All About Faith!

I remember the comment I made to my little sister a couple of months ago about being able to move from Wilson and relocate my family. We were talking about moving closer and so the kids could grow up together. It would truly saddened me and my heart would be so heavy if I have to leave Wilson, North Carolina. I am so proud to be apart of such a wonderful place to live. When starting this journey with Graci, I really thought we were alone with facing the battles with the insurance and not knowing how we would afford to fly my family to California three times a year. Well, we don't accomplish anything in this world alone....and this stands true for what this community is doing for us. People have spread like stars and their light continues to shine. I never thought such a community and group of thoughtful commited citizens could change the world for me, but indeed they have. My faith has been the motivation through this journey (besides having Graci by my side) and years ago I made my mind up that I wasn't one bit better than the meanest on this earth. I say that now even more, because I know there are families that struggle, criminals that walk the streets and homeless people begging, but faith has kept Graci's dream alive!!! Faith makes all things possible! I want Graci to always remember that you block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.

Generosity from the Community

The Wilson Daily Times issued an article about Graci on July 10th. If you haven't read the article I ask that you take this time now because it will touch your heart and make you realize what an amazing little girl she is and becoming everyday.
http://www.wilsontimes.com/News/Local/Story/An-ear-for-Graci--

After the article, the community was so touched by a brave little girl and who's parents went out on faith to do what was best for their child and that was giving her the dream of having two matching ears, like her brother. My husband and I certainly knew this was an expensive surgery, but; what we didn't know, was the struggles and battles that we were going to face with the insurance company. We would have invested in a fund for Graci earlier and would have better prepared ourselves. Me working for the county, Thomas working in the restaurant business and having two children to provide for, we had no idea where all this money was going to come from. But there was one thing for certain and that was we had waited for this moment every since she was born. In my heart I knw that God would make a way and the good news is he already has.

We started the "Graci Ear Fund" with State Employees Credit Union only because the reporter from the newspaper suggested it. I am not one to beg for money or even let people know of my financial burdens . We all are facing battles and each every one of us has burdens that we carry and mine probably seem very small to others. Therefore, all this was difficult for me. Working as a Social Worker, there are so many people less fortunate and my heart goes out to the ones that have to struggle just to feed their family. Anyway, the tears are pouring down my face as I continue to write about the generosity of the community that we live in. Kay Bunch, The executive Director of The Arc here in Wilson was so disappointed in the insurance that she graciously sent out an email to others taking up donations and the response was and unbelievable. The generosity and the thoughtfullness of everyone has been amazing. Also, a dear friend of my husbands has been working so hard to get people to donate money to help with the completion of Graci's Surgeries. Many Fundraisers are in place and the community is reaching out and working together. Wilson is a Wonderful Place to Live :)

I didn't know how to express thanks for the blessings and good things in my life until this journey. I guess I just sometimes took things for granted like we all do. It always seems that acknowledging all the blessings in your life would result in bad luck. Now, I an quick to express thanks whenever good comes into my life, and I walk with a grateful heart. God has changed me and blessed me and I am so thankful. My family can't thank you enough and words can't describe how I feel in my heart to all of you. With the economy the way it is, I appreciate everyone for donating their hard earn money to my sweet little girl. I am so thankful and thank God for each and everyone of you. I hope that you'll find things in your life that fill you with thankfulness.

Graci will never forget this and all the support that she has throughout this journey; it will only make her stronger!!

Stay in touch about Upcoming Fundraisers!!

Septecular Summer

Wow, What a wonderful summer we have had. Graci has been quite the busy bee. She attending an Art Camp, Craft Camp, Bible School and most of her afternoons consisted of playing with her younger brother and watching ICarly. They have had babysitters that have kept them occupied with playing the Wi, painting, coloring, walking the dog and running and playing int the hot sun. The two of them have enjoyed PlayDate and being around the wonderful staff and loving kids that usually attend. We have gone to the beach several times, built sand castles, played putt-putt and enjoyed being together with family. Graci has experienced the birth of my sister's baby and just adores her little cousin. She also has had the opportunity to play with two of her other cousins who live in Afghanistan but are here in the states preparing for another sibling. We are excited to visit with more family from Pennsylvania next week. Family is God's gift to us so we must make memories that will last forever. I honestly, believe that in time of test, family is best. Graci knows that she always has support from her family. The most important thing in my life is my family and friends. It truly is the corner stone of society and it shapes the attitude, the hopes and ambitions that we instill in our children. This summer even with the ups and downs that we have been facing, we are still embracing and enjoying all the hidden treasures of family and friends.

