final post-op!

“Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

I Samuel 7:12

that's exactly how we feel...

God has carried us through 3 surgeries,

and we are so grateful!

Gracie's palate is healing well, and her

surgeon was pleased at our appointment yesterday.

Gracie even sat in his lap!

She was really proud of herself for doing so well -

"I not cwy!!"

speech continues to be a work-in-progress.

(the surgeon would like to see more progress...)

we have a great therapist that

visits twice a week, and we truly see improvement

every day, although our little princess speaks a lot

of "Gracie-ese" that only Mommy can interpret.

we continue to believe for healing for that palate,

and that her speech will daily improve.

we will head back to charlotte

(auto-pilot anyone?!)

in February to schedule her next surgery

which will be her lip and nostril revision.

I must admit, I thought this would be

the easiest of her procedures so far,

but after hearing Dr. Matthews describe it

yesterday, both Brian and I were surprised.

basically, the nostril side of the surgery

sounds like it will not have

a pleasant recovery process.

a Scripture immediately came to us

as we started our drive home...

one that we leaned on frequently

during our last hospital stay...

"...as your day, so shall your strength,

your rest and security, be."

Dueuteronomy 33:25

we will have

strength for the day

the moment

the minute

the second

perfectly timed and tailored

amen and uh-huh

the world's best nurse...ever...really

getting a little squirrelly after a 1.5 hr wait

(Gracie, not Brian)