The Luckiest Parents On The Planet (sorry...another very long post!)

Okay, I'm sure most parents feel that way (or SHOULD) but we have really felt that way since the day we met Ruby. Especially today. For one, our baby is okay. So relieved! Went through the surgery and post-op like a champ. The doc came out in less than 10 minutes to say it went very well and her ears are fine.  Great dr. and the whole staff there is fantastic with kids. Ruby had no nausea or pain (that we can tell so far) and no complications. For two, she is the most amazing child we have ever known. We are constantly in awe of her. So strong, sweet, happy...under nearly any circumstance. Okay, unless you ask her to share one of her favorite toys or books! :-)

When she was given meds (they called "giggle juice") the nurse warned us it tasted bad. Rubes took it down with no fuss. When she took her blood pressure she told Ruby it was going to give her arm a hug. (Smart lady!) Ruby loved this and after the first time said AGAIN! She thought the toe thing (to test her oxygen) was fun, too. LOL, this kid thinks everything is an accessory! The one nurse said she was the best patient they ever had! Of course, not taking anything away from our angel, but they do a GREAT job there. Had Dora on tv for her to watch, lots of sweet nurses, stickers and popsicles at the end.

The doctor,  radiologist, and every nurse we met warned us that kids wake up from anesthesia cranky, scared, out of it, and often screaming and thrashing about. Not her Rubiness. Our sweet baby woke up with a stretch, a yawn, a scratch of her nose, and a smile. So proud of her! She was groggy, but not cranky or scared at all. So glad she didn't get sick! (Jeff and I think she's got an iron stomach now that she got past that giardia). The nurse couldn't believe how sweet she woke up. This lady was there through it all and was the best. She actually insisted on carrying Ruby all the way to the car and gave her an extra popsicle and stickers. Said Ruby made her day! She sure made ours too!

But let me back track here...
This is how we started our morning: Got her up 5 minutes before we left the house. Changed her diaper while she was still out and left her in her jammies. She wasn't allowed to have anything to eat or drink so they advised me that this was the best way to go. I woke Ruby up gently as I picked her up. I said, "Ruby's gonna sleep in the car, honey. We are going for a little ride this morning...Ruby, Mommy, & Pa." Her reply? "Sleep. Car. Okay!" All with a sleepy little smile on her face. Such a darling. We got in the car and this is what I saw every time I turned around to look at her.

How can you love a little person so much and be sure your love couldn't possibly get much bigger than what you are feeling... and then -with one sweet smile - you love her even MORE than your heart ever imagined possible??? I was as thrilled as she was when they invited me to snuggle up with her on the hospital bed. Daddy sat right next to us. Was so glad he was able to break away from work and be there with us.

These are the cute jammies they gave her. She loves yellow and trying things on lately so she was very excited about the clothing change. So cute is this kid. She acted like this was some fun excursion we were on. I so love that about her. Just treats every new day and thing like a great adventure...eager to see what is next. So much she is teaching me! 

Her favorite things came with us: Penguin (all time fav), Abby Cadabby (newest favorite), her butterfly pillow of which she can not sleep without, and her Disney princess blanket. 

When the nurses came to wheel her away I thought my heart would break. Ruby was so sweet and handled it great so I held it together. The nurses asked her if she'd like to take a little ride with them. She was a bit woosie at this point and gladly went. Those same nurses made a point to come out later to tell us she did great and was soooo cute in there. Silly and happy and just fine. I think she charmed just about everyone in the clinic today!

How blessed we are to have you in our lives, sweet Ruby! Thanking God you are healthy and happy and bouncing around now. (Been watching her, Tinker Bell, and Princess & The Frog while typing this so it's taken awhile). She never got sick on the way home, has held down food all day and is now dancing. She is - quite literally - bouncing back!