Last Thursday we finally met with the surgeon regarding Addison's cl/cp. We really liked the Dr. He had a wonderful bed side manner and was very optimistic that Addison would have a successful repair. Because of Addison's age, he recommended closing the palate first and doing a lip adhesion on the right side to help stretch the lip. He said his first focus is helping Addison achieve the best results for speech. He explained that she hasn't formed bad speaking habits yet because she isn't really saying very many English words. He hopes that we can get her palate repaired before she does start forming bad habits. Three months after the palate surgery he will do the cosmetic repair of her lip and nose. He recommended that we see the whole craniofacial team before he did the surgery to see if anyone had anything else to add

We went to Children's today and met with the whole team. It was an all day experience. Addison didn't get a chance to take a nap, but she still did well. She had a hearing test that showed some fluid in her ears. The audiologist felt that she has normal hearing but that the fluid is muffling some sounds. So the ENT recommended ear tubes, which is what we were expecting. They will put them in the same time the plastic surgeon does the palate repair. We also saw the dentist who showed us some tricks to brushing Addison's teeth. She screams anytime I bring a toothbrush near her mouth, so hopefully we can use the dentist's tricks to get her teeth cleaned. Everyone was very impressed with how well she was adjusting and how well she has attached to Bob and I. A psychiatrist was part of the team and she too thought Addison was doing very well.

We met several families today whose children had repaired cl/cp and it was amazing how well they all looked. If it wasn't for the tiny scars on their lips you would have never guessed that they had ever had any issues. We are just hoping for the same results for Addison.

Right now the prospective surgery date is the 15th of Jan., however that may change now that the ENT's will be participating. We are just anxious to get the whole process started.

Today, before the Craniofacial clinic we all went to Nathan's school where they had their winter concert. They theme was holidays around the world. Nathan's class did Kwanzaa. Addison enjoyed the music and all the attention she got. I have posted some pics from the concert.