6 months Post-Op!

In general, January seems like 6 months ago.  But the details of January 27th are so engrained that it seems like it was just days ago.  Putting your 9 month old in the hands of a surgeon is scary.

(Pre-Op)

I know I didn't stop praying all day.  Praying for Ezra, the surgeon, the other doctors, the nurses, the NERVE...if it wasn't for that facial nerve wrapped around the mass I might have been a little more at ease.  Surgery was supposed to last 3 hours, maybe a little longer.  "Don't get nervous if it takes a little longer," Dr. Rimell said.  I was doing okay at 3 1/2 hours, and still pretty good at 4 hours, but after that my stomach was in a knot.  After 5 hours and 1 minute our little man was finally in recovery.  The best news of all was that the nerve was completely intact!  The nerve that could have caused complete paralysis on the right side of Ezra's face had not been severed.  Thank you, Jesus!!

                                                    (1 day post-op)                                       (2 days post-op)

(2 weeks post-op)

We've had several post-op check-ups and at his 6 month appointment the ENT said we didn't have to come back; everything looks great!!  There is still some healing - the skin where the mass was has some internal stitches that are still working their way out and the incision has one stitch that is still working its way out.  The indentation caused from the removal will also fill in over time because he is so young. He can never get an Atypical Mycobacterial Infection again.  (Though I am quite paranoid around bird poop...I feel like I see it everywhere now!)

(2 months post-op)

(Today: 6 months post-op)

During the surgery, they ended up removing the parotid gland because it was in the way and part of the major mess that they found.  Removal of this gland can cause Frey's Syndrome, and wouldn't you know, Ezra has developed it.  It's nothing serious, just another very rare condition.  When they removed the gland, they saved the nerves that were in it.  These are salivary nerves and in some cases they "grow" into the skin causing the skin to turn red, and even sweat, when the person salivates.  So when Ezra eats he gets a red mark on his cheek, we haven't noticed any sweating so far.  (He was eating breakfast in the picture above so it's slightly noticeable, right above the mark from the mass.)  It's something that may or may not resolve itself over time.  Botox will temporarily fix it or there is a surgery to permanently fix it, but if it's not causing Ezra any discomfort (and it doesn't seem to be) we don't plan to do anything about it.  We'll just have to remember to let his teachers know about it so they don't think he's having some kind of allergic reaction during snack time!

Amazing how one day can be so vivid in our memories, isn't it?!  Though we will never know exactly how Ezra contracted this crazy infection, we are so thankful for the medical technology and doctors that were able to take care of it.

If you have more questions about our experience with Atypical Mycobacterium, please leave a comment or email me at thoner02k @ yahoo . com. You can read all my posts related to this here.
~Anika

The Great Pinterest Hunt!

I came across this blog post this morning. 

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/scrap-box/# 

Check out the Hunt for your chance to win some great prizes (and have fun looking at all sorts of Pinterest Boards!)

#thegreatpinteresthunt

~Anika

Give that Pin a Try #3: Repurposing a Container

I know I said I had a recipe to share next, but I changed my mind.

I've had my eye on many versions of repurposed containers on Pinterest.  I desperately need cute storage bins, but somehow diapers and new shoes for my ever growing boys end up higher on the shopping list than new storage bins and baskets.  Here are a few that I've found on Pinterest...

The Kleenex box...

Source: southernflaircrafts.wordpress.com via Anika on Pinterest

The tin cans...

Source: shabbychicinspired.blogspot.com via Anika on Pinterest

The Diaper box...

Source: positivelysplendid.com via Anika on Pinterest

Awesome! Right?

When I was cleaning out our entryway closet, which also holds all of my laundry supplies, I found this old OxyClean container (from back when they were still round - although I think the new rectangular ones will work too, they just aren't as deep) and decided to try my hand at making it into something that could sit out on a shelf without being an eyesore.

I decided to paper mache the outside and make a fabric liner that would fold over the top.

I used Elmer's White Glue and warm water - about equal parts, but I didn't measure.

Then I started ripping pieces of this Kraft colored wrapping paper, dipping them in the glue and applying them to the container.

Here it is with one layer.  It took about 2 or 3 layers to completely cover the bright blue plastic.  Then I let it dry overnight.

In the morning it looked like this.

I had some left over denim so I flipped the container over and traced the TOP rim onto the denim since it's bigger than the bottom - that way I had room for a seam allowance when I sewed it to the rectangular piece.  I didn't take pictures of the sewing process, but first I ironed some Hem Tape to the top long edge of the rectangular piece.  Stitching it up didn't take long at all, and I even got it right on the first try!  (Thought I'd have to pull out the seam ripper for sure!)

I put the liner in and tied some ribbon around it (it didn't need the ribbon, I just wanted to dress it up a bit).  I think it's adorable, and I'm going to use it to serve pretzel rods dipped in chocolate at a 4th of July party.  I'll try to remember to get a picture of that to share later too.

Have you repurposed any containers lately?  I'd love to see them!  Are you planning anything exciting for the 4th?  We are looking forward to celebrating with friends and family at a grill out complete with cold slushy drinks (it's supposed to be hot and sticky here) and lots of fireworks!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Anika