Stage 3 Right Side and Chess Tourney

We are in the home stretch of reconstruction. The final phase will be stage 3, the stage when the ear is lifted from the head. Originally, Dr. B was going to do this as a combined procedure, but decided it was better to see how Miles healed from it before doing the second side. So this will be in two parts. The second will be sometime in June.

At Mellow Mushroom day before surgery

Waking up in recovery with his DS. He has come a long way!! No pain killers this time and pleasantly calm when I went back to see him.

Blood staining the next day. Dr. B said all was normal.

Miles complained of a lot of itching, so we had to take the bandages off to check and make sure it was all good. He said it looked just like mom's ear and then started to cry. When we asked him what was wrong, he said "I am just so happy!" 

That made this long and difficult journey worth it in just five words.

Sponge is left in place for a week and then removed at the follow-up a week later

At Dr. B's office getting sponge removed. Still very swollen. Stitches will come out in another week.

We went from the follow-up in San Antonio to Dallas for the National Elementary Chess Championships. Miles was playing in the tournament and we had to be at the follow-up within 5-7 days of the surgery, so we had no other choice but to piggy back the two events.

In the hotel, in Dallas

Avery got to go to the American Girl store and get her first big girl American doll. Had to make the weekend special for her too.

Avery and Isabelle

Visiting Dealy Plaza, where JFK was killed, in downtown Dallas

Book depository:

Grassy knoll, not sure if this was supposed to be a smiley photo, but kids don't understand somber yet:

Nothing to do with JFK, but Avery really liked the horse outside of a downtown college:

In the beautiful hotel where the tournament was held. Kids being silly:

Miles had a great tournament. Best he has done yet at a National event. 

Miles with his medal and Avery trying to photo-bomb.

Took a look at his ear tonight. One week and four days after surgery. Dr. B wants me wearing gloves anytime I check it, just until the skin graft on the back takes. Swelling is starting to come down. Miles said it is "sooo awesome!!"