Tube time

Today Ava had her ear tube surgery. We had to be at the hospital at 6:30 this morning, so we were a little worried about the early start and the fact that Ava could not have breakfast (or milk or water or anything!). But she surprised us and was a trooper and her cute self for the nurses. Before the procedure started they gave her a sedative to keep her calm for administering the anesthesia. It was so funny because she was groggy yet giggling – like she had a happy pill!

Watching her go “under” was horrifying and by far the worst part of the process for me. But we were only away from her for about 10 minutes and when we returned to her after she started waking up the nurse said she kept saying “mama” and “dada” when she woke up – that sure melted our hearts. The entire process went really well and Ava reacted post-op just as the doctor said she should – groggy/fussy at first and then back to herself after a good nap!

We’re really hoping the tubes will provide her with some relief from the ear infections she’s had to live with over the past 9 months.

Not only did we spend the morning at the hospital for Ava’s surgery, we also spent the afternoon at the hospital. My dad was admitted last night after accidentally shooting himself in the chest with a nail gun. Fortunately the three inch nail landed in just the “right” spot and only punctured a lung. He missed his pace maker by about an inch and his heart by about two. Today he’s doing quite well, all things considered, and should be able to go home tomorrow. We are so thankful this situation turned out as well as it has.

The two patients (plus me :)!