Back in the Swing of Things...

Since Aiden's last surgery in February to clear that infection, we have been busy bee's! We wanted to soak in as much as possible before we started this all over again. We kept ourselves busy with fun play dates with several friends, many trips to Disneyland, a few to the zoo, a trip to Michigan and last but not least, the Nevus Outreach Conference! We are so glad to have made it to our very first Conference because it was AMAZING!!! An experience, that only those who attend can understand. Thank you so much to all of you that donated to Nevus Outreach for Aiden's birthday party so that we could attend! It will be something we hope to attend for many more years to come and we hope that it will impact Aiden the same way it did for us.

The only thing that was a bummer about the conference was that we knew the end meant that it's time to get back in the swing of things with Aiden's surgical journey. Since we had such a long break, it almost felt like it was over but of course, it isn't. We had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Bauer at the conference and his wonderful staff, Mim, Susan, and Kristi. He said that Aiden had healed up well (phew) and that he would place 2-3 expanders this time. I asked if he thought that he would get the rest this time and he didn't seem to think so due to the sensitive nature of the arm. I wasn't shocked by this because he had told us this in the past and all we want for Aiden is the best result for his future. With Dr. Bauer, we have that so we don't question it.

So, here we sit, one week until surgery #4 on July 23rd. My emotions are so much stronger than they were going into round one. There is less anxiety, less stress and unfortunately, familiarity of what to expect. Of course, I still have some of those feelings but that is mainly because he is older and much more aware of his surroundings and that does make me sad BUT my little guy is tough, so I'll be strong for him.

This time will be a little different than usual because we will see an ENT doctor prior to having surgery done. Aiden has had four ear infections throughout his short little life and the last two were about a month apart so there is some concern that he will continue to get ear infections, especially when expanders are in. So, the ENT will examine him and hopefully put tubes in to help with this issue. They normally do tubes once they have had six ear infections but Aiden's case is different due to the surgeries. I know of a few others who had this done as well and it was worth it so I am hoping they get placed. If they do get placed, it will just be right before Dr. Bauer does his procedure.

Please keep Aiden in your thoughts and hope that the surgery and recovery is smooth. I will keep you posted as much as I can! We should be the first surgery at 7:30am, which is easier for us and easier on Aiden with the fasting but we will know for sure when the hospital calls us to confirm.

We still have cookbooks available for sale and we are reducing the price in hopes to sell what we have left to continue to help us cover the expenses of medical bills and traveling expenses to Chicago. The cookbooks are now $15! If you don't have a copy and want one, let me know or order directly from the blog. Or maybe you know someone that might want one or even someone who might be willing to help me sell some...please pass the word on if you do. I also have a few other fundraising ideas that we might do during Aiden's expansion so I will keep you informed in case you would like to participate! We continue to be so grateful for everyone that has helped so far, its been such a huge help!

Just Aiden enjoying summer!