An Update on John, Post-Surgery ....

As most of you are aware, John had a UPPP procedure done last Thursday (10.08.09). I'm not sure what it actually stands for, but basically it was a procedure to help correct severe sleep apnea. His operation only took about an hour to complete, and he only needed to spend one night in the hospital. He was discharged with a prescription of liquid pain medication and liquid antibiotics. He's taking his medicine religiously and doing everything in his power to get better, fast, however he's not healing as fast as we had thought he would. The pain has actually gotten worse and the back of his throat has now scabbed over making it even harder to swallow and talk. I called his doctor today to see if they could prescribe a stronger pain medication, which they did. I was also informed that he is able to eat whatever he wants now (something we didn't know), with the exception of anything 'scratchy' (i.e., chips, crackers, etc.). The doctor did tell us it will take up to three weeks for him to heal completely, and that this procedure is a very painful one to recover from, but it's very effective! I've already noticed a difference in his sleeping! He used to not be able to sleep on his back because he'd stop breathing so many times throughout the night, but now sleeping on his back is what seems to be most comfortable! AND ... I haven't had to say "breathe" in the middle of the night at all in the past week! Woo hoo! Anywho, it's a slow process, but he's getting there!

Jacob's First Leesburg Fire Open House (10.10.09)

Yesterday was Jacob's first Leesburg Fire Open House. It was probably the chilliest Open House day they've had in years, but we went anyways. Jacob LOVES fire trucks. His Grammy and Pap (my mom and step-dad) both belong to the Leesburg Fire Department, so he gets to go to the fire house often. He's not at all afraid of the sirens like a lot of children his age are, so I figured he'd have a great time, and he really, really did!

When we got there, MedStar already had their helicopter there, so we took Jacob over to it, so he could sit up in the helicopter and take a look around. At first he was a bit apprehensive, but he quickly got over it. He had his Pap with him, so all was right with the world!

After taking a tour of the helicopter, we decided to go inside to get Jacob changed into his very own fireman gear. I have to say that he was probably the cutest little fireman I've ever seen! It was a bit too big on him, but that didn't slow him down any. He was cruising all over the bay and the front drive of the fire house.

After he showed off his gear, we got a hot dog and juice for lunch and then just walked around checking out the rest of the fire trucks. Jacob probably walked all over that fire house and yard. He passed out in the car almost as soon as he got in. He had such a great time and we can't wait to take him again next year!