HOME!!!

Home at last!  This is a list of ways we were blessed:  safe travels, good doctor, nice place to stay, good friends to stay with, no air pockets on airplane, presents/cards, nice rental car, nice people in Cali, new friends, did not hurt to get tubes out, yummy yummy food, nice nurses, fun nails, fun toes, beautiful new dress, fun art projects, nice people from North Carolina, stitches tickled to get out, family, family, family, family, family,
and
last but not least
FAMILY!
Love, Gabi

Mom says:  Here's the scoop.  On Monday we get to take her bandage off for the second time since her surgery, and this time she gets to keep it off!  Dr Brent said it will be like watching a magic show because when it first comes off it will still look pretty rough as it is black/blue and swollen, but it will get better every day and transform as it goes.  He said she bruised more than anyone he's seen (this coming from the best doctor in the world with TONS of experience!)  The doctor has decided to do her next surgery in July.  The reason he chose the month of July is because he plans to do surgery number two and surgery number three at the same time (all in one surgery rather than two separate surgeries.)  We see that as a GOOD thing!  I can't really tell you about the emotional part of all this...because it's hard to put it into words.  I think the fact that she puked in the bushes on the way into get her stitches out says a lot.  I asked her if she wanted to explain that on here and she said, "No.  Too personal."  So I have a brave eight year old who is also wise and has good boundaries.  Who wudda thunk it?  We also need to thank Messiah Lutheran Church for being supportive to Eric and the kids while Mom and Gabi were out of town.  They ate well!  :)  We'll post pictures of her ear once it is unbandaged...and when Gabi is comfortable showing it off.  Thanks again for all the many many well wishes and prayers!  We ARE blessed!  jane