Last night was probably one of the most trying times of my entire life. I have to make this brief because the mere thought of the whole night just hasn't sat well yet. In short, Madison fell yesterday and undid all the work that was done on Wednesday. In the midst of the blood, sweat, and a lot of tears, the wonderful surgeon operated on her again at 10pm, Sunday. He was able to reconstruct the reconstruction that he did on Wednesday. He truly is a miracle worker.
The entire time I kept telling Noemi that God knows what needs to be done and will always take care of us. I can't tell you that it was easy. I don't wish what happened last night to anyone. We share this with you all because it is Madi's story and we know that someone out there can benefit from hearing it. Soon I will recap what happen, just not now. As for now, she is sleeping with Mom quietly and peaceful. As always, all is good.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Chillin...
As planned... it was a "lay low" day. My Aunt Tessy and Tio Santi came by today for a few hours. They got to experience the uncensored Madison. Up until they came she was having a normal day but I think we timed going out to eat wrong. She was really cranky but it is completely understandable for her situation. We had a great time though. It was nice to have them over.
After a short nap, she was good to go and idea of good Chinese food filled our minds. We headed over to Chinatown and tore it up... again. We are heading to Queens Chinatown tomorrow for Dim Sum. Do you think I like Chinese? As for her stitches, they look good and everything seems to be going quite well. She is not complaining so much when we clean her wounds. That's a good sign.
Madi and Daddy Chillin'... That belly's got a lot of Chinese food in it!
After a short nap, she was good to go and idea of good Chinese food filled our minds. We headed over to Chinatown and tore it up... again. We are heading to Queens Chinatown tomorrow for Dim Sum. Do you think I like Chinese? As for her stitches, they look good and everything seems to be going quite well. She is not complaining so much when we clean her wounds. That's a good sign.
Madi and Daddy Chillin'... That belly's got a lot of Chinese food in it!Saturday, October 27, 2007
Glorious Wireless Internet
Today we moved apartments. Kind of glad we moved and kind of sad. The new place is huge but it doesn't have the same neighborhood as the first place did. The one we just left had stores and great restaurants everywhere you walked. Grass is always greener I guess.
First thing I noticed was their was no Internet in the apartment... disappointment set in. I thought, "Great... no blog tonight." So before I retired tonight I decided to see if their might be by chance some wireless Internet set up somewhere. And whadda you know? Someone had it!!! Thanks Sandra for getting me the wireless card. Once again saved by my bigger sister. so things never change. I love you man (or woman I suppose)!!!
Madi is doing wonderful. We had to stay in for most of today because of all the rain. No problem, we needed the rest. Madison seems as if she never had a surgery. I can't believe how well she is behaving. Tomorrow's forecast is 100% rain. No problem, we got over 100 channels of cable, wireless Internet, new play doh, and ice cream.
First thing I noticed was their was no Internet in the apartment... disappointment set in. I thought, "Great... no blog tonight." So before I retired tonight I decided to see if their might be by chance some wireless Internet set up somewhere. And whadda you know? Someone had it!!! Thanks Sandra for getting me the wireless card. Once again saved by my bigger sister. so things never change. I love you man (or woman I suppose)!!!
Madi is doing wonderful. We had to stay in for most of today because of all the rain. No problem, we needed the rest. Madison seems as if she never had a surgery. I can't believe how well she is behaving. Tomorrow's forecast is 100% rain. No problem, we got over 100 channels of cable, wireless Internet, new play doh, and ice cream.
This is where Madi's cartilage came from . A little blurry but you get the picture.
Ready for the move.
Mia and Noah at the pumkin patch. God I miss them.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Madi's out of the hospital.
She woke up today talking up a storm. She was extremely happy and wasn't really bothered by those who came by to poke around at her. We were released at noon and we headed straight for the doctor's office for a check up. That went great and then we headed home. We have decided to stay in the City for the remainder of the week.
Just as I thought, now is when the real work has begun. Before, we used to just let her play freely. Now, we need to be over her like a hawk. She used to love slamming her face down on the sofa, she loves putting things up to her face, and she's constantly tripping. So, 24 hour surveillance is now required. We are working shifts. Since I got to sleep for 5 hours straight last night I believe I have got the graveyard shift. Cleaning her wounds though is going to be tough. Yet, she really is a trooper. She cries her eyes out but let's us do what needs to be done. She's amazing! By the way, you can go back and see pictures from many months ago so that you can see the difference. We still can't believe it.
The new Chinese torture device. If my dad only new about this when I was a kid, I'd still not know how to pick my nose or clap my hands.
WANTED!!! for being too damn cute!
Just as I thought, now is when the real work has begun. Before, we used to just let her play freely. Now, we need to be over her like a hawk. She used to love slamming her face down on the sofa, she loves putting things up to her face, and she's constantly tripping. So, 24 hour surveillance is now required. We are working shifts. Since I got to sleep for 5 hours straight last night I believe I have got the graveyard shift. Cleaning her wounds though is going to be tough. Yet, she really is a trooper. She cries her eyes out but let's us do what needs to be done. She's amazing! By the way, you can go back and see pictures from many months ago so that you can see the difference. We still can't believe it.
