We received word today that Cecelia will have her next surgery on the 30th of December..this one will build a soft palate for her...the surgeon did tell us that this will be a "real" surgery...since the hard palate surgery this summer was scary enough, I am chosing not to think too much about that statement. This works perfectly for us as I have the week before off and the week after off. Our prayer for Cecelia is that she learns to use this palate very quickly and her ability to communicate with people outside our family improves. She is as smart as a whip and knows the words for everything, but since she can't physically make certain sounds - g,c,k,s,b,d,p (anything that requires a complete gumline or anything gutteral or anything that requires a build-up of pressure), she substitutes an "m" for these. It makes a lot of sense once you know what she is trying to say...but is difficult for someone not used to her speech. In the meantime, we are finishing up the last week and a half of school this year, and enjoying the season. Cecelia is SO excited about our Christmas tree...last year she had only been home for 11 days on Christmas and I am sure she has no memory of it(neither do we). Our neighbors have a pretty lighted tree in their yard and she is so entertained by it also...oh the wonder and glories of childhood!...a true gift from God! There is nothing better on Earth than to watch a little child unfolding, growing, and understanding...
