In mid-October, an ENT specialist confirmed something I both expected and never expected: Andrew had persistent ear infections and would need tubes implanted. I had tubes put in as a child, so I anticipated that those problems might be passed on, but never did I associate Andrew's general grumpiness with ear infections.
Without hesitation, or even a call to Jeff, I signed up for an appointment at one of my favorite places, Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland. Andrew was born at this hospital and the Randall Children's Hospital is beautiful. I felt guilty that Andrew had been uncomfortable for so long and the ENT (who I really do like) added to my guilt when he said, "he [Andrew] had probably thought the pain was supposed to feel that way". And of course, the doctor warned that ear infections could affect language development. So, with a solution in sight, Jeff, Andrew, and I made our way to the hospital in early November.
Andrew had the first appointment in the day surgery wing, which gave him first dibs on the large assortment of cars. He and one other little boy took turns trying all of them out. I'm sure Nathan would have loved to be there, too.
Andrew was in a good mood while Jeff dressed him in his surgery gown.
I held my cool until the moments we waited in the pre-op room. There were other families of little ones, likely all waiting for similar procedures. One mother next to us was crying, which sent me into tears. Fortunately, the medicated juice Andrew drank was pretty effective on his empty stomach and he was a loopy, smily guy, even while the nurse carried him away.
Having ear tubes implanted only took 15 minutes (I hadn't even finished my coffee) and the doctor was pleased. In another few moments, the nurses invited me back to see Andrew, who had a hard time coming out of anesthesia, thrashing about and crying. Soon enough, he was declared fit to go home and off we went for a day of rest.
Within days of the procedure, Andrew's temperament changed for the better. He was happier and more fun. Jeff and I were astonished at the positive changes in such a short amount of time. In the time since, many others have remarked on how much happier he seems. He loves to sing and dance, and is learning new words every day.
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