The new Chinese torture device. If my dad only new about this when I was a kid, I'd still not know how to pick my nose or clap my hands.
Only thing missing is Mia.
Is this amazing or what?
Okay, who beat up who?
WANTED!!! for being too damn cute!
Madi's big day.
Today started way better than expected. Well, let me retract, last night really never ended. We went to bed at around 1 am preparing everything only to wake up at 4am to give... well, to wake up Noemi so that she could give Madison some apple juice. It was the only thing that she was going to eat or drink for the next 12 hours.
We got up quietly so that Madi wouldn't wake up until we were ready to leave. Surprisingly, she didn't cry for her milk like she usually does. It was raining so we took the 1st available transportation, the bus. Apparently, taxi's aren't that accessible in the morning. We got there 30 minutes late but no big deal. Madison behaved incredibly well right up until she got the gas. 3 hours later, Madi came out of surgery and oh my gosh, she really looked different to us. They weren't able to do any laser therapy because they spent all there time reconstructing her nose. The surgeons let us know that it went exceptionally well.
Okay, let me explain what happen. When Madi got the hemangioma, her lip began to ulcerate. In other words, it opened up like a real bad, huge cold sore that just would not go away. The ulcer grew and ate up much of her upper lip, nose septum, and nasal tip. The nose septum is that part between your nostrils. That is why her nose looked flat with one big nostril. It had no support in the middle. Also, her upper lip healed but the lip just could regrow itself. What they did today was to graft cartilage from the back of her right ear so that they could rebuild her septum and then reconstruct her nasal tip and upper lip. Amazing, huh? Bottom line is this... the surgeon, Dr. Milton Waner, is a freagin' genius. As is his team of surgeons. Hands of gold I tell you. When they came out of the surgery, both doctors were extremely excited on how well it went.
However, we aren't out of the woods just yet. It all needs to set, so Madison CANNOT touch her face. We got these sleeves around her arms that don't allow her to bend her them (their called "no no's"... go figure). They are also attached in the back so she can't even clap her hands. She looks like a "T". It's a hell of a device. I ordered an adult version for Noemi for when she goes shopping. Should save me millions. Oh wait, cancel the order. She just threatened to use them on me when I go fishing.
Anyway, Madi is doing great. She's very irritable and cries when anyone other than Noemi or I approaches. She's on some pain killers that seem to be helping and after all the walking and carrying that I am doing, she better share the goods. Dr. Waner will be removing the stiches next Wednesday and they will be doing some intense laser therapy. So, next time you see Madi, she will look really different! As for the NYC, it's rainy and cold. I went to Chinatown to get us grub. Can you say Cha Siu Pow overload? I can't!
Minutes before the surgery.
The Dream Team...
Mommy and Madi... both happy it's over with... for now!
We got up quietly so that Madi wouldn't wake up until we were ready to leave. Surprisingly, she didn't cry for her milk like she usually does. It was raining so we took the 1st available transportation, the bus. Apparently, taxi's aren't that accessible in the morning. We got there 30 minutes late but no big deal. Madison behaved incredibly well right up until she got the gas. 3 hours later, Madi came out of surgery and oh my gosh, she really looked different to us. They weren't able to do any laser therapy because they spent all there time reconstructing her nose. The surgeons let us know that it went exceptionally well.
Okay, let me explain what happen. When Madi got the hemangioma, her lip began to ulcerate. In other words, it opened up like a real bad, huge cold sore that just would not go away. The ulcer grew and ate up much of her upper lip, nose septum, and nasal tip. The nose septum is that part between your nostrils. That is why her nose looked flat with one big nostril. It had no support in the middle. Also, her upper lip healed but the lip just could regrow itself. What they did today was to graft cartilage from the back of her right ear so that they could rebuild her septum and then reconstruct her nasal tip and upper lip. Amazing, huh? Bottom line is this... the surgeon, Dr. Milton Waner, is a freagin' genius. As is his team of surgeons. Hands of gold I tell you. When they came out of the surgery, both doctors were extremely excited on how well it went.
However, we aren't out of the woods just yet. It all needs to set, so Madison CANNOT touch her face. We got these sleeves around her arms that don't allow her to bend her them (their called "no no's"... go figure). They are also attached in the back so she can't even clap her hands. She looks like a "T". It's a hell of a device. I ordered an adult version for Noemi for when she goes shopping. Should save me millions. Oh wait, cancel the order. She just threatened to use them on me when I go fishing.
Anyway, Madi is doing great. She's very irritable and cries when anyone other than Noemi or I approaches. She's on some pain killers that seem to be helping and after all the walking and carrying that I am doing, she better share the goods. Dr. Waner will be removing the stiches next Wednesday and they will be doing some intense laser therapy. So, next time you see Madi, she will look really different! As for the NYC, it's rainy and cold. I went to Chinatown to get us grub. Can you say Cha Siu Pow overload? I can't!
