Carter is 6 months old...and Surgery went perfectly!

Carter is SIX MONTHS OLD--time truly does fly.  Since his surgery was ON his 6 month birthday, we took these photos on the 24th (the day before).  He is sitting up, mostly on his on now and unless he's playing with his toes he refuses to stay on his back.  He immediately rolls over and pushes up.  He is rocking back and forth and can make a little progress towards favorite toys (preferrably ones that sing or make noise).  He loves bath time now that he can sit up and splash.  He enjoys squirty toys and rubber duckies.  Eyes are still blue on most days, but I've thought they were brown and even green on others.  He is so lovey...hugs and snuggles right in and really lands big ol' smackeroos on ya.  Havent started real food yet because he wouldnt be allowed any after surgery for 2 weeks so we decided not to start and then stop food (one less thing for him to "miss" after surgery). He had his 1st ear infection in May as well and had to be on Amoxil for the 10 days prior to surgery--YUCK:(  He was 29 inches long and 18 lbs 10 ozs!!!!  Info about surgery below...Enjoy the photos in his 6 month onesie!  

Carter sitting  up in his 6 month onesie...with the help of Boppy

His BIG smile:)

Sitting Up without the support of Boppy

Getting ready to ROLL over to belly

Stopping to play with my pigs...one of my favorite pasttimes!

He talks to his little piggies..its a riot!

The bittersweet day of surgery---we waited for it to come but hated to see it.  As Dr. Losee says, "we have no other option."  Both sets of grandparents, Josh, Carter and I ate at Joes' Crab SHack in Station Square and then went swimming at the Holiday Inn (Thanks, Debb) (we stayed the night before the surgery there as we had to be to the hosp at 6AM).  Swimming was super fun..enjoyed it a lot more than the first time in Cleveland.  It wore him out!  After swimming we took a quick bath, ate a late night snack and he fell asleep between Josh and I.  I woke him at 3:45 to eat as 4:00AM was allowed to be his last real food pre-op.

Soon after arriving at the hospital, Terry & Darlene's pastor and Pastor Don arrived.  THen we were quickly taken back for an exam.  Pastor Don prayed with all of us.  After the initial exam, we were invited to wait in play room, where our family and pastors joined us for the next hour or so.  After the anestesialogist met with us, things moved quickly.  Terry and Darlene's pastor prayed with us all and Josh and I walked down the hall with the anestesiologist and soon thereafter handed Carter off...and bawled. ugh.

We were then shown to the surgical waiting room to check in, one of us had to remain in that room at all times.  We headed back to that playroom to get our family and baggage...as we passed the pre-op nurses station, Grandma Darlene heard one say, "now that's a support system."  All I can say is...AMEN!  

Then the WAIT begain...in the surgical waiting room there is a large screen where patient numbers are listed and a code listed beside that so that parents/family can keep tabs on what stage of surgery your little one is in.  Carter's number was 7115...and throughout the duration, his number had a mysterious highlighted box around it.  It made it easy to discern it from the multitude of numbers, but no one there could explain why there was a box around it....so I decided it was because Carter was so special...DUH.  During the wait, I had two anxious moments...1st, about 2 hours into the surgery I had this overwhelming feeling that soon someone would be coming to talk to us, but I knew that his surgery was to last 4-6 hours so that made me anxious...well, withing 2 minutes a woman came up to us and said, "You're Carter's parents? I'm coming to let you know that Dr. Losee says that everything is going perfect and according to plan."  WHEW.   yeah.  Then around 11:30, approaching 3.5 hours of surgery at this point, Josh decided to go get us lunch because the paperwork says that parents should eat a snack before coming to see their child in recovery...while he was gone I had a mini breakdown.  It was just my mom and I in the waiting room...and I had that feeling again...that something was happening with Carter.  Josh returned, we just started opening our sandwiches and in struts Dr. Losee...proud as a peacock to tell us that everything went perfect and according to plan!  Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!! Some details:  if he eats and wets diapers by tomorrow, Carter can go home, we need to clean his incision and nose with a 50/50 mix of peroxide/saline every 2-4 hours and dress with a thin layer of antibiotic cream.  He had hundreds of stitches unseen and a silicon tube in his nose that is stitched through the septum to a silicon stint in the other nostril that he would LIKE to stay in for a couple months-ugh.  The reason for this:  the nose is mostly cartilage not bone, so it doesnt always stay where it's set.  Carter is in no-nos (velcro braces that inhibit his elbows from bending keeping him from touching his mouth or putting foreign object in it).  However, the best part--Carter can eat from the same bottles that he has been using and may start upon waking:)  He thought we'd be able to see him in about 30 mins...so we woofed down our food and waited...when 1:00PM rolled around Josh and I were ushered back to the recovery room. 

