Brightwood Lights

As most of you know, Andreas had eyelid surgery this morning at Children’s National Medical Center here in Washington, D.C.  The procedure he had done was an eyelid lift.  We figure a kid’s never too old for plastic surgery!  His nose and lips are next on our agenda.
Just kidding, of course.  The surgery was medically necessary, as Andreas was born with droopy eyelids.  You may have noticed that he looks “sleepy” all of the time.  This is known as ptosis.  His pediatrician noticed it right away and referred us to a pediatric ophthalmologist  at the one-month check-up.  The ophthalmologist has been following Andreas closely and determined that surgery to lft the lids was the best way to protect Andreas’s eyesight and ensure proper development of his vision.

So, today we arrived at the hospital around 5:30 AM, and Andreas was taken back for surgery at 7:30.  The surgery went quickly, and we were summoned to the recovery room at 9:15.  We spent about an hour in the recovery room before filling out discharge paperwork and heading home.

Andreas was a stellar patient, with just a bit of crying as he came out of anesthesia.  He has been sleeping most of the past few hours and seems to be a bit sore.  He has six stitches (three on each eyebrow) and incisions on his eyelids.  The area around his lids is swollen, so it’s a bit difficult to know what he will look like when he’s all healed.  He can no longer close his eyelids entirely, so he looks like he is awake even when he’s asleep.  This should diminish as the swelling goes down over the next couple of weeks, but he will likely always have a “slit” when he has his eyes closed.  We will post additional pictures soon.
All in all, we are grateful for good access to top-notch physicians and a world class hospital.  More importantly, we are thankful for our friends’ and families’ love, prayers, and support.  We appreciate you all so much!

Waiting to be admitted

Sporting a stylish peach hospital gown

Getting prepped for surgery

Waking up from surgery

Preparing to come home

Sleeping back at home

The best part about living in the District is getting to experience the wonderful spring and fall weather we get each year.  The highlight of the spring, of course, are the cherry blossoms.  DC turns into such a beautiful, colorful place at this time of year.  Unfortunately, the secret is out, as tourists from across the country (and world!) descend on our fair city to take in the sights, scents, and sounds of springtime in Washington.

Nevertheless, we boldly brave the droves of tourists for an annual walk around the tidal basin, and it always proves to be worth it.  The keys to viewing pleasure are to arrive VERY early (7:45 AM at the absolute latest), know where to park (Maine St. SW), dress warmly (it\’s always colder on the water than you would think!), and bring your camera!  It also helps not to dawdle too much, as the crowds only get thicker and thicker as the morning progresses.

For those of you not fortunate enough to get to see the cherry blossoms (and for Andreas, who slept through them), here\’s a peek at this year\’s flowers:

I know, I know- I promised these quite a while ago!  But they are up now, and I am working on the March pictures.  They will be up soon, and I am determined to keep my word this time!  Enjoy.