Minutes before the surgery.
Minutes after the surgery.
The Dream Team...
Mommy and Madi... both happy it's over with... for now!Tuesday, October 23, 2007
We made it to the NYC!!!
We have been waiting for this day for many, many months. We have finally arrived in NYC and we have just settled into the apartment that we rented in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. We will only be here for a few days while Madison is recuperating and then we will head off to my cousin Alfredo's place in Queens by Friday. He is the man!
As for this apartment, all I can say it's a typical 1 bedroom NYC apartment. You can do #2, shower, brush your teeth in the sink, and lock the door without moving from one spot. Really! I tried to take a picture of it but the camera wouldn't fit through the door. Funny thing though, it only sells for about $500,000. How do you like Miami now? The location is cool though, a bunch of shops and places to eat downstairs.
Madison seems to be enjoying herself. I am a little concerned on how she is going to react in the morning when she wants to eat. She's pretty cranky about that and she won't be able to eat for about 12 hours before the operation. The NYC will get a taste of a cranky Louk early in the morning.
Enjoy this picture of Madi... from here on, things are going to change fast! Although we are enjoying a little peace and quite, we miss Mia big time!!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
So much has happened...
What can I say??? I have been having too much fun to just stop and update this blog. It's been so long that I had to read the blog to see where I left off. For starters, the girls (all of them) are doing great.
Madison is off the tube, she's eating, walking, talking, climbing, drawing, did I say eating. Doing everything that a little girl should do. On October 24th she goes in for her first surgery to remove her hemangioma once and for all. She will be getting her nose and lip fixed also. We are very excited. Madison is truly amazing. So smart, so yummy, and such a trooper.
Mia is... Mia. What a personality that girl has. Outrageous, loud, rambunctious, quite, loving, athletic, shy, strong, all packed tightly up like an egg roll in a 3 year old girl. If you knew her, you would say the same. She steals your heart then throws it right back at you... laughing.
As for mommy and daddy, well, it's our 12th year anniversary Saturday. It seems just like ... a billion years ago that we got married. I don't know how Noemi's put up with me. When they said, "for better or for worse" I don't think she knew what she was getting into. Anyway, here are some pics of the last few months to keep you entertained... Life is GREAT!
The pictures are completely out of order so bare with me...
Chillin' before they go to sleep...
The reason I work as hard as I do...
Noah and me in Marco Island. This was snook #2 he caught.
The only way to live...
Madison is off the tube, she's eating, walking, talking, climbing, drawing, did I say eating. Doing everything that a little girl should do. On October 24th she goes in for her first surgery to remove her hemangioma once and for all. She will be getting her nose and lip fixed also. We are very excited. Madison is truly amazing. So smart, so yummy, and such a trooper.
Mia is... Mia. What a personality that girl has. Outrageous, loud, rambunctious, quite, loving, athletic, shy, strong, all packed tightly up like an egg roll in a 3 year old girl. If you knew her, you would say the same. She steals your heart then throws it right back at you... laughing.
As for mommy and daddy, well, it's our 12th year anniversary Saturday. It seems just like ... a billion years ago that we got married. I don't know how Noemi's put up with me. When they said, "for better or for worse" I don't think she knew what she was getting into. Anyway, here are some pics of the last few months to keep you entertained... Life is GREAT!
The pictures are completely out of order so bare with me...
Latest picture of beautiful Madison
and she is also wearing high heels... yup, lil'Miss Trouble
The girls in the Big Apple getting dressed for a wedding.
Chillin' before they go to sleep... 
The reason I work as hard as I do...
Do you know how many Chinese and Cuban people I can feed with this??? 
Yes, I did throw him back.
Noah and me in Marco Island. This was snook #2 he caught.He is learning from the best.
The Cousins
The only way to live...
My three women...
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Stopping to smell some roses...
The last few months have been great. We are having a blast, the kids are growing, business is awesome, Madie is getting better, and life is GREAT!!! I won't bore you with the details so instead I will show you. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we had in being there.
Madison in the yearly pumkin patch
Tough Noah with his tattoo
My lil'Biker Chick
Chillin' at Shreks 4D Ride in Universal
Mia-rek- The Cutest Ogre
Trouble Makers
The intellectual look
Christmas time
Madison in the yearly pumkin patch
Tough Noah with his tattoo
My lil'Biker Chick
Chillin' at Shreks 4D Ride in Universal
Mia-rek- The Cutest Ogre
Trouble Makers
The intellectual look
Christmas time
More pics...
Madison at Noah's birthday party
Madison's Birthday Bash at the Beach
My first Tarpon on Fly in Cancun
Noemi roaming the ruins of Cancun
Beautiful Madison (tonight)
Playful Mia (tonight)