One Week

It is finally here.  We check into the children's hospital Monday.  When we first scheduled the surgery it seemed so far away and all of a sudden it is right here!!

People have asked if he is ready.  Well the answer is "no".  He knows nothing about it.  If he did he would be worrying every day.  Our Child Life Specialist (basically an awesome social worker at the hospital) recommended we tell him 4 days before.  So we will talk to him about it on Thursday.  Then he and I will go to the hospital on Friday and she will explain in more detail and answer any questions he might have.  She will also take us on a tour of the hospital.

Am I ready?  I don't know.  There are definitely times during the day that I just sit and stare at him and wonder what he is going to be like after the surgery.  What I fear the most is that this surgery will change him.  Of course I want it to change him for the better.  I want him to have more energy, more stamina, and hopefully go off the darn water pills.  But I don't want it to change his nature.  I pray he is still as loving and affectionate after this and this does not interrupt our attachment process.  I know that probably sounds like a weird thing to be scared about, but I'm a mom now and I have to worry about something...right?  I'm not worried about the surgery itself.  I'm a little worried about the recovery and how I'm going to comfort him when he is in so much pain.  I'm just praying for God, the ultimate healer, to speak to him in ways I don't understand.

I spoke with our doctor today and here is the basic schedule which could change at any moment while we are there.  We will check in on Monday to the ward (normal hospital rooms).  Then Tuesday we will say good-bye to him at 7:00 for the surgery.  He should be brought to the CVICU (Cardio Vascular Intensive Care Unit) between 11:00 and 12:00.  He will stay in the CVICU for a few days and then hopefully move back to the ward for a week before we go home.  So we are planning on being at the hospital for 10 days.  While we are there we will be updating the blog frequently.  We will NOT be posting anything on Facebook. 

We might post some pictures here.  At first I didn't want to post pictures, but reading blogs and seeing pictures of other adoptive moms who have gone through the same thing has really helped me.  I want to return the favor and help other people who might come accross my blog. 

So since my son will miss out on a lot of summer activities, I decided to try to give him the summer he is going to miss.  We have done a lot, but at the advice of some loving friends (you know who you are) I scheduled in some down time at home.  After all...he really does love that the best! :)

Here is what we have done so far!

First up was a trolly ride downtown (which he LOVED) and his first baseball game.  He was very concerned about the mascot at the baseball game!  He did not want anything to do with him.  He was able to enjoy some of the game though.

Then we met some friends at the zoo on a beautiful day.  As you can see it was a little cold!

Then, on a whim, one day I took him to see the trains on the square.  He really enjoyed going in them.





We also went to the nature center!  It was beautiful.

B took him on the monarail downtown on Saturday and he had a blast!!

Today we went to the Fire Museum and he hung out with his best buddy, Noah!  The thing they are in moved up and down so they could "put out" the fire!  They LOVED it!!







There have also been plenty of trips to the park. 

And the Wii is a big hit!!

Still on the schedul:

The Pink Palace

His first IMAX movie (I hope he isn't scared)

Another trip to The Children's Museum

A trip to see the ducks at The Peabody

And a day at home playing games and eating pizza!!

Please pray that we have a great week and that J stays well so that the surgery can be performed on schedule.  Also pray for his understanding of everything that is going on. 

We have already seen miracles in his life and ours and I know God has big plans for our little boy.

Katie