Hear We Go!

I am not sure who I have been trying to convince that I am not completely wiped after today, everyone who has asked, or myself! Today was overwhelming both physically & emotionally, but it was worth every second.  I got up at 5am, after being awake most of the night!  I was so excited for Brady, and I couldn't wait to get there this morning.  We headed to the hospital around 5:30, and checked in right on time!  After making our way back to the Prep room, and meeting the large team of doctors, nurses, residents, and students that would be working on Brady's case, anxiety and reality began to sink in!  We gave Brady final kisses and walked with him to the OR doors.  As they wheeled the stretcher away from me, I couldn't fight the tears any longer.  I can be solid as a rock as long as one of my kids are looking at me, but the moment they can't see my weakness, I melt.  Watching him disappear behind the doors was like watching the precious angel I have known and loved for the last 2 1/2 years vanish.  I know this surgery is awesome and such a huge blessing, and I do not take that for granted at all.
Being a special needs momma poses an interesting Catch 22!!  I have been able to enjoy the "baby phase" much longer than most mothers are allowed.  I have gotten rather attached to my baby, and I am not ready to let go of that phase yet.  While I want him to walk, I am okay that he still needs me.  While I want him to talk, I am okay that he still communicates immaturely.  While I want him off baby food, I am not ready to stop feeding him!!!  It is a strange feeling to experience, and watching him go into the OR... I knew that things were changing.  I am excited, and sad at the same time.

The waiting room visit was relatively short for us, but it seemed like a lifetime!  We were informed after 45 mins of waiting that the nurse would be calling us on the phone in the waiting room.  My heart sank thinking something had gone terribly wrong, and I was so afraid of what the call would be about.  The nurse with Brady, Tiffany, was calling to let us know that the procedure began at 8:20 and that Brady had done amazing thus far.  I felt like I could breathe a little, but at the same time, my stomach was in a knot.  I knew that meant we now had to wait for at least 90 mins before we had another update!  Fortunately, I fell asleep, and I awoke to Derik getting up to answer the next phone call!  They informed us that Brady's procedure was finished and they were testing the device!

BREATHE JESSICA!

It was about 15 mins later that Dr. Coehlo appeared in the waiting room in ensure us that everything went exactly as they wanted it too!  Brady had done well, the device was working, and they were cleaning him up for his trip to recovery.  He answered a few questions, and handed us a book bag, and a very large box!! These 2 things held all of the pieces and parts for Brady's newest piece of technology!!  

I was completely floored on how many parts & pieces there actually were!  

My favorite thing was the monkey that came with the entire kit and caboodle! 

 He has his very own cochlear implant!!  

Another patient waiting for surgery in the Pediatric Waiting Room helped name the monkey... Buster!  

It felt like FOREVER, but it was really only a few mins when we heard the most pitiful cry coming down the hall.  It was Brady, and he was waking up!!  

When we got into recovery, I climbed into the bed with him.  

He laid him on my chest, where he fell asleep for at least an hour.  

His wake period was pretty rough, but after his nap, he was much happier.  

Since everything went as planned, we were sent home by noon!

Abbie was BEYOND excited to see Brady, and was such a sweetheart.  

She snuggled with him until he decided it was time for another nap.  

We spent our afternoon running around Midlothian, trying desperately to find Brady's RX pain meds.  We finally found them at a pharmacy in Short Pump, and we were able to give him another dose this evening. Hopefully he rests well this evening, and we have a much easier day tomorrow.  Dr. Coehlo called us this evening, to check on Brady.  He was so reassuring and after hearing a recap of our day, he put my mind at ease, by saying that it all sounded very normal!  

We followup with Dr. Coehlo on Friday next week, and in 4 weeks, we will get to turn this bad boy on and see what Brady thinks!!!  I am SOOOOOO excited to see his reaction, and the 4 week wait, might actually kill me!!!

Thank you to everyone for your prayers, and your kind messages.  We appreciate the incredible support from so many of our friends and family.