There's no place like home

We are home! This is the first time we flew Northwest and Rob had nothing good to say about them, but so far, they have been the best!! I was joking around with one of the flight attendants and low and behold, he was the head guy--right before the plane took off he upgraded us to first class--what a blessing. Then I got home to lots of hugs and kisses and a clean house. Thank you Nancy, Elaine, and Diane--I love you! I can't begin to express my thankfulness and happiness to all my friends and family. I am humbled by the love you have all given so freely to us. To everyone in my Sunday school class-you are the best. Lina did great on Friday-she was crying, and sweating like crazy, but she handled having what seemed like a million stitches removed from her face, leg, and groin area. She is still swollen, however she is looking great. This was our best trip-not the easiest, it was actually more than I thought it would be, but the two of us continue to bond and look to each other for support. She is precious and has grown up so much! She even cracked a joke while on the phone with Hannah-Hannah asked what are you doing tomorrow and she responded with no hesitation, I'm taking a shower and then mom is going to count my stitches, sounds like fun, right? Hannah and I were cracking up. John has been extremely helpful while I was gone, and seemed to really miss me( I missed him too). Mary and Hannah continue to be supportive, compassionate, loving, and all-around incredible. The three of them understand that they are making a difference for Jesus, and they are so important in this journey. Rob continues to be the glue holding everything together. And he is so stinkin handsome, how did I get so lucky????? I am so happy to be home. I must say I am exhausted and emotionally spent-however I know I am blessed and thank The Lord each day.

Catching Up...

Laura hasn't had internet access, so i'll catch everyone up on their progress.

On Tuesday they got out of the Hotel for a while and walked to the Comfort Diner...about 2 blocks from the hotel and saw their favorite waiter, Rodger. Lina's food intake is a good barometer of how she's feeling. Lina had 3 eggs/2 pcs of toast / french Fries and a choclate milkshake...she's back!!!

Wed. was a doctor's visit, he took out only a few stitches. The rest will come out on Friday. Then they went to their favorite place for hamburgers, Melons with Bill & Sue Broderick. Always good time with the Brodericks, L&L truly enjoy their time with them.

Friday they'll get the rest of the stitches removed (over 150!!). Please pray that this goes well and that Lina will not be in pain. Both Lina and Laura are doing well, in great spirits! They're really looking forward to getting home on Saturday afternoon.
Rob

She kinda looks like Veronica from Willy Wonka

She is so swollen that I think she is going to burst!! We have been tapering off the morphine, in hope that we can take her off the vent today. Then be moved to a regular floor and out of here. We will not be coming home on Wednesday as that is the first day we will see Dr. Rose when we leave the hospital. I am not comforable with only one post op visit before going home. She has been very quite this time around. I have been putting ice packs on her face 20 minutes every hour for the last two days. All is good and I praise God for all he is doing.

PICU

Here we go again. She is so swollen that she stayed intubated. We spent the night in the PICU. We were surrounded by many familiar faces. Dr. Rose took out one of the large keloids on her left thigh and believes the rest will fade with Dermabrasion. He removed the large keloids on her face at the jaw-line. He shorted the muscle in her eye, which raised her eye position. He did lipo to her cheeks and contoured her nose. I didn't think this surgery would be so long, however I understand. She is giving me the "I love you" sign, and is sleeping a lot. I met a man named Anthony, and his daughter Lisa, mom - Marie was having a masectomy-lovely people, and I enjoyed speaking with them. I also just met a woman named Hope, has 3 biological children and 3 adopted medical necessary kids. She also loves the Lord and is inspiring! The Lord is so beautiful and has placed incredible people in my path. I've been downstairs for quite a while, I love the break but need to get back.

Lina's Out of Surgery

Just spoke with Laura and as of 4:30, Lina was out of surgery. Dr. Rose did work on her nose/eye/chin and more...sounds like this was a bigger than we thought! No word yet on how she's feeling, but she is in ICU for now. Keep the prayers coming!!! It's such an encouragement to know how many friends and family are watching over us and are diligent in their prayers for Lina...thank you!! Rob

She is in surgery

We arrived in NY yesterday, pretty empty flight. We saw Dr. Larsen the pediatrician and then Lina had 2 mini-hamburgers, a BIG chocolate shake, and fries. We cuddled in bed and she told me she really didn't want to have surgery, then fell asleep. This morning she was in great spirits and didn't start to cry until Dr. Rose came in to say hello. I brought her into surgery and sang her to sleep. Dr. Rose will be trimming her lips, contouring her cheeks, lifting the eye, shaping the nose, and doing something to the left quad (donor site). We will be her for 3-4 days, then to the Fitzpatrick. Bill picked us up this morning and is headed to NJ for a case. I really appreciate that he is willing to pick us up and bring us to the hospital, it is so nice. He is so nice. Thank you to all my friends that are praying! Mom and Dad thanks for the support!