The days leading up to Ethans scheduled surgery were packed and stressful. We didn't know what to expect so we were preparing for the long haul. We don't have a history of short hospital stays with him and wanted to have all our bases covered. Charlie's parents flew down to help out with Brendan and Carter and we had friends signed up to help with meals. Besides praying this was all we could do. The rest was out of our hands. Ethan was in God's hands.
The afternoon before his scheduled surgery we received a phone call from the hospital. Due to an emergency (not ours) Ethan would have to be moved to the following Tuesday. At first we didn't know how to feel. We had so much nervous adrenaline pumping through us that the news was at first a let down. We just wanted to get it all over with! Not wait all weekend. But we knew that God's plan was better than ours. We got to spend extra much needed time with Charlie's parents just enjoying them and resting and more prayer time.
The weekend crawled by but Tuesday morning came bright and early! We had to be at the hospital to check in at 5:30 am. We didn't even really have to wake Ethan up. Just got him cozy in his carseat and he was back asleep for the drive. Not usually a morning person I think he thought we were on a fun adventure because he was so happy and silly.
Checking in was easy and in no time he had his special pjs on and was happily watching Cars.
We had 2 pastors from our church and a dear friend come to pray with us and for Ethan before he went in for surgery. It was such a blessing to have them come and do that with us. After a little silly juice to take away some anxiety (Ethan not mommy) we were able to walk with him to the operating room. We were told it would take about 4 hours and after handing him over to the nice nurse we had to go sit and wait and pray. The longest 4 hours of my life. But really, it flew by! Our pastors and friend stayed with us to keep us company for a bit and in no time we got the call from the case manager that the surgery was halfway over. He was on bypass and all was going well! Bypass....amazing and SO scary! Thankfully that was over quickly too and before the 4 hours was up we got the call that it was all done and he was heading to recovery. Both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist came to the lobby and told us how well it went and how cute Ethan is. 4+ cute to quote the anesthesiologist. Now we had to wait a little to go and see him. I think the wait from the time the surgery was done to the time we got to go to him felt longer than the surgery itself!
Ethan was sleeping peacefully when we first saw him. We were told he was a feisty and kept trying to wake up. Oh man, didn't surprise us! He had a lot of tubes and wires on. He really looked amazing though for what he just went through. I read some people said to be prepared for them to look swollen and not like themselves. But he was just as handsome as ever.
Charlie took some pictures (much better than mine)
We spent the afternoon learning from the nurse what his care would be like in the hospital and just waiting for him to wake up. His nurse took great care of him and had nothing but good things to say. She was so encouraging and positive and we felt so at ease and knew that Ethan was in good hands.
Later in the evening Charlie's parents brought Brendan and Carter to visit. Ethan was in and out of sleep so not much visiting went on but it was good for everyone to see him and see how good he was doing.
After the short visit we settled in for a long night. Ethan slept most of the day so we figured he would be awake most of night. The first night was by far the hardest and longest night. The fresh pain and realization of what just happened made Ethan really fussy and restless. He wanted out of the bed but had too many wires and tubes still. He also was really thirsty but the pain medicine made him nauseous so he couldn't keep apple juice down. It broke my heart each time we gave him an ounce or 2 only to have it come right back. But we survived and the morning brought a fresh new day.
By lunchtime the next day we graduated out of PICU and headed down to the regular pediatrics floor. A much bigger room with our own bathroom and a lot more privacy. Ethan was able to catch up on his sleep and even got to sit on our laps!
Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle James came to visit us that night and brought us yummy dinner. Ethan was still pretty restless and it was really wearing down on all of us. We all slept a lot better that night though and again, the new day brought new joy and fresh hearts.
Charlie's parents came back to visit so we ventured out of the hospital room and checked out the playroom. Ethan was quickly overwhelmed so we didn't stay long but it was a good change of scenery.
When we got back from the playroom it was time to take out the big IV from his neck. Not a fun process but it was done quickly and with just a few tears. Luckily Ethan had Buzz to help him through.
After a long nap Ethan woke up hungry! Scooby snacks and pizza were scarfed down. And a few sippy cups of chocolate milk too.
We had a fun visit from Aunt Holly and Uncle Jeff! Ethan was back to his happy self.
Once he was able to get out of the bed, Ethan did NOT want to go back in it for anything. I don't blame him! So we found a few other creative ways to keep him comfy out of the bed....
Later in the evening Charlie's parents brought Brendan and Carter again. Ethan had improved leaps and bounds that day and we got to spend some more time in the playroom. He even walked a little in the hallway.
Thursday night was another rough night. Ethan refused to sleep in the bed and the pullout bed was barely big enough for Charlie and I in the first place. We tried pretty unsuccessfully to all squeeze in on it and none of us got very much sleep. It didn't help that in the wee hours of the morning we had to wake Ethan twice for an x-ray and an echo to check on his heart. We were all pretty grumpy but after a visit from Ethans doctor we found out we could probably go home later that day. Good news!!
Happy Friday! Ethan was thrilled to get chocolate ice cream for breakfast.
Ethan had another visitor from his good buddy Miss Mandy and Jake. They brought new toys and a new book! Jake gave Ethan a ride to the playroom and we had a fun time!
Charlie left to take his parents to the airport and spend some time with Brendan and Carter so it was just Ethan and mommy hanging out waiting to be sent home. We colored, had lunch, and took another long nap. Finally we got our papers and we were on our way home!
We couldn't believe we were sleeping in our own bed Friday night! It felt SOOOO good. I still can't believe how fast he recovered!
We've been home a little over a week and Ethan is doing so wonderful. He is pretty much his usual crazy happy self. We are keeping him home to protect him from germs but should be able to go back in the real world soon. We praise God for the easy surgery and quick recovery! So thankful to Him and to all our wonderful family and friends for their love, prayers, and support!
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