Zoe's Hospital Visit

Well,
I just wanted to post an update on what is happening with us. Early this morning I took Zoe to the hospital and checked her in for outpatient surgery. The nurses and everyone there were great. They just loved Zoe and took such good care of her. They were so careful to help her feel special, safe and aware of what was going on. Zoe was so brave and the only time she was really sad was coming out of the anesthetic. She only wimpered for a while and I just held her in the rocking chair. They even pushed us in a wheel chair back to our room so that I didn't have to put Zoe down.
Everything went smoothly according to the Dr. He said that in one of her ears the fluid was really thick and goopy.. we figure it had been in there a while. Her adnoids were large and blocking her ear canals, forcing the fluid back there so they came out too. So far she has only complained once- after the pain medication wore off this afternoon. I am hoping to start hearing a difference in her speech, I should probably record her now and then I will have something good to compare it to. I figure her ears have been plugged on and off her entire life. Already she has said things are too loud so that is a good sign.
We got our official orders sending us to China this week. We are getting excited. I am trying to make child care arrangements for the girls so that I can study Chineese for 6-8 weeks before the baby comes. I think I have it all worked out. I just have to go sign papers. Marlo is going to stay at the after school program at her school, and Zoe it looks like is going to go to the daycare at the training center. That will make it really convenient for getting to and from drop off points.
Monday I went to the Dr. for the first time for me and the baby since we have been here. There are only 3 Dr.s that deliver out in Warrenton and they have a brand new labor and delivery floor. Everything looks beautiful and the people I met there were all very nice and understanding of my small children. Dr. Myers seems like he is going to be fine. He is very easy going and talks a lot, which I prefer to the silent type. I guess we will just see how things go...you never know really until you start to deliver what is going to happen. He didn't do an ultrasound but we scheduled one for Nov. 8th when I have my next appointment. I think that we are just being tested on our patience-- waiting to find out what this baby is. I would love to have a boy, but the girls are lobbying for another sister. Either way, as long as it is healthy and the delivery goes well, I will be happy.I think James is having the hardest time waiting to find out, which might be keeping him more involved in the pregnancy than he otherwise might be....
Feel free to post and cast your vote as to what the baby is. Grandma Fowler has already weighed in for a boy. :)
We recieved an email yesterday from a family in Chengdu. They are members of the church and the husband is there working for Intel. They have two little girls- 6 and 3- perfect. I am excited to get to know them and get as much information as I can about how to prepare for this new life. I have to say I am really enjoying living here in Virginia... except for the laundry, but that is a complaint for another day.
Things have finally cooled off and we are enjoying some cool, rainy weather.
We think about you all often and wish you were here.
Michelle

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Michelle Fowler
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