Eating a treat!

Ruth had visitors bearing gifts while she napped....
She's eating it now. This is her BIG SMILE!

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Decent night

We survived our first night home.... And now relaxing today.
Ruth will feel like getting up and playing with her toys about 30 min after we get pain meds, and then she's back to resting in my lap for a few hours.
Thanks to all who have prayed!
She is eating baby food and taking liquids by syringe

For fun, I just painted her nails.. This might be a daily thing. Ha ha.

She is making a few vocal sounds. I'm anxious to hear a difference, but she isn't saying much yet.
Time will tell!

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Home Sweet Home

We are thankful to be home. Exhausted, but revived when you can get clean and relaxed in your own home.
Ruth was glad to see Chloe and Timon.
Now, to rest tonight and drink lots of fluids!

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Hungry girl!

Well, Ruth has successfully eaten a snack cup of applesauce and 2 snack packs of jello!
After I looked inside her mouth, I'm amazed she will even try to eat....except that she's probably starving. Her "last supper" was over a day ago.

I will be a happy Mama when no more wires are plugged and I can easily hold my baby!!

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Resting well!
I'm actually now holding her in the bed. Just got another dose of meds so pain is under control.

She is frustrated with her arm braces that don't allow her to bend her arms. But we sure don't want her to touch her mouth. In 3 weeks we bet she will outsmart these "no-nos" (braces).

Otherwise she is the best patient!
She is being strong and courageous!!

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Out of surgery

Doing GREAT!!! God is good!
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ENT surgeon

He just came to speak with us. Ruth had never had tubes and certainly needed them for atleast one ear that had a lot of fluid behind it.
So yeah- she should be hearing better soon for sure!

Well I'm anxiously still waiting, but know that God is present with her in the operating room and acting as a gentle shepherd holding us in His arms close to His heart.

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Waiting room visitors

These special cousins helped to pass the waiting time!! Thanks mary clara, abel and priscilla!
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In operating room

I just left my precious child "asleep" in the operating room!
She did awesome and even did a few "tricks" before she put on her mask like mamas.

She direected her bunny to do the hand motions while I sang "if you are happy and you know it".

Then ruth noticed everyones hats and masks. The charge nurse got ruth's bunny a hat too.

Then it was time for Ruth to get her mask on.

She was so brave and calm. Thanks for praying! Now to wake up calm!!!!
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New outfit

We just spoke with her doctor and she will be going back soon.
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In waiting room still just hpoing our time comes soon. Ruth is doing great right now just happy playing.
She hasn't even complained about no food yet today!

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Let's pray that the palate repair tomorrow will do ALL that it's meant to do so that fewer surgeries will be needed in the future.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

God is in control and all of this is in His plan!

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Surgery time

We just finished pre-op. We have speech evaluation later today.

We are to arrive at hospital tomorrow at 10:30. So I pray we are able to update everyone about 3pm that all is well and that surgery is successful!

She was given a little elephant, so that has kept her happy and busy.

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Ears CLEAR!

That's right! God suprised us when we went for a re-check at the ENT. The Debrox had worked to remove all the impacted wax out of one ear. The other was soft enough they could suction out the wax.
Now we are clear and she can hear my whispers! I can't wait until Ruth gets her hearing retested in March. It should be a big difference from our previous evaulation of "mild hearing loss possibly due to impacted ear wax".

Surgery date!

Well, we got an unexpected surprise call today! Chapel Hill has an opening for surgery on Jan 26th. We took the spot.
Please begin praying for Ruth's surgery to close her palate to be successful and quick recovery!
Our God is in control!

One quick note: yesterday was the 1st time we observed Ruth praying outloud on her own. While Chloe prayed her prayer last night with Ruth on the bed beside her, Ruth began to babble with her eyes closed and hands clasped. She continued until chloe finished and Ruth ended with Amen! I was so shocked. Then she repeated it all while on Timon's bed praying.
So cool to me! Tonight, Ruth "prayed" at dinner. It sure amazes me that she already understands so much English but blows me away that she is quickly learning about our God!!

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Passion 2011 trip to Atlanta, GA

Ruth likes to wear hair bows, so we got her a few new ones for the trip. She tried them all on at once.

Her 1st taste of sour cream and parents who were talking equals a messy face!

Main sessions were awesome! It was incredible to see Ruth worsip Him by imitating those around her. One song included the words "we welcome you with praise". Ruth was signing "your welcome" when I glimpsed at her. I just teared up knowing she clearly understood the praises we were declaring!

Every night was late, and that brings out the craziness in all of us! Ruth was dancing in her new hat before bath time.

She really grew comfortable with the college kids from our church. One afternoon she just walked up to John Lane and almost sat in his lap! She ended up beside him!

What a great time!!!!

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Yes, she was amazed at the finished look!

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Well, Ruth has been sick with a fever since we came home from Passion. I guess we wore her out!
Tonight, to brighten this house up, we let her select the polish color for her nails. Of course it would be pink!
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On the road to Passion 2011 in Atlanta, GA. Well, she is entertained!
After applying lotion everywhere on Ruth and then baby doll, I decided to let her apply chapstick. Yes- baby is greased well and ruth's face can withstand 30 mph winds without chapping!

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