Another year has almost passed.  How does time pass so quickly?  Next week Julia goes in for her big surgery--the bone graft.  2 surgical sites--one in her mouth the other on the hip (where the bone comes from).  Yes, it is just before Christmas--trust me, I've weighed the pros and cons--but this way Ted and I can keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't overdo things.  I'm nervous about this one because Julia does understand what is going on.  She asked me how many more surgeries is she going to have to have and I honestly answered--I don't know.  I do know once she reaches full facial growth--around 16 or so--her deviated septum will be fixed.  Beyond that--I think we're going to leave it up to her.  Yes, her lip is still a bit crooked and the nostrils aren't quite perfect--but whose is??  If she wants more done, we'll take care of it--but I'm not going to push anything.  Now orthodontic on the other hand--yes--that's going to be next.  Speaking of which--Rauan is up next for the palate expansion.  Already have the molds done and I'll get the bill the first week of January.  Happy 2011. 
January 12 is the date for Chewie's next procedure.  MRI of his spine with flexion and extension.  Looking for a cyst.  Then to the PICU for ICP monitoring--intra cranial pressure.  Damn--and all I wanted was his age changed.  Nothing simple for the Pritchards. 
Of course in Wisconsin winters give us even more excitement.  Last week--dumbass--also known as Ted, decided to go outside to the van to get his blackberry.  Which wouldn't be so bad except for the fact of a--we just had a nasty snowstorm that started with freezing rain.  b-he was barefoot.  c-it was dark and he went down the front steps--on his ass and side.  Ted said he heard a crack--so he thinks he broke a rib.  I say crack with muscular stress--but what the hell--I'm a nurse with how many years experience--what do I know???  He refused to go to the ER or urgent care--so heating pads, ibuprofen, deep breathing (to prevent pneumonia) and sleeping upright in the chair for the past week.  Pretty much what would be done anyways.  Of course, he continued to not listen to his wife--the nurse--and went and coached hockey.  Which meant being out on skates on the ice.  Not the brightest idea.  I've pretty much given up--except to make sure his life insurance policy is up to date.  Dumbass.  Nothing more to add to that.
I'll keep everyone up to date on Julia's procedure--probably mostly facebook--but I'll put photos up here too.  Work in progress.