Last Tuesday, I took the baby to get his immunizations. I had been dreading this for some time. The hospital requires his shots to be up to date, so putting the needles off until after his operation isn't an option. I made a plan incase he had a Tet spell and filled in the nurse, and then had a long, deep breath before we got started.
He did so well! A real little champ. He screamed for about five seconds before distracting himself with the toys in the nurses office. He even had a nice little nap in the carrier on the way home.
The carrier was one piece of equipment that I really wanted while I was pregnant. Once he arrived, G made it very clear that he HATED the carrier. I was worried that he would never use it. Over the past few weeks, he has really taken to it, preferring it to all other forms of transportation. We can now go shopping and I can do chores with a happy baby. Life is good!
On Friday, we had our last weight check before we go to Vancouver for surgery. Usually, there are about five people involved, and it's just too much for little G. This time, it was just the nurse, the baby, and I. G had a nap on the way, and since the clinic was quiet, we had a private area for G to have a snack before our appointment. Often he gets too distracted to eat before hand. He doesn't want to miss anything. Well, it made a big difference. He was so happy the entire time. His oxygen saturation was 90% , even hitting 92 at one point. I was very pleased with that result.
His weight is right around the median for his age, which is funny because he has outgrown all of his 3 to 6 months sized clothes, and he isn't even 5 months old yet. He has some fatty rolls on his arms and legs. Basically, he is in a good position going into his procedure.
The nurse showed me a photo album of a baby who had undergone open heart surgery. Seeing another baby hooked up to tubes and machines was hard, but good preparation for what's coming. I didn't react too much until I saw the pictures of him as a teenager. This sick child was saved, and he grew up to be a healthy adult. It was the best motivation to keep going that I have had so far.
Thursday was Miracle Treat Day, in which proceeds from the sale of DQ Blizzards are donated to BC Children's Hospital Foundation. A lot of people supported the cause and ate ice cream to help sick kids. I managed to eat two! I think this is a fundraiser that I can get behind year after year.
Yesterday, we attended a barbecue with other families with kids who have congenital heart disease. Sunny Bear, the mascot for the BC Children's Hospital Foundation, even made an appearance. These kids were not sick ; they were funny, intelligent, growing young children who were hitting milestones and having fun. One of the little boys will be heading over to Children's Hospital on the same day as us. He has day surgery scheduled on the same day as our pre-admission clinic. We might meet up with the family for a quick tour of the hospital.
One last happy story: this morning we went for a walk at Neck Point, a local nature park, for the first time since G was born. Thank goodness he likes the carrier now! He fell asleep within a minute of being strapped in, and my husband and I enjoyed sunshine, forest, and the beach while our little angel napped away. I really needed that! I think we might have to repeat it again tomorrow.
We leave for Vancouver in two weeks. It's coming up quickly. I will try to keep the updates coming while we are in hospital, but if they are slow, please don't take it as a bad sign. Taking care of my family is the main priority. I may turn this account over to someone else if I can't keep up with it.
Baby just woke up. Until next time. ..
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