Are we ready?

Well Maggie's surgery is scheduled for Wednesday. We have been told by the ear/nose/throat doctor that he will be doing his part of the surgery at 8:30 AM (placing tubes in her ears), so we are anticipating being at the hospital by 6:30 AM. We assume that her palate will be repaired shortly thereafter. We have been told that tthe tubes should be done in less than 30 minutes and the palate surgery will take about 1 1/2 hours. Barbara has already packed a bag as we plan to stay with Maggie until she can come home. During the middle of last week, Maggie started coughing alot and her eyes were watery. Barbara took her to the doctor on Thursday and she has the beginning of an ear infection. She is taking antibiotics and should be good to go on Wednesday. Maggie stayed home most of the weekend for precautionary reasons. We did go to Church this morning and were going to venture out to the playground this afternoon, but she was running a slight fever, so we kept her home. She does seem to be doing better, however - she's not coughing as much, she's not as congested and she has been sleeping through the night.

On Friday, two of Barbara's closest friends threw a "welcome home" party for Maggie. The weather was beautiful and we grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Maggie had a wonderful time and smiled all night. It's amazing how well she is adjusting. She is also feeling more comfortable with other people.

Yesterday Barbara called and spoke to a friend who has two adopted daughters from China who underwent the same surgery and asked for some helpful advice. Among other things, she suggested getting Maggie a portable CD player. I did just that, and she LOVES it! Hopefully it will help a little when she is in the hospital. We also purchased a child size table and chairs for Maggie, and it has now become the best seat in the house.

We are worried about Maggie's diet after surgery. She will be on a liquid diet for a week or so and then on soft foods after that. Maggie (like her dad) likes to eat, and eat, and eat. I foresee many angry moments from her in the coming weeks. I hope she doesn't hold a grudge.

Please keep Maggie in your prayers and I will try to update as soon as I can to fill everyone in on her surgery Wednesday.