Sweet Madeline

Our vacation started with the type of excitement you'd prefer to not start a vacation with. We've known since March that Madeline was going to need surgery for a double hernia repair. She was so brave and did wonderfully!While there seemed to be chaos all around us, Madeline was the calm in the storm in the recovery area. She listened to music on my ipod and we waited to be given the all clear to get the hell outta there go home!

Once home we sacked out on the couch (it was an early morning) and started to push fluids into her. We watched movies and read new books. Emily and Ashley came to visit for a bit (they stayed the night before and the night of at my parents' house) right when Maddie started to ask for them. After their visit I got Maddie to sleep for a couple hours.Uncle Mike came by to visit on his way home (Aunt Chelle came with us to the hospital and sat with us) but we didn't want to wake her up so we took this picture to show her that he was there.By the next day she was getting up and walking around like nothing happened. It was a challenge to keep her calm (and from breaking out into dance!). Her sisters returned and all was right in the world. Surgery was on Monday and on Thursday we hit Disneyland for the last time before our summer blockout of our passes. Ice Cream on Main Street U.S.A.! I did make Maddie ride in a stroller the entire time and we only went on the train, Small World and the Tiki Room. We also watched the new Celebrate Parade. Maddie was wanting more- but we didn't push it! One week post-op and you'd never know she went through what she did! We want to say thank you to everyone that sent us a note/email/comment. That came to visit or called. While we know this was a "routine" procedure- it still was our baby that it was happening to! Her follow up appointment today went great and we are officially done with that doctor (we did love him!). She's been cleared to start swimming this weekend! Seaside "Gagoon" here we come!!!!