Mason's 2nd Surgery - 15 months old

  Mason had his 2nd surgery at 15 months old. This was the palate surgery. Having an open palate has been very challenging for Mason. He was unable to eat without food coming out of his nose, he could not suck from a sippy cup or straw, and he would get annoyed when food that was supposed to go down his throat would get stuck in his palate. Closing the palate will allow Mason the opportunity to learn to "suck", talk and eat somewhat mess free.

The diagram below shows what an open cleft palate looks like. Masons cleft in unilateral. What the diagram fails to show is that a person with a cleft palate like Masons is missing a part of his upper jaw. That will be another surgery. Many people are curious to what a cleft palate really is, the best way to understand is to touch the roof of your mouth with your lounge. What you feel is your palate, now imagine nothing there. Mason also had a split uvula (that ball that hangs between you tonsils). With surgery that in now one piece.

 Awake and Happy (before surgery)

 If you know Mason you know he LOVES to eat. At this point he was very hungry and NOT a happy camper

 As a parent you'll always want to hold your child's hand. Letting go is something I know I will face many times to come but I just needed to treasure this moment at this time.

 Killing time before surgery

 The nurse giving him a sedative with daddy's help

 I have a feeling he knows something is happening and its not something fun

 He does not like his new hat

 Yay! Surgery is over and went well. Now its time to recover

 Lots of babies cry, its normal. But seeing these tears fall from my baby's eyes just broke my heart.

 Daddy trying to feed Mason. Mason was out of it for a while but because he had to fast it was important to get food in his body ASAP

 The Hospital has all these great toys to keep grumpy babies entertained

 "How can I bust outta here"

 Zoe is a Dog that visit children who are staying in the hospital. Mason was happy to see her, it was a nice treat.

 Nothing like calming a baby with Mommy's phone

 Finally able to get some rest

 So happy to be home!

 Mason was supposed to wear the arm restraints for 14 days....Didn't last a day. Here he is trying to figure out how to drink a bottle without bending his arms?

Many of you may know how difficult Masons first surgery was on all of us. If you don't know you can read about it here. I knew his this surgery was going to be a tough one with more risk than the first. I knew my baby would be in pain and I would feel his pain. I had so much fear and anxiety before this operation but Praise God for his mercy and comfort. I was much calmer than I expected, I was more attentive than I thought I could be and the best part was I had so much peace. This is just one of  a many many more surgeries to come but I know that Joy if the Lord is my strength. I can face each new trial with a new found hope and faith that everything is going to be alright.