And Just Like That...

it was over!

Mary Claire's surgery to remove her adenoids and have tubes put in her ears went great and much quicker than I anticipated!

We arrived at the surgery center a little before 7:00 yesterday morning and

got her little surgery gown and socks on.

 We followed that with a "tickle session" from Daddy,

a little time spent in Mommy's arms,

some time spent playing while Mommy and Daddy talked some things over with the doctor and anesthesia team,

 and then it was time!

A trip through the "Bunny Tunnel" to pick out a special doll with a doctor kit,

and we watched her walk away without looking back or shedding a tear as the nurse led her through the automatic doors and into the surgery area. (I walked back around the corner out of sight, but I stood there for a few seconds listening to see if I heard her cry for me. She didn't cry, but I almost did.)

Then we returned to our room to wait.

And just like that...

she was right back where she should be- 

in my arms!

She's done great so far. She's napping now and had a restful night last night. The doctor said she had a lot of fluid on both ears, her adenoids had mucus behind them and they were large, so I hope this surgery brings her lots of relief from ear infections and possible hearing or speech problems in the future.

She was a great patient yesterday and awoke pretty pleasantly from the anesthesia. I am so thankful for so many things right now...

Thank you, God.

(And thank you to my family and friends for your prayers and concerns.)