This may have been the one of the ONLY portions of Children's that disappointed me.  In recovery his nurse was watching 2 children as they were recovery from the effects of anestesthia.  She was also on the phone to obtain a replacement b/c her own son injured himself the Friday before and needed to be taken to the ER?  Weird I thought. but I heard that conversation while we stood by Carter's bedside.  She was not the friendliest woman NOR did she communicate with us beyond a few grunts.  Not to mention that Carter was restless, swollen and in and out of conscienceness.  I was bawling at this point...feelings of guilt that I'd put him through this, overwhelming joy because it looked amazing and he would someday be so thankful, and anxiety because I just wanted him to wake up and see us there to welcome him.

Thank goodness, soon thereafter we were taken to his room on the C wing of the 7th floor.  Again, his main nurse, Dee, was a bit of a disappointment.  I seriously felt like I was telling her what to do based on what Dr. Losee told Josh and I (and our moms) immediately following surgery.  UGH.  Thankfully, her shift ended at 7PM and Shelly (her replacement) was AMAZINGLY kind, gentle and compassionate:)  I'm forgetting to mention that Josh's sister, Tricia and his mom's parents (Grandma and Grandpa Dye) came while we were in the surgical waiting room, too.  Later my brothers and sisters-in-law came down, too.  He was SOMEWHAT awake when they were down, but he was pretty swollen and eyes were like slits.  I'm not including any of the pix that I took in the hospital, but I did document that Carter's swelling and appearance changed by the hour!  I was expecting him to look worse, though, so that was a MOST PLEASANT surprise!!  He still hasnt really bruised, and by today (Saturday) he's barely swollen! 

THat night he slept except when Shelly had to come clean the incision or give him baby Tylenol...I figured he was getting Tylenol with Codeine but not my tough guy!  My mom stayed at the hospital and held him from 10-2 and again from 5:30-6:30 when my dad came back to get her to go get some sleep at the hotel.  I held him from 2am-5:30 on THE most uncomfortable rocking chair in the world.  I dont know about Kren, but my butt fell asleep and my back is still out of whack---but it was worth it to hold my little boy:)

ok--I'll try to wrap up--when I woke back up at 6:30, so did Carter and FINALLY he was himself!!!  He played with his balloon, caterpiller, Toucan and Scout and smiled that beautiful new smile for us:)  By 11AM, he was released and we were on our way home by 2PM.

Since being home, Carter has done very well.  He went on a bit of a hunger strike, which after coming up with a game plan with his surgical team in case in continued, we decided that he was having trust issues.  We had been coming at him with an antibiotic, baby tylenol AND cleaning/dressing the incision, so he wasnt so sure that the bottle was REALLY the bottle:(  Poor fella.  Finally, we determined that if we left him see, hold and guide the Bah-bah to his mouth that he willingly will eat.  He's sleeping just fine and playing and smiling a ton!  He is back to his usual antics and wants to snuggle so badly...which we have to hold him off so he doesnt touch his lip or nose on us:(  I CANNOT WAIT TO REALLY HUG AND KISS HIM!!!!!!

He has his first check up on TUesday, June 1st....hopefully it's healing as Dr. Losee wants, but I couldnt be more thrilled with the results!  Thank you ALL for all of your prayers, thoughts and get-well wishes!  Carter is doing WONDERFULLY!!  PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!