I know everyone is wondering about the "Exciting Ear". Yes, it looks incredible and makes me smile every time I see it. Graci has had some issue with soreness, itchiness and hair is growing on it everywhere you can imagine. Daddy, will soon have to shave it especially before the first day of school :) She has made several comments that she is "SO READY" to have it complete. It still looks a little odd to her and she can't wear those stylish head bands that she loves so much. So we have resorted to the aggravating big bows that drive her crazy but still insist on wearing. Graci's Summer has been one to remember! We only have 2 more weeks before she enters into the Public School System. Please Pray for strength for her parents and guidance for Graci as she is faced with obstacles. We are excited about the first grade and this new experience for her and trust that God will keep her safe in his arms.

Coming Home!

The feeling I felt when we pulled into my drive way in Wilson North Carolina was a feeling I can't even describe. There was Welcome Home Banner hanging on my porch where I immediate turned my eyes towards. I saw my flowers and rocking chairs on the porch and it reminded me of how grateful I was for the little things. I then walked into my house and dropped my bags right at the door. Everything looked so cozy and I could even smell the scent of "Home Sweet Home." My eyes filled with water I looked all around. The feeling was great and I was so thankful that this journey had ended for now. It was time to get back to the hustle and bustle of life back home. However, I am truly grateful for the enjoyable time I had spent with my family, the spiritual insight I had gain from watching such a brave little girl, the friendships I had made and the romance that had rekindled with me and Thomas. It was an emotional, spiritual, eventful and best journey of my life.......and we were just getting started.

Well, Today I reminded Graci that we had to take the bandage off. She didn't say a word. I asked her as I played with her long gorgeous hair and asked, "What's wrong?" You don't want to take it off?" She said No! The bandage with the jewels reminds her of a headband. She than begin to explain that she didn't want anyone that she didn't know to ask her to see her ear because it wasn't complete. She also doesn't like that her hair is shaved and that hair will start to grow on her ear because of her hair line is so close to her ear. Daddy, replied don't you worry about the hair, we can shave it every day like I have to shave. She laughed. However, after a hour conversation explained to her that she needs to be proud and grateful for all that she has been through and already accomplished. Graci said, "I know I'm Special". This is how God made me. I immediately had to leave the room because of the tears building up in my eyes. I walked into my kitchen and turned on my radio. Listening to Music helps my soul and allows me to forget about the trials and tribulations of everyday. It truly takes me to another world. I turned the switch to hear the most gorgeous sound coming through the speakers it was "Amazing Grace". After just explaining to my daughter to never be ashamed and then the greatest song ever written was playing through out my house. It reminded me that their will be a day when there will be no more tears, no more pain and no more fears and the burdens of this world will be no more.

I know the journey seems so long, but my family isn't walking alone; and we are so thankful for our family, church and friends who have experienced this trip with us. It. Thanks again for to everyone and words can't express how much we appreciate all of you. Graci is so lucky and one day she will look back at all this and really have a heartfelt story to share with others. Please stay in touch for the journey begins again in October for 2nd stage ear reconstruction. Love to All.

2nd Post Op

Last night when I layed my head down to rest, I glanced over at my son who was sleeping so peacefully and it reminded me of a comment he made a couple of weeks before our trip. Griffin was asking me why we were going to California. As if he really knew it was on the other side of the country. I explained to him we were going for Graci and that this was Graci's trip. He looked at me with his big blue gorgeous eyes with his curly eyelashes and said, "Is it her ear?" Why isn't my ear like Graci's; I want an ear like hers". Well, it reminded me last night that this journey has been just as much Griffin's as it has Graci's. He has been there for his big sister and wants her to be like other children. This is just as important to him as it is for her. Sibling love was really shining throughout this trip. Graci and Griffn have a strong emotional bond that will never be broken and it embraces my heart when I see them together.

Today we woke up really early, because we knew this was our last day. Before getting out of bed this morning, I closed my eyes and prayed that God would be with us today as he was all week and I prayed that what was behind that bandage (that we have called a head band) was going to make Graci smile and be an amazing sight that we were so delighted to see. 3:00 was going to be like forever. We headed out around 9:00 and headed to the Golden Gate Bridge (big red bridge, according to Griffin). It was truly a beautiful sight. We were standing behind the second largest bridge in the United States and the Pacific Ocean was right beside us. To our family it was a once in a lifetime moment. We decided to travel downtown to the city to the Golden Gate Park which is over 1000 acres. It was a total urban chaos. People were riding bikes, homeless people were begging, and the market was open to the public for all kinds of tasty fruits and vegetables. It was so congested with traffic and people that were thought we were in a movie. It really made us appreciate the Carolina's.

