After several months of struggling with ear infections we finally came to the decision to get tubes in Luke’s ears. Initially we opted for alternative remedies like Garlic Olive oil eardrops which were a success and I would recommend them to anyone who has a child with chronic ear infections. This method allowed us to refuse antibiotics several times, BUT the problem lied in Luke’s ears retaining fluid almost continually. After ten or so ear infections his little ears can only take so much before it could cause permanent hearing damage. With that said Luke got tubes put in on Thursday (Aug 20^th).

At 6am, we arrived at the hospital and we were greeted at the nurses’ station then were admitted to Luke’s room. With ‘tiger’ scrubs, a lil soccer ball and Baby Einstein on daddy’s laptop, Adam and I attempted to distract Luke for over an hour from the hunger pains that he was experiencing (he hadn’t eaten since 7pm the night before). Luckily surgery was ready for Luke an hour before we expected and Adam escorted him to the “OR” around 7:15am.

You can see in the picture that Luke is happy as ever, not knowing what is in front of him. It was necessary for the doctor to put Luke under and this was probably the worst of our day. The anesthesia affected him more than the tube procedure causing him to return to the room CRANKY and very irritated.

We were happy to hear from the doctor that quite a bit of fluid was released from each ear when the tubes were inserted. This fluid had effected Luke’s hearing substantially. Immediately I could tell that his hearing had improved! The same day a storm passed and the thunder startled our lil’ guy so much so that he screamed and came to me as fast as he could with tears running down his face – the funny thing is I don’t think he has ever heard thunder before getting tubes.

Now nearly a month later Luke is a much happier little boy. He is much more balanced and walking and climbing everywhere! He also babbles all day long with a few new words coming each week – mommy, daddy, cheese, up, ice, yes, no….to list off a few! A few other tricks he has mastered are closing his eyes (this is really funny), brushing his teeth (this is a favorite), signing ‘more’, ‘all-done!” and ‘food’ (during meal times)—oh, and he likes to think that he can jump— lol —but his feet don’t leave the ground!

It is a fun fall with the Loefflers!