Day of Surgery...this is about 6AM...he is ALWAYS so HAPPY

This is Carter the next day after surgery playing with Balloon from Great-Grandma & Grandpa Dye

He's pretty swollen, but HAPPY and ready to play.

Outdoor bath at home after surgery...this is two days after surgery!

Aunt Lauren, Uncle Kevin & Gavin got Carter SCOUT as a post-op surprise...he is THE coolest pet!  He says Carter's name and even sings Kevin's favorite "Muffin Man" and many other tunes with Carter's name and favorites included.  Carter is really enjoying toys that make noise & music...loves the fishbowl from Aunt Carole now, too!!

This is Carter 2 days after surgery...Pretty impressive.  There are some stitches on the inside of his lip and he'll wear the silicon tube in his nose to support the cartilage until it takes the correct form (up to a couple months) but all I can say is that pictures DO NOT do this justice...he looks SO much better than this.  Eyes are still blue on some days and green on others:)

Ready or NOT

Well, yesterday was my last day of work.  Overwhelming, yes, but bittersweet.  Happy as always to welcome summer..more this year as I have Carter to look forward to, but saddened as to why my summer vaca starts so soon.  My students were very sweet...saying good-bye, wishing Carter a speedy recovery, etc.  My first period even made a card and I received a few letters and a trophy:)  I will miss them.

I also left Friday with a heavy heart as I will miss teaching beside such a great mentor...Phil.  I still can't believe Phil is retiring.  He has been such a great role model for me (and many others)...especially for his example of being a life-learner.  I never told him this...but I looked up to him as a daughter looks up to her dad.  I always knew I could turn to him, talk to him and ultimately, COUNT on him.  From Phil, I learned so much about teaching, learning and standing up for what is right.  He demonstrated a willingness to change and constantly improve teaching strategies...to never get stuck in a rut.  I will miss having that relationship at work next year.  I plan to take the time to let him know just how much he has meant to me when I see him the last day of school.

We'll be taking Carter's 6 month pics on Monday since he'll be in surgery for his actual six month birthday:(  I'll get those posted when I can.

So...have I been avoiding the "elephant in... cyberspace":  Carter Surgery?  Ugh...it is finally upon us.  I know, I know..."he'll never remember it, he'll be fine, it'll be worse on us than him, his surgeon literally wrote the book on the new way to do this surgery, he's in good hands at Childrens"...logically I KNOW ALL OF THAT....doesnt keep me from bawling my eyes out when I look at my beautiful baby boy.  If I knew he wouldnt be ridiculed or stared at his whole life, I wouldnt go through with this surgery.  I love his smile-just as it is-it lights up a room.  Will his new smile do that?   God, I pray that itdoes.  I pray for a speedy recovery.  I know that many of you as well as non-cyber friends and churches around the world are praying for him so from the absolute bottom of my heart...THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. And, well, ready or NOT the surgery is upon us.

1st Tooth, Mother's Day & Meeting Lucas

The Tharan Fam celebrating Aunt B's College Graduation

So proud of you Abbie...praying for a teaching job now:)

Here's Carter & Lucas at Aunt B's Grad party...Lucas is a week older

Check out this lil charmer!!

Carter loves showing affection...this was Mothers Day

Carter & Josh got me a Beach Chair for Mother's Day!

Carter got his FIRST tooth on May 5th...there's another one ready to bust through, too.  We celebrated Aunt B's graduation at Scott, An and Lucas' house (see pix).  How fun to compare Carter and Lucas since they're only a week apart.  Lucas is quite the charmer--smiles for the camera and everything!  Bob & Holly also met him for the first time...he was fascinated by Holly~which I'm certain was because he was trying to figure out how to pronounce Abercrombie on her hoodie:)  LOL-my boy does like blondes!  It was great to see all of Abbie's family and share stories! 

My first Mother's Day was so special.  Josh & Carter got me an Adirondack Chair~I've been wanting one:)  It's beautiful, well-built and even folds up so it can be stored in our PA winters!  Carter, via Daddy, got me two beautiful cards, too...so sweet!   We went to church, then out to lunch with the Coursens & Dyes, stopped at Great-Grandparent Coursen's for a visit and back to the Tharan's for dinner.  It was a busy but wonderful day!!! 