It was time for our post op so we traveled to the beautiful city of Woodside, California. Graci didn't seem quite as excited as I did about seeing the start of her ear but she hoped in the chair with a beautiful smile. She was adorable as ever, in her pink and white seersucker smoked outfit and jewels wrapped around her bandage. The nurse took off the bandage and there sat Graci with an outer ear that was craved out of her very own flesh. Goose bumps came over me and I felt my eyes begin to water. I looked and saw the beginning of this fabulous journey and knew that God had answered my prayers. Graci was alittle upset from the removal of the tape and had stated that she didn't want to see her ear in the mirror. That surprised me but once we were in the car both her and Griffin wanted to see. I showed them both and almost at the same time they both said, "Pretty". I then knew she was happy.

Our journey doesn't end here, we return on October 5th for 2nd stage. During this time they will do transposition of the ear lope and she goes home the same day. However, it will only be a 3 day trip for us; but it will still be on our journey to Graci's New Ear.

A Day at the Beach

Everyone knows we are beach lovers!!! So we couldn't leave without visiting the beaches of Santa Cruz. We headed to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk which is the oldest surviving amusement park and one of two seaside parks on the West Coast of the United States. The kids thought it was really neat. We sat out on the beach and rested for a bit. Griffin wanted to know why there wasn't any seashells. Graci was so glamours in her cherry ruffled bathing suit with a geranium flower in her hair and her sparkly jewels on her bandage.

We let the kids ride a few rides and then we grabbed lunch and sat down at the picnic area. Right before leaving Thomas spotted a beautiful view down by the beach. It was where the sea and the sand rested along the rocky cliffs above the Monterey Bay. It looked so peaceful so we walked over there. It was breathtaking. You could see sailboats skim the water and if you listened closely you could hear the faint bark of the sea lions in the distance. It truly was the highlight of our day and it reminded us of God's nature and the beauty he created.

Tomorrow is our 2nd post!!

1st Post Op

Today Daddy woke up first. He came in the room where Griffin and I were sleeping and gave me a kiss and that started out the morning so wonderful. Griffin went in and woke Graci up with his usual, "Good Morning, Grace" She immediately said, "Do I get my tubes out today?" I could tell they were bothering her and she was beginning to itch all over, especially around her ear and her incision at the rib. We had a nice breakfast together and enjoying another day that God had given us.

We went and walked around Pier 39 which is a huge popular tourist attraction built on a pier of San Fransisco with many shops and restaurants. Graci loved looking at the boats and would stop several times so she could get her picture taken around all the beautiful flowers. She is such a little model.

Arriving 10 minutes late to our fist post op due to traffic, she went in ready and willing. She hoped in the chair looking like a little executive (per Dr. Brent) with her pink and white gingham short set with her white cardigan and big white bow. The nurse begin to take her bandage off and it really was quite painful for her and tears were rolling down her face. I immediate stood up and held her hand and tried to assure her that it would be OK. Well, Dr. Brent came in an took a quick look under her bandage that covered her ear and said that everything looked great. I only got a small look but noticed the hair they had to shave. I also saw her cute little small ear and her ear lobe (which I miss seeing) that they will use for her 2nd stage surgery in October. He then told Graci to take a deep breath and he pulled the tubes out so quickly that Graci had no idea what he had done. I almost fainted.

He bandaged her head back up and Graci was smiling again. She then knew that she was able to decorate her bandage with many stickers since there was no more tubes. She walked out smiling and happy and that's what matters. So we treated her with a chocolate sundae.

We had a wonderful evening spending time and networking with other families. We cooked out, enjoyed a glass of wine and watched these three amazing girls (with Griffin tagging along) run, play, giggle and make memories.

Wonderful Weekend!

Well, Friday we took it easy. Graci was still alittle sore and was walking around like an old lady. But she always got the royal treatment just like a queen. We explained to Griffin several times that it was Graci's Day and he would say, "I know that". We sat out by the pool, Jacuzzi and played some putt putt at the Suite. We met two families who had surgery with Dr. Brent the same week. The girls made bookmarks, colored with glitter pens, painted toe nails and even decorated their bandages with fun stickers. It was a remarkable moment watching three little girls who had all gone through ear reconstructive surgery playing and laughing together. They were truly troopers sharing their stories about each others ears. It was priceless.

