Pearl's First Word!

Today Pearlie was in the exersaucer and I was clearing things off a table nearby. I accidently dropped something on the floor and I heard a small but very distinct "Uh-oh!" from Miss Pearl. She speaks! I got her to say it several more times, and Faith and Davis got in on it too, dropping things and cheering when she said her word. Wow.

Where are the new photos of Pearl?

Here they are!

Eight days after surgery

Thirteen Days after Surgery

"Mom, are you seriously letting him do this to me?"*

*No babies were harmed or even alarmed during the making of this picture. Davis uses the reflex-checking-hammer and the ear-checking-device from the doctor's kit interchangeably. He was NOT hammering on his sister's head, and he was very gentle with the princess as he inspected the health of her ears.

Happy Gotcha Day, Davis!

Dearest Boy, Two years ago today you brought a light and laugh into our family that has grown in beauty and brightness ever since. We love you so much!

Before and After

Pearl did great during her surgery today, and we got a very good report from the doctor. She is resting well and the medicine seems to be keeping her free from pain.

Here are a few pictures of Pearl last night:



And one of her tonight:


I know it is hard to tell what is going on in that last photo. She has a strip of tape just above her newly-joined upper lip that is holding everything firmly in place. The part that protruded before has been moved back into place, though it still comes forward a little. She no longer has her "spaces," as Faith called them, and now she has a functioning nose that is separate from her mouth. It really is amazing to see what has already been accomplished!

Thanks so much for your prayers for this day! Please remember our girl as she recovers. As you can see, Miss Wiggles is squirming away in that last photo. She'll be wearing those "no no's" on her arms to keep her fingers away from her mouth for the next little while.