Mommy and Manu, sporting new 'dos

hairdo

Surgery update

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Manu's surgery went well with no complications. He was in surgery for about 3 hours, and released shortly afterward. He was very hungry after the procedure, and at a small box of cheerios, 2 small boxes of raisins, and a few handfuls of goldfish, all that on the way home! We had a rough night last night, as he was inconsolable and awoke 3-4 times throughout the night screaming. We called the hospital help line, and the doctor on call upped his dose of Tylenol and Advil. This morning he is a completely new baby, happy and energetic, with no signs of surgical pain. Of course, now mommy and daddy are fussy from lack of sleep! We have a follow-up appointment in 6 weeks, but all signs are that everything is going to be fine. Thanks to everyone who called or wrote to us during this time. It was very stressful for us to have our little boy endure such an ordeal. We're all glad it's over!

Festivals of youth

Festivals dot the landscape this time of year, and Manu is making the most of the season. Labor Day weekend began with a trip to Louisville for World Fest, a celebration of world culture and food, followed by a trip to Cincinnati on Sunday for River Fest and an exciting fireworks display over the Ohio River. This weekend started with a trip to Evan's orchard for some apple picking, and then a jaunt to Covington for their annual Oktoberfest. Daddy enjoyed some German beer, while Manu lunched on some roasted corn and danced to the live music. Manu always seems to attract a lot of attention wherever he goes, and this was no exception. Several times I was told what a cute little boy we have, especially as he was running around the the grounds, happy to be in the middle of all of the excitement. Leslie and I have always enjoyed small-town festivals like this, but they take on a whole new dimension with Manu. Things that we have taken for granted seem new and exciting again. Even the sight of a dried out, fallen leaf is a treat when presented to me by my son. Leslie and I are really looking forward to coming months, celebrating Manu's first holiday season with us. It should be a blast!

On a more somber note, Wednesday we are headed back to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for Manu's surgery. He is having his umbilical hernia repaired. Basically right now he has a really big "outie." Although this should be nothing more than a routine procedure, Leslie and I are all but beside ourselves. This is my little boy, and I don't like the feeling of helplessness I have as he undergoes this operation, under general anesthesia. If all goes well he should be back home that evening, a little grumpy, but no worse for the wear. His surgery is scheduled for early Wednesday morning, so we're heading to Cinci tomorrow night and staying downtown. The worst part is, he cannot have any food for eight hours prior to the procedure. That doesn't bode well for us, as Manu really likes his early morning milk, and won't understand why mommy and daddy are being so mean and withholding his breakfast!