Saturday we traveled to Bear Mountain and visited Roaring Camp of Big Trees. We took a steam train through the Redwood Forest and saw trees that were over 2,000 years old. It was so peaceful and calm looking at the historic railroads and all the beautiful flowers. Graci would stop and smell the flowers and pick them so Mommy could put them in her hair. We even had Griffin saying, "look at the pretty flowers".

Today we went to San Francisco Zoo where there were over 250 species. Graci loved looking at all the animals. Of course we pushed her around in a wagon and she never once asked why people were looking at her. She never was ashamed that she had a white bandage wrapped around her head with tubes coming out with test tubes of blood. By the way, her favorite animals were the monkeys and the huge Tiger. She reminds me of a little monkey always smiling and jumping around so graceful. She reminds me of a Tiger because of striking personality and her braveness and determination. We stopped at a gift shop and Graci picked out a stuff giraffe because that's Mommy's favorite animal and she is always thinking of others. Griffin on the other hand, picked out a Caroline blue calculator. (who knows maybe he will be an Accountant or something when he grows up).

We have had a wonderful weekend enjoying each other and thanking God for his many blessings. Every morning we go out and pick a flower for Graci's hair and we spend time changing her tubes as a family. Griffin even likes to help. I am so proud of how well Graci has done and has constantly had a positive attitude about everything.

Tomorrow is our first post-op!!!

The Day After!

Graci and I only stayed one night in the Surgical Center. She woke up bright eyed and repeatedly said, "I want my Daddy". We had a good night and she only woke up twice to go to the restroom. Everyone at El Camino Surgical Center was so nice and sweet and just adored Graci. Well, Daddy and Griffin came to pick us up early and we were headed back to Staybridge Suites (our home away from home).

Well, Graci had a good day. We pained fingernails, watched high school musical, Dora, changed clothes several times and did some walking to help with the pain that she was experiencing where they cut her on her rib cage. She repeatedly said, "I need a wheelchair and why can't I have one". She was the cutest thing walking around like a 90 year old women holding her back and constantly saying in the sweetest voice "Owe, Owe, Owe. She did finally look in the mirror later on in the day and said, "That's not too bad". "Fix my hair Mommy, I want to look pretty". A tear rolled down my face. She never complained and only teared up a few times when it was hurting. We had a pain chart but she still always pointed to the smiley face because it her mind she was happy and not in pain.

Our night went well, Thomas and I took turns sleeping and changing her tubes. Graci woke up a little grumpy, but believe it or not, she is restless and getting bored so I imagine we will head to her favorite store today, Target.

Words can't express how much we thank ALL of you for your prayers, messages and well wishes. Graci is truly so lucky to have all of you in her life. She is gift from God and so very special to everyone she meets.

Hopefully, we can do more sightseeing this weekend and off to the doctors on Monday and Wednesday. We all can't wait to see the beautiful sight underneath the bandage. Will keep you posted with pics.

The Big Day/First Stage Surgery

Got up early to get to El Camino Surgical Center. Graci looked so adorable in her Barbie nightgown and hot pink leggings with her flip flops, caring her Vera Bradley and Pinkie the Bunny. Then she changed into those great PJ's they have and so bravely hopped on the bed and said, "I'm Ready". I felt the tears come pouring down my face. I took a deep breath and turned around so I could be strong for Graci. Thomas and Griffin were getting ready to head to the lobby when Graci began to cry, "Don't leave me", Thomas started tearing up and explaining that we would be just in the next room. However, she slowly began to get really sleepy from the Valium and they slowly took her back to the OR.

Waiting four hours in the waiting room was like eternity. I read some of Twlight so Edward Cullen helped me take my mind of everything. Suddenly, Dr. Brent came out of the double doors with a smile and was grinning from "ear to ear". "Graci did well; surgery was perfect and she was a dynamite". I felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off my chest.

He then proceeded to show me on his camera her ear that he carved right from her very own rib cartilage. The second picture was the ear actually attached. Words can't explain the feeling I felt when I saw the outer ear that was just created and sculptured from the most incredible surgeon in the US and he did it all for Graci. What an great feeling! This was only the beginning of Graci's Journey to Her New Ear. The first stage was amazingly remarkable; and I couldn't be more pleased. God be the Glory!!!!

A Day in the City!

Today we drove to the beautiful city of San Francisco. I just loved looking at all the beautiful huge palm trees and all the flowers and greenery. It was breathtaking.

We took a cruise on the San Fran Bay and went under the Golden Gate Bridge (the red bridge, according to Griffin). It was amazing looking at the city on the water. Thomas and I even had a toast while on the boat with a Corona and lime, and the kids had a Sprite. We had a "Cheers" to Graci getting her new ear the four of us!

We also saw sea lions resting on the rocks and traveled up close to the Alcatraz. I can only imagine how those prisoners felt in that cold dark place. We then went to the Aquarium by the Bay where we toured an underground aquarium with over 20,000 fishes. There were fishes everywhere and even on our heads, at least, that's what the kids thought. A great day before the Big Day!!

Pre-op

Everyone got a good nights sleep and a yummy breakfast. Today we drove to Woodside, CA to finally meet Dr. Brent and the sweet ladies I have been communicating with for 4 months. Dr. Brent was wonderful not to mention the office was full of stuffed animals and an aquarium full of beautiful fish in the middle of the waiting room.

Dr. Brent was very nice and laid back. He explained to us the procedure and all three stages of the surgery over the next 9 months. He talked to Graci and went over all the details for her so there would be no surprises. She sat still there with her big bow in her hair and smiled so beautifully at him. He really made us all feel at ease.

We have already met two families here at the Suite that have already had surgery. They both have done wonderful and Graci got to see them with their bandage on. Tomorrow is a free day so we are taking a cruise on the San Fransisco Bay and going to the Aquarium by the Bay. We all can't wait.

California Bound!

We made it safe and sound. Traveling with kids on an airplane was challenging but we tried to keep them busy, but they were still alittle restless at times. I think Griffin called "Mama" a 100 times. He was asking things like, "Are we in the air yet", "Is that the clouds or snow", "When are we going to land?" Graci stayed busy coloring, writing notes and putting on make-up. We had more accessories on that plane then Fancy Nancy.

We have Graci's pre-op tomorrow so we will update you then. Thanks for all the prayers for safe travel. We certainly said,"Thank you Jesus when we landed". I have to admit I was nervous but knew we were in God's hand.

The Night Before

OK we are all packed and ready to leave Wilson at 5:00 am! Me Me and Ga Ga are taking us to the airport. We will have lots of coffee on hand and all our gear with us. We will update you when we arrive in the beautiful state of California. By the way, Graci lost a tooth today and she has been so excited. She said, I bet the tooth fairy is going to bring me lots of money! What is he going to bring me when I get my ear fixed? She is so funny!! Well, we will write more tomorrow when we get settled in. Love to all!

The weekend is here!

The weekend is here and the kids know that in two days we will be on an airplane to California for Graci to get her ear fixed (at least that is how she puts it). Graci graduated from Kindergarten today and ended her journey at St. Therese Catholic School due to the school closing. I cried like a baby leaving that school and it was very emotional for me. My heart goes out to the teachers who have lost their job and the students/parents who don't know where they will be next school year. Graci has meet some wonderful friends there and they will be missed.

Well, we went shopping this afternoon for some new fun and cool stuff for our trip. Graci wanted some new coloring books, markers, flip flops of course, and a new pocket book. We had a great time in Target shopping and spending money to make the airplane ride fun. We got lots of things to do on the plane and snacks and candy to eat. Graci also got a new vera bradley for all her fun stuff and Griffin of course had to get a new book bag. So, we are set for the airplane ride.....also got a few DVD's to watch.

Saying our prayers tonight, when Graci said, "I won't mind sleeping in that bandage because I have slept in hair rollers and braids before." I think it will just be like toilet paper wrapped around my head. It's cool, she said. Got to love her sense of humor.

Packing and Explaining

Well, we started packing last night and I was explaining to Graci about the procedure. I told her they would cut a piece of skin off her tummy area (by the rib) and they would carve her a new ear. I explained that she would have a bandage on her head that would wrap around for the entire time we were there. Graci put her hands on her hips and said, "I don't know why you are worried about California and my surgery, because I'm not." I started to cry.

I then go on and tell her that we have to pick out clothes that either button up or dresses she can slip into because of the head gear she will have. She asked was it a, helmet. I started to chuckle. She was totally OK with everything and I was amazed by her inner beauty.

