My father would love this title.

We are maintaining our course. Iris continues to do well, and I continue to be in awe of her recovery. She had her drain tube stitches removed on Monday and she’ll have a follow up bronchoscopy next Wednesday to assure that her reconstructed trachea is open and clear. If all goes well next Wednesday, she won’t need another bronchoscopy for 2 months. Good news since they have to put her under general anesthesia each time.

The best news so far is that Iris seems unfazed by what she’s been through, and she’s shown no apprehension to return to “the hill” for follow up appointments. That is a blessing. She’ll have plenty of questions as she gets older and gains a better understanding of what she’s been through .. and what her beautiful scar represents .. but we’re taking this day by day and surrounding her with positive energy.

We’re loosely homebound. We get out to run errands and take Solana to and from camp, but it’s important that Iris remains in a humid environment as her trachea heals so we’re home most of the time so she can receive the necessary humidity to nurture the healing process.

She’s happy and doing most of the things other 4-year-olds are doing; playing Legos, coloring and giggling to no end with her sister.

We’re so touched by your notes, calls and visits. Thank you for your love and support.

Here’s a photo of the girls from the 4th of July .. what freedom looks like to us: