Sunday, February 22, 2009

Disarmed

Jake's not allowed to put his hands in his mouth, because he could damage the palate repair.

That's never been a big issue with him, but he has put his fingers in his mouth before, so we have to watch him. We got some help from the hospital, though, in a couple of velcro arm restraints. With them on, he can't bend his arms at the elbow and thus can't put his hands to his mouth.

He handles them pretty well, although at bedtime he has acted fussy and wanted them off. No way are we going to let him sleep right now without them. So, we give him breaks throughout the day, but we make sure at least one of us can keep an eye on him at all times.

Well, last night when Mama made us chocolate milkshakes I carried Jake's to the table for him. He sat down on his little stool and I handed him his milkshake. Jake took it in his hands and held it up, anxiously anticipating the taste of the goodness. But try as he might, he couldn't take a drink - that's because Baba forgot to take his restraints off! Sorry Jake, I'm new at this parent stuff.

Jake's doing well. He gets a little cranky when the pain reliever wears off, but all in all he's doing OK. He really wants to eat solid food, and he would love to feed himself, but we have to say no to both. That has generated some tears, but we can't run the risk of him poking a hole in his new palate.

Here are a couple of pics showing what the poor guy has to deal with.



5 comments:

Daniel, Marleen, WeiYan en Xiao said...

Dear Kevin and Violet, dear Jake! We didn't read your weblog for some time, busy preparing for our trip ton our son from Baoji... But now in Xi'an I wanted to show Daniel how our two boys look a little alike and read about Jakes surgery! We are happy to hear everything went wel and hope that soon Jake will have recovered fully!! Give him a hug from his friend from Baoji, Xiao

Unknown said...

Ohhh, I am so sorry Jake has to wear those. I feel so bad for him! He knows he's in good hands, though, and looks content with his situation. It will pass soon enough.

Still thinking of the Hasslers.

Our Journey To Eden said...

So glad to hear that everything is going well. Poor guy has been through so much in his short little lifetime!!! Hugs to you little Jake!!!

Happy Birthday!

Julianne said...

Poor little guy. It must be so frustrating for him. I know how different my mouth feels just from having a cleaning at the dentist. I can't imagine how strange it must feel for Jake to have a whole new palate. I pray it will be a quick recovery and a speedy adjustment for all of you. These kids are strong and resiliant.

The Gang's Momma! said...

Awwww, poor little guy! Several years ago, our son had an accident and had stitches in his lip and his top four baby teeth fell out and his gums got all mashed up. Man, I learned all kinds of new ways to occupy a bed-ridden kid. AND all kinds of yummy smoothies and shakes to feed him. I feel your pain, guys! Praying for the days of recovery to fly by for you all!