He has his first ear infection, too..blah.  Antibiotics are NOT fun. It started as a running nose--his first one of those, too.  I thought it might be teething, but since his surgery is so close we needed to ensure that it wasnt an upper respiratory infection.

We met with Dr. Locee on Wednesday, May 12 to go over surgery details...we're still scheduled for May 25th.  He will be in the arm braces (no-nos) for two weeks afterwards, so we will probably fall off the grid for a little bit.  Please keep him in your prayers for a successful surgery and smooth and speedy recovery:)

We have Gavin's 1st birthday party tomorrow and I'm heading into my last week of school...busy~busy!

Promise to keep you posted post-op!

Carter is 5 months old

Playing in his exersaucer

Loves when Daddy makes the lion puppet
5.5 months old and still has deep blue eyes...that's an enigma

Lovin that Lion

Tharan Family at the Baptism

Gr & Gr Dye at Baptism~they provided the Holy Water:)

Coursen Family at Baptism~Grandpa read a Blessing:)

With Pastor Don

LOVE this face...he's looking at that Lion...again

In his 5 month onesie on his Prayer Blanket:)

Wow! Time truly does fly when you're having fun! Carter is just that--a ton of fun! He is rolls over (not his favorite activity), pushes himself up when on his belly and is trying to sit up. He has the sweetest personality--overtly friendly and good-spirited. He only cries when he's hungry or scared (i.e. Gavin's baby shouts or seeing a strange face too soon after waking). We just LOVE watching him in his exersaucer and making different faces and noises to elicit a laugh from him.

Carter was baptized today at Knox United Methodist Church by Pastor Don Poole with Holy Water from the Jordan River given to Carter by Grandma and Grandpa Dye...how very special. Steve & Becky were our choice of church members to lay hands on and pray over Carter during the Sacrament. Grandpa Terry also read a blessing over Carter's life after the ceremony. Carter was so lucky, having Grandma and Grandpa Dye, Grandma and Grandpa Coursen, Grandma and Grandpa Tharan, Uncle Kirk & Aunt Abbie, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Tricia and Lance and Uncle Kevin, Aunt Lauren and Gavin all attend church and out to breakfast. What a special, special day.

Enjoy pix in his 5 month onesie (squeezed into it-lol) and his baptism!

Amazing Grace

God is Gr8...if you need some proof, well, listen to Carter's weekend:

It's Friday afternoon; I look through the mail when I get home. Two friends have sent cards reminding us that Carter is in their prayers and one of my cheerleaders and her mom (Jess & Peggy) have sent a prayer book letting us know that they asked for prayer for Carter through the Trinity Missionaries. How thoughtful and awesome to know that some many people around the world are praying for Carter.

Saturday, our dear family friend, Becky, calls me to let me know that a Prayer Blanket was made for Carter today. Women from four area churches, knotted a fleece blanket and with each knot a prayer was sent up to God asking for healing for Carter. This beautiful ministry was founded by Lauren Turk and has touched so many lives. Becky let me know that not only did the ladies pray over the blanket for Carter, but that the blanket would be placed on the alter for the 1st and 2nd church services the next day, so that many more members of our church family could pray for Carter. Awesome, right?

Then, Sunday, we attended Victory Christian Center in Boardman, OH with Josh's parents. Grandma Darlene and Grandpa Terry made arrangements for us to visit the Prayer Center after the church service to have a group of friends pray over Carter. I expected that to be amazing, and it was. However, what happened during the church service was even more profound. A woman sitting near me kept turning around to smile at Carter. Before long she moved over a couple seats to be right in front of him, making him smile and asking if she could hold him. He loved her hair (it was in braids). Soon thereafter, I took Carter to go eat. Upon my return, the woman asked if she could pray with Carter and I...said she really felt compelled to pray over him. During the prayer, over and over I heard the phrases "Carter will know You, Lord, at an early age" and "others will know You, Lord, through Carter." Pretty powerful stuff! As we parted ways, she said to me, "I know you don't know me, and I don't normally do this. But I just felt overwhelmed to pray with you and Carter." I thanked her again, and she went off to find a new seat (as hers was now unavailable). About 15 minutes later, she returned to talk to Josh. She said that as the service continued, God spoke to her about Carter's father...that he needed to be reminded that God has everything under control and that he doesn't need to worry. WOW...Josh really needed to hear that, too! How did she know that Josh is the worrier of the two of us? She knew nothing of Carter's upcoming surgery or anything...GOD at WORK!

