Say Ahhhhh....

Goodbye Tonsils!
Warning: do not continue to read this if you have a weak stomach! Graphic pictures ahead!

At the beginning of March, Aubrey had her tonsils and adnoids removed. It all started when she was about 3 1/2. She has always been a big snorer, but my sister mentioned that she had noticed some apnea issues when she would lay down to nap with Aubrey (the only way she could get her to nap at her house). I kind of brushed it off, but mentioned it at her 4 yr. well visit. The dr. said that her tonsils were slightly enlarged and we would monitor it. That usually they either got better or worse at this age. I continued to notice her apnea issues, and the episodes became more frequent. I took her back to the dr. This time the dr. said she had "kissing tonsils" and I would need to set up an appt. with and ENT dr. to have them removed. I was shocked at the sudden declaration. I wanted a second opinion, so when we were in for another issue, I asked one of the other drs. in our practice to look at her tonsils and he agreed; they would need to be removed. Off to the ENT we went.

In order to prepare Aubrey for her surgery, Justin's mom bought Aubrey a book about the process. Miss Aubs is an overanalyzer like her mommy, so she found a million things to worry about after reading the book. After discussing all of her concerns, her most urgent concern was that if she brought a baby/stuffed animal that it would get lost while she was in surgery. Silly girl. We assured her that we would take good care of her AND her baby doll, so she was able to move on from the fear to excitement! For what, you may ask. A bye, bye tonsils party, of course! Chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and a candle lit bubble bath were part of the celebration. And the presents, oh this spoiled girl of ours!

The big day came and surprisingly everyone was calm, though you can see the worry in Aubrey's face before surgery. Aubrey was such a big girl! Even with her concern, she was prepared and being so brave. She even walked back to the operating room with the nurse all by herself. After removing her tonsils, the ENT told us they were "massively enlared", but the surgery went really well. They soon called us back to the recovery area to be with Aubrey and it was such a pitiful sight. Seeing our baby girl with all those monitors, an IV, and an oxygen mask on sure made my heart ache even more for parents who have severely ill kids-- I just cannot imagine. The first few hours were the worst because they vomit up all the blood that they swallow during surgery--just not something you ever want to see your child doing. :( But she was brave and did so good!

She recovered quickly--even eating a little "noodle soup" the night of the surgery. The funny thing is, we stocked up on ice cream and popsicles and she really wasn't a fan. She did enjoy the get well gifts...and showing everyone her souvenier-- check out these bad boys!! They look like mini brains.

I'm so thankful for all the prayers about her surgery. I know they helped make this a positive experience. Our girl sleeps SOOO much better now, and is in a way better mood because of it!