Little Trooper

Ben began his big day, December 23, at OHSU at 7:00 am. He won the hearts of all the nurses as he played and waited 3 hours for his surgery time.

After 4 hours of surgery and recovery, we were able to see him again. He had had trouble breathing and needed to be monitored a bit longer than usual. Hospital policy requires babies to eat before they are discharged. Ben refused. Reluctantly, after 12 hours in the hospital, we headed for home.

He finally ate at three the next morning and again at 8:00. Each time he generously shared his food by projecting it out and down the front of Daddy.

He perked up for his first Christmas eve at Grandma and Grandpa's.

This is his scar on day two. It's hard to see but the stitches actually go all the way around to the bottom of his ear. To the left of the stitches is a small dot. Under the dot is the internal magnet and processor.

By Christmas day, 48 hours after surgery, he was playing, eating and smiling. He is wobbly and has a hard time crawling, standing, and sitting up on his own. We have been told his balance will improve over time.

Overall, we have been impressed with Ben's recovery. Ten more days and he will be hearing for the first time in his right ear! He is quite the 'Little Trooper'.