Next step in treatment...Surgery

Wow, I haven't posted anything since 2011.  Guess a second child keeps you pretty busy, tired, crazy and entertained.  "Now a mother of two and trying to survive" should be the name of this blog.  I also don't write to offer any advice.  I have none.  Sharing a story once in awhile helps me relax, laugh and appreciate life challenges.    

Our little lady Olivia was born with a Hemangioma on the left side of her face.  Just one of those bizarre things that can happen.  As if being a new parent isn't scary enough lets just toss in a rare medical condition.  Going through our experience was horrible but we made it :)

Every expectant mother claims not to have a preference when their pregnant.  Secretly, of course they do, liars.  I always knew I wanted a little girl.  I often tell Olivia "I prayed for a little angel and Jesus gave me you".

After spending her first year of life on medication three times a day.  The second year with pulse dye laser treatments (6 so far) to help with the redness.  It is time for her first reconstructive surgery tomorrow.  We originally planned to start this in November of 2011.  But for several reasons we decided against it.  So glad we did.  Now that more time has passed a less invasive procedure will be performed.  The surgeon is going to add some definition to the upper lip and below her nose. Where scarring is from the ulceration, she had at three months old.

Everyday I wonder if I'm being a good mother.  Something we all ask ourselves.  Am I being a good role model (probably not).  Do I show my girls enough affection?  Do I get upset too much?  I hope I'm not raising bratty girls.  Is this discipline book I'm reading really working?  They should eat better food.  I'm terrible when it comes to nutrition. Did they even eat three meals today?  Is one Eggo considered a meal?   I feel terrible that we can't enjoy the outdoors more.  But that's Maryland's fault not mine.  Tomorrow I will ask myself did we do the right thing?

Olivia continues to teach me about life everyday and she's only three.  If I could be half as sweet as she is to others I may have more friends.  I pray she never losses that.  Tonight I held her hand while she fell asleep.  I kept thinking, my baby has to go through so much just to look "normal".  To help make life easier as she gets older.  When she's already perfect to me.

I'm thankful for the wonderful doctors we've had throughout our journey so far.  I will be praying for our surgeon and nurses tomorrow.  And of course our little girl..procedure to go well and a easy recovery.