oreos and a cleft palate

Sweet John Paul hasn't even been home for a week and we've already made our first doctor trips (now is the time to do it since Matt is taking some paternity leave and my parents are here to help with the other kiddos). We headed to the top hospital in our area of the country to see a cleft specialist who came very highly recommended.  We were super impressed with the facility, the surgeon, the head nurse... everything.  End of (very thank-filled) story: he'll have his palate repaired sometime this fall, still not sure exactly when but super thankful for this excellent provision for him.

We finished so early at the hospital that we decided to do double duty and visit an American family doc for a general check up.  Unless something funny turns up in his blood work (which is highly unlikely) the end result is....... John Paul is one healthy little boy.  The doc's quote: "I am impressed with him."

Thank you doctor, we are too.  And even more impressed with the God who perfectly intricately designed him - every little detail. 

As to feeding John Paul and his palate?  My worries were totally unfounded.  John Paul eats.  And eats.  And eats.  He even eats Oreos.  Yum. 

His sneezes can be a bit messy (food bits come out the nose!) and he can't suck on anything (sippy cup, bottle, straw, etc).  But other than that, you would never ever know there was a hole in the roof of his mouth. 


He is one precious little boy who is getting in to everything! And I am staying busy running after him and trying to keep him out of trouble ;)  Tonight he successfully dunked his toothbrush in the potty.  And that was just one of his many antics! 


It's a big week here.... tomorrow my Lydia turns FIVE YEARS OLD!  (and yes, she already got the birthday present we'd all been dreaming of - a new brother!)  Thursday my parents leave on a three day get-away to see the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian.  And Matt, who has been easing back into work, will be in meetings all day Thursday which means it's my first day on my own with all five.  Woohoo Laura!

I'm off to make some cinnamon rolls for the morning.  (Lydia's request for her birthday breakfast!)