Noah's Second Eye Surgery

Noah’s probe surgery was not successful in his left eye (but at least it helped his right tear duct opened). Dr. Foster referred us to Dr. Berris, a very specialized plastic surgeon in Sacramento (just three miles from Aunt Mary’s house). He will insert a tube into Noah’s tear duct which will be there for 3 months.

On June 16, 2009, Noah had his second surgery. This time he was put into a deeper sleep so his surgery necessitated a breathing tube and an IV. He was poked 4 times before the anesthesiologist could find a vein she could catheterize. It was a good thing Noah was already asleep. Noah was already awake when they called me back into the recovery room. He was much disoriented and very upset. Luckily, mommy could calm him down.

Noah’s nose bled most of the day. Since his surgery, his nose has been really congested and has bled on and off. We have an appointment on Friday to see how he is doing. We can see the tube a little in the corner of his eye. I would take a picture, it is so tiny and clear that it will not show up in the picture.

PS Dr. Berris said that Noah's tube looked great when we went to his follow up appointment! His eyes have been so clear! I really hope this tube works. I don't want Noah to have another surgery. (Hopefully, Dr. Berris will be able to cut the tube by going through Noah's nose. If he can do this, Noah will not need surgery to remove the tube.)

Brothers Forever (Like It or Not)

Garrett and Noah are enjoying time with Daddy. They help take care of the goats and the dogs and play fort.

Noah spends his time helping daddy in the office, stealing brother’s money, eating strawberries, sleeping, and playing soccer.

Garrett spends his time watching the pinewood derby races, helping put the garden together, going to hockey games, and playing soccer.

Noah's First Eye Surgery

Since he was born, Noah has had clogged tear ducts. This translates into constant tearing eyes covered in green gook. We visited an ophthalmologist, Dr. Foster, in July 2008. Dr. Foster taught us how to properly massage Noah’s eyes in hopes of allowing the ducts to open on their own. He also prescribed some drops for Noah’s eyes. Dr. Foster also told us that we would wait until Noah was a year old before considering more options (meaning surgery). You can see a great view of Noah’s poor little eyes!

At Noah's one year appointment, Dr. Foster recommended surgery. Noah had tear duct probe surgery on April 22, 2009. He was put under general anesthesia (but not far enough under he needed an IV or a breathing tube). Then Dr. Foster “poked” Noah’s tear ducts with a surgical probe. This would clear out any infection and open the ducts. Dr. Foster hoped this would work, however, the ducts needed to both heal open and stay open. Below are pictures of Noah’s first surgical experience. (Even his mommy and daddy have not had their first surgical experience yet!)

Only time will tell if Noah’s surgery is successful. If one or both tear ducts do not heal open, he will need tubes inserted into his tear ducts. We will keep you posted.

What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas

In January, Daddy was laid off from his job. He wanted to expand his business with something to that would withstand the tough economic forecast. He had learned about Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning from the casino. Daddy earned his certification through IKECA (International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaners Association). Their annual spring meeting was held in April in Las Vegas. Daddy took us all with him because he had free time in the late afternoon and evenings. We left in the evening and drove during the night. For the most part, the boys slept. We did stop to get dinner and gas. This gas station had a really nice bathroom. We stayed at the Luxor Hotel.


I bought matching outfits and pajamas for the boys. On the first day, we changed rooms. Because we checked in so late, we were given a horrible room that was in the smoking section of the hotel. We moved to a nicer room with a fridge, a nicer bed, and no smokers! After lunch, we decided to go see the lions at MGM Grand, buy some M and Ms at the M and M Factory, and walk down the strip. The trip down the strip was much longer than we anticipated. It was also very windy that night. We decided (wisely I think) to take the bus back to the hotel. We ended up eating dinner at the Luxor Café even though we waited in line for a free dinner at a new restaurant. Of course, they ran out of food as we neared the front. You win some and lose some. We put the kids in the big bath tub, which I might add was the best thing about the casino, and put them to bed.

The next day was a little more challenging. Because of the wind, Garrett woke up with a very bad sinus infection. We had to call cousin Gretchen for a prescription of antibiotics. We got dressed, had lunch, and met up with daddy. Because it was really stormy outside, we decided to go to the Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. We saw things like a Gila monster, sharks, and sting rays. We then ate dinner at the Luxor Hotel with Daddy’s new friend, Randall. We gave the kids a bath and put them to bed. Garrett woke up in the middle of the night with a bloody nose.

On the last day, we went swimming and to the Titanic exhibit. Noah also took his first steps on this night. I guess a house full of tile is not conducive to learning to walk. All Noah needed was carpet.

The next day we drove back home. We had a great time, and Daddy made a lot of contacts for his business.