After the service, we met a few people in the lobby of the church (including Gary and Becky getting to officially meet Carter). A pre-teen boy make a special trip to come smile at Carter...it was neat...almost like people were drawn to him. Then we were off to the Prayer Center beside the church.

Some friends and church family of Grandpa Terry and Grandma Darlene were there. We laid hands upon Carter and took turn praying over him and his upcoming surgery. It was a powerful time as I felt God's presence as He lifted my anxiety and opened my heart to trust Him through this. Carter smiled (and played with my necklace through the whole thing:)

It was a memorable weekend, and attached are some pics from the prayer center. I will have a pic of his prayer blanket when I upload his 5 month pix. Thank you to EVERYONE praying for Carter!!!

Dad and Carter with the world
Grandma Darlene, Mom, Carter, Dad and Grandpa Terry

Loved Carter's expression in this one

Pretty nice family shot

Grandpa Terry & Grandma Darlene with

their Grandsons

Carter's 1st Easter

Carter's first Easter Basket

Lance labeled all the eggs for the hunt!

Diggin the Coursen Creation

MY FAVORITE EASTER PIC

Krenma really got him laughing!!!

"Carter's" sunglasses

Good Friday-Took Carter to SHREFFLERS for the first time:) Deb Zerbe entertained him while Josh & I scarfed down that long-awaited cuisine! The Zerbe Family, Emma & LuLu shared a table and stories.

Easter Saturday-hung out at Grandma and Grandpa Tharan's house with Gavin, Lauren & Kevin. Got sunglasses, a white golf hat (see pix) & his first set of clubs from Grandma and Grandpa:) He was a happy guy all day! Daddy bought him his 1st swimming pool today for Easter!

Easter Sunday-went to early church...Carter lasted the WHOLE service for the first time:) He rec'd many complements on his "dapper attire," but MeMe (aka Becky) Fulton warned him that although his parents may dress him like Tiger Woods that he is NOT allowed to act like him! Steve talked to me after church...reminded me that "they'll all be praying for him (Carter)" when he has surgery. What an awesome church family we have!!!

Headed to Eat-n-Park for Tharan Family Easter Breakfast...Uncle Kirk and Aunt B each took turns playing with Carter (Kirk has nicknamed him Hambone). It was a nice visit. Went home for Easter pix outside (see pix) and rested up for the afternoon.

We went to cousins Chad and Anastasia's house in Slippery Rock that afternoon for Coursen Easter. Tia Tia (Aunt Tricia) and uncle Jeff got Carter a video and Lance got him flip-out sunglasses for Easter:) He was in a great mood and spent some time in Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Coursen's arms.

Easter evening, we headed to Barkeyville to Grandma and Grandpa Coursen's for an egg hunt with Lance (see pix). Carter was spoiled again with an Easter basket with a Bunny rattle, monkey socks, mini-Bible and a name card (Carter means Steadfast)...he also received chocolate, which I was more than willing to eat and share with Carter via me later. haha. Carter slept through most of the egg hunt, but woke up to enjoy watching wiffle ball and to spend time with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Dye, who also brought him some great books for his collection in addition to the washcloth bunny & egg they brought down earlier this week.

It was a beautiful weekend of lovely weather and fellowship with our families! Hope you enjoy the pics! Carter is really into studying everything and is discovering his voice! I think he shouted a few "AMENS" during Pastor Don's sermon. His baptism is planned for the 8:15 service May 2nd if youre able to come, we'd love to share it with you!

Here's a video of him picking his first flower:)