After Surgery Recovery
Mason is doing very well. Probably better than Mom and Dad at this point…. 
. He’s up every few hours for pain medicine and really won’t sleep for longer than two hour stretches, but God is good and we are so happy with Mason’s progress.
One of the most surprising parts of the recovery process for us, so far, has been using his nasal stints (small plastic tubes that go into the nostrils to help retain their shape). The nasal stints make him extremely congested, however we can’t take the stints out for a week and a half. This causes lots of mucus in his nose which gets into his bandages…which we are not supposed to take off. That has really been a theme this week–”You’re really not supposed to do that, but if it happens, just deal with it.” So far in the “please avoid” category we have had to take off the tape over his incision and remove/insert the feeding plate that covers the cleft inside his mouth. Both of these activities are banned after surgery…however Mason has found a way to remove the feeding plate inside his mouth with his tongue making cleaning necessary.
Other than lots of awake time at odd hours of the night Mason continues to be a joy. We are so blessed to have such a good, happy baby! The day after his surgery he looked up and Gabe and I and tried to smile through his bandages…it is so hard seeing him in pain, but thankfully that part of the experience is coming to an end.
We’re both hoping that the scar stays small. The incision is easier to see since we changed the tape on his lip today.
October 6th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Awwww He is so beautiful. He reminds me of a younger me….LOL….we think that he is absolutely perfect. Give him lots of presents and kisses and love him up lots. I miss you guys and will speak to you soon. byebye
October 6th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Oh my goodness–he is totally adorable. Don’t tell Joe or my doggies, but I think I just fell in love again!! Grandpa Ballinger and Grandpa Purrenhage look so delighted. There’s Gabe!! I love the picture of Mason pulling Gabe’s hair with a huge grin into the camera! What a sweet, beautiful, baby boy! More pictures!!!
October 6th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Thank you for sending the update. I am glad to see you all are well, although I am sure very tired. All three of you are in my thoughts and prayers. By the way, I love Mason’s facial expressions in all these pictures. He has the looks of a very happy baby, which I know are because of his great parents. I look forward to seeing you all back in the Mountain soon!
October 6th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
he definitely has the purrenhage blue eyes!
we’re praying for him all the way down here in florida! luv u guys
October 7th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
You are all so amazing!!!! He is absolutly beautiful and I cant wait to meet him. Lexi is soooooooo in love with Mason and she has only seen pictures. As for you parents…you both look great and happy. I couldnt be happier for you. Love you all.
October 8th, 2007 at 7:54 am
Mason looks like such a beautiful and happy baby, I’m SO glad everything went well for you all. You three have been in my prayers these last few weeks! Let me know when things settle down, I can’t wait to meet the famous mason!!!
Ilove you both,
god bless,
-Ellen
October 8th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Thank you so much for the update! He looks like he is doing great! He is so beautiful and cheerful. Please let me know if I can do anything. I’ll even come over and sit with him while Andrea naps. Please let me know!
Love you all!
Kristin
October 30th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
What a little cutie!
Glad he is on the road to recovery!