time Lucky

After three cancellations in the last two months, Nico finally had his lip revision/fistula repair surgery last Thursday.

Everything went great -- he was cheery and calm presurgery, even when they put the anesthetic mask on him in the OR; he had a few hours of pain and distress after waking up post-surgery but they had some good drugs for that; by evening he was drinking juice and eating applesauce and ice cream, content to watch videos on Mommy's computer.

He slept well in the hospital; I didn't get up with him once -- the night nurse said he was the easiest cleft patient she'd ever had. The surgeon came by first thing in the morning and discharged us without trouble.

From what we can see, the appearance of Nico's lip has improved a lot. The red lip is now lined up and symmetrical, even though it's swollen from surgery. The surgeon also closed up a fistula (hole) on the roof of his mouth so he'll have less leakage through his nose. Now we just keep him on a soft diet and in arm restraints when necessary until things heal up.

Lia enjoyed her time with Dad and Grandma while Mom and Nico were in the hospital.

Nico is nearly back to his old self and isn't even on pain medication anymore. Yesterday he was tearing it up on the boardwalk at Mer Bleue, and today he danced the closing hymn at church. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.