Dallas had a great birthday and birthday party.  He could barely stay awake through his gift opening and did not make it to the cake and ice cream, but he enjoyed the celebration just the same.  Our family made the day very special for him and I know he felt their love.

The month of June went by so fast, I cannot even recall what we did.  I do know we continue to have appointments every week and that keeps us very busy.  We have a surgery date set for a cochlear implant in the right ear on July 15^th.  This is less than 2-weeks away and the anticipation is certainly leading to fear as the day gets closer.  Between now and then, we have 2 separate days scheduled at May to get a second opinion.  We will not have much time to make a decision after the second opinion, but I am hoping that my gut tells me right away.  I just want the ENT surgeon at Mayo to believe that there is a shot for success with this surgery.  I also want to hear that he would DO the surgery based on the information we have to this point.

Assuming the surgery goes as planned on the 15^th, Dallas will also have a bronch.  My understanding is that they will send a scope down his throat and look more closely at his voice box.  This will help us understand if there is “a flap” that isn’t opening and closing quickly enough to allow Dallas a normal swallow.   Depending on what they find, there may be something surgically done there as well.

On a fun note, Dallas had a great 4^th of July (which also happens to be his 1-year anniversary of the day we brought him home!).  He spent lots of time outside and went in the lake for the first time.  He did manage to get a flu bug and an ear infection, so he missed out on one day of fun, but then he was right back at it!  His family and friends commented relentlessly on his good nature and cute smile. J



Happy Birthday to me!



Is this supposed to be relaxing?

We kept a wet pair of swim trunks on his head to keep him cool!

Fun in the camper during a hail storm

The kids are really into the picture :)

I love you mom!!