Griffin asked the most funniest thing last night....he wanted to know if California had chocolate milk and apple juice. That is great !

Insurance

After much research we decided to use Dr. Burt Brent to do Graci's ear reconstruction on her microtia. We found him to be the best in the US. I felt comfortable with him and had read a lot of his articles and have seen pictures that were amazing. We contacted the Doctor and told them we were interested and then they started asking about insurance. It has been an insurance nightmare every since we started this journey. You can only imagine what kind of expense we are talking about and our insurance denied us a "prior plan approval." We basically wanted this for our sake and of course the provider. We even wrote a letter to the Congressmen and the CEO of our insurance provider and still no letter. I felt like I was choosing the Doctor that I wanted her to go to and they were denying us because we were going out of network. Thomas and I then realized that this was about Graci and Graci getting her new ear and we were going to make it work if it meant selling everything I had. She deserves this.

Well after crying for over 2 weeks it all finally worked out where we are so excited to be going to California in less then a week.

Our little Graci

My name is Graci and my mommy wants to tell you all about me. She is the best mom in the world, and without my family I wouldn’t be as strong and determined as I am today. My family thinks I am a “little princess” and an angel sent from heaven. Come to think of it I am pretty special ,and no one will ever tell me any different!

My husband and I were so excited to find out that we were expecting our first child. My pregnancy went great. I felt so good and I loved food and sleep and I got plenty of both. The day of my ultrasound it was my husband, my mother-n-law and myself. We were so anxious to find out the sex of the baby. We found out we were having a girl.
We were all convinced it was a boy, but knowing it was a little girl growing inside of me made us all ecstatic. I will never forget my husband asking the ultrasound tech, “Is everything okay?” and she said, “I’ll let the doctor decide.” I was so nervous and my heart immediately fell to the floor. They proceeded to tell us that she would be born with a cleft lip and surgery could fix it. Well, that didn’t make things any better. We were devastated and all we could do was cry. I couldn’t imagine that this would happen to me. I couldn’t imagine that this precious baby inside me that God was creating was going to be born with a birth defect. Immediately, I got on the computer and researched and learned everything there was to know about cleft lip. I learned more than I ever thought I would about clefts, for example I learned that a majority of children born with clefts also have cleft palates as well. I then educated my husband family, friends, and myself.

It was hard going through my pregnancy knowing that something was going to be wrong with my precious little girl. But, we were thankful that the ultrasound was able to pick it up, so we were prepared. We then found out that it was a common birth defect and had met several people of parents with cleft lips. Knowing that there were other people out there in our shoes gave us hope. Being a parent is hard enough; but being a parent of a child with birth defects is even harder.

The day Graci was born was the happiest day of my life. She came into this world just as I had imagined—beautiful! She was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. She also was born with an ear deformity called microtia that was not seen on the ultrasound. There were other issues and doctors had diagnosed her with hemifacial microsomnia. She had an underdeveloped side of her face. Along with her cleft lip, palate and ear, she also had a coloboma (cleft in the eye) and was missing half of her jawbone. All of this was hard for us, but we were able to look past all the things that were wrong, and she made us fall in love with her.

We were introduced to a wonderful craniofacial team early in my pregnancy that provided great help and support for my family. Being a parent of a child with birth defects brought many trials and frustrations, and without the support of a great team of specialist, as well as all the many web sites it would have been extremely difficult. They were always there to answer all questions and reassured us that Graci’s issues were all treatable. We then realized we had so much to be thankful for and felt blessed that we had a healthy baby.

The day came and Graci had her first surgery to repair her cleft lip at 4 months of age. It was hard knowing that your little girl was about to have surgery, but it was even harder knowing that she wouldn’t have that same wide smile that we were all so use to. The surgery went great, and she recovered and healed perfectly. We were just amazed and pleased with her surgery, and thankful for modern technology. She had the cutest little nose and lips I had ever seen. Feeding was also an issue and very difficult at times, but after surgery Graci was even able to form some suction through the Pigeon nipple. (Thank goodness for all the great bottles made just for cleft babies).

Graci had her second surgery repairing her cleft palate at 14 months of age. It was hard for my husband and I because we hated putting her through it, but we know that it was for her own good. The surgery went great and she was back to her normal self-days later. She was then able to eat table foods and her speech began to improve. She started speech therapy at 18 months and with the help of great therapist, she was talking and pronouncing her words like a pro. Since she has had several tubes in her "good ear" and now we have reached the point where she will have ear reconstructive surgery.