Ivee was released from children's on Friday evening, so we stayed in the hotel that night. We got home Saturday around lunch time, and she has been very happy to be here! We are all adjusting to her situation and WEIGHT! She is quite heavy right now. It's like picking up a log, so now I call her Pinocchio!!!

Headed home from birmingham. Praying for a safe a stress free ride home in her new harness.

Ivee is contently watching UP from her hospital bed, lying next to daddy. She is not too fond of the RED cast (she chose the color) going from chest to foot. It's to the foot on the right and to the knee on the left. She's once again proving what a strong girl she is. Hardly any complaining at all. She is so amazing.

Ivee's in surgery now

Ivee and Recovery

So, a friend posted a question wondering what Ivee will be able to do during recovery. I am not sure at this time, but can speculate. She will be in a full body cast from chest to toes, in a sitting type position. It will probably require that she be propped up though. She will have full use of her arms, so I believe I'll be investing in some kind of table that could somehow fit over her legs. That way she can do puzzles, draw, color and the like. I'm praying that this is the case. Once again, I'm not completely sure what position the cast will have her in.
Another question/s asked of me lately is "What about going to the bathroom? Or feeding her through her g tube?" Good questions! They will leave the "diaper" area open for us to change her. They will also leave an opening around her button for feeds. Of course, NO to baths, so I guess a good wipe down every night. My plan, for now, is to still take her to school periodically. I will stay there and help her out. Her teacher will have her hands full enough with the other kids to have to worry about Ivee falling over. We will see what we can really do once we are home.
Thanks for caring and checking in!!! We love you all and covet your prayers!

Swallow Study

     Ivee made it through swallow study with the promise of the purchase of a new dress, which will have to be bought tomorrow cause Walmart had NOTHIN!!! She passed most of the test. On liquids, it puddles on the vocal chords, then after a few swallows, most clears. Some remained. On thin feeds (ei apple sauce, soups, yogurt consistency) she aspirated just a little bit, but we saw it. On th...icker foods (ei. p'nut butter, Pudding, refried beans consistency) she got it down all at once fine. So, drinking without a straw and thinker foods that stay together are the recommendations for now. Em and I aren't too worried, but she does tend to cough here and there when eating. It's been 2 1/2 years since her last study, and in the time we have feed her and given her drinks by mouth. She has never had a fever, severe cough, chest congestion or anything that lead us to believe that she had problems with aspiration. Never had pneumonia or other pulmonary issues.
     SO.....as her ENT at St. Jude, Dr. Thompson (who by the way also has a paralyzed vocal chord), says, "I love coffee. I aspirate it everyday, but it hasn't stopped me from drinking it." I guess what he means by that is...when she learns to love the food and gets more practice in swallowing and using those muscles, we won't be able to stop her.
     Hip surgery is only 9 days away. I don't seem to be able to go to sleep too well knowing what all I need to get done with the house, kids, and details. The mind just keeps running and running. Then I keep thinking about what we are going to do with Ivee. I don't stress out too much, and usually I internalize it. BUT lately I see myself snipping at others. Trying to keep it in check!!! It doesn't help my attitude when Ethan and Brittney are at each other lately. Ethan also has homework from the time he gets home and goes to bed. Brittney has two projects due this week. Hoping the week of the surgery things will slack off for them since we won't be home. Thank the Lord, once again, for our neice Erin. She is keeping them again for us. She is awesome!!!!!!!

A few more cruise pics

Our 6 person platter from Chen Rio

He tasted sooooo good! Really. And not I didn't eat the face.

YMCA

Em and McCall goofing it up at Chen Rio

Mexico and Surgery

Em and I had a wonderful time on our Cruise. A great rest before Ivee's surgery. Here's a few pictures and then I'll share the surgery information.

Dinner at night on the boat. Em, Catina and McCall in the Imagination dining room.

In the Atrium of the boat!

The Atrium from the top floor looking down.

Enjoying the kid free area of the Lido deck.

Before Formal night in the dining room.

Cozumel Mexico!!! Ahhhhh

Catina and Hope's feet in the Gulf of Mexico!!!

Em trying to command ownership of an old coral reef off the beach.

Chen Rio...LUNCH!!!

The beach!

Lunch time at Chen Rio

The wonderful, many colors of the water in Cozumel.

Catina and McCall Snorkleing

Tulum ruins in Mexico

Em and iguana

Playa Del Carman

Our Cruise Director Fileppe' after the Groove for St. Jude party on the boat. Carnival cruise lines is raising money for St. Jude right now!!!

Ivee's surgery is Thursday, Sept. 23rd at UAB. She'll be in the hospital for 2 to 3 days, and in a body cast for 6 weeks. So, from the end of Sept to the beginning of November, the Foleys will be needing prayers!