A Bumpdate from Max

You can find the first Bumpdate from Max here Nonlinear. We won't rehash the hospital stay this time, suffice it to say that it still blows my mind and the pictures still make me tear up.
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But let's talk about Max and "The Bump". A little over a month ago we went back to the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist yet again for a check up. He was so pleased with the progress that he didn't require us to schedule a return trip. And then the heavens opened up and the Hallelujah Chorus rained down it snowed again. This mama was pretty excited. And then I thought about it. I have been taking care of this bump for nearly six months. The task can best be described as time-consuming, a bit daunting at times, and terribly frustrating. Continuing to keep it in check has proven to be much easier. We're still doing warm massages once, maybe twice daily if needed, and while it isn't 100% gone, the progress we've seen keeps us optimistic.

But let's be honest, what you really want is proof. Here are some pictures from last night. Also known as The First Night That We Played Outside After A Really Long Winter.

Not only was it the maiden voyage of spring in the back yard, but we are breaking in some new boots. It made for some treacherous walking, but two very excited little men.

Max is very much relieved to not be stuck in my lap 3 or 4 times a day with a warm washcloth, and the TV running to keep him occupied for 20-30 minutes a crack. I'm relieved too. It gives me time to be productive. And blog.

You can hardly tell the bump exists by looking at him from the front. There is still some discoloration, that will probably continue for a while. The area was traumatized pretty good by all of the re-opening to keep it draining. But the important part - the part where his saliva gland uses a duct to drain into his mouth like everyone else - that part seems to be working much better. The issues aren't completely behind us, but we're getting there.

And how does Gage feel about everything? Hard to say, he's busy. Losing his mind. :)

Hopefully soon we'll have Bumpdate of a different variety. The kind that includes a growing baby!! But not from me.

I repeat: not from me.

The other half of Life Between Friends is growing a much cuter bump. We're hoping to catch up next weekend to update some family pictures! Everybody wins.