Day is Done

There are some days that are better when they are over. Today was one of those days.

Matthew’s surgery went off without a hitch, and he’s well into recovery. It’s amazing how quickly little people heal—I’m so grateful for that.

We checked in at the surgical center around 8:45 this morning and were taken straight back to the pre-op area. My friend Bebeth came and joined us around 9:15. Around 9:30 it became apparent that things were running pretty late in the operating room, so the surgical nurse gave us permission to take Matthew (in his little hospital gown) and walk around the hospital until they were ready for us—it’s a good thing we did, because they ended up running almost 90 minutes late. Matthew enjoyed running all around the hospital, checking out the fish tank, playing with the fish imprints on the floor, and jumping on and off a bench.

When we finally made our way back to the surgery center, we got to see the surgical dentist and the anesthesiologist, and then it was time to carry Matthew back to the OR. I got to wear the fun, gauzy white jumpsuit again and the stylish hat and booties. 

I felt like an old pro, having carried him into the operating room three times prior, but I have to admit that it was still overwhelming and kind of freaky walking into the bright, white operating room and laying my boy down on the table. The anesthesiologist put the gas mask over his mouth and nose, and it took about two minutes for him to conk out, so I sang “The Wheels on the Bus” and “Tis a Gift to be Simple” until I could tell he was asleep. Then I gave him a little kiss on the cheek and was escorted back to the pre-surgical area.

My friend Bebeth and I got coffee and lunch and hung out in the hospital until the procedure was done. We got to talk at length with the surgical dentist (Dr. Kelly—really LOVED him) and then about 1:30 we got called back to the post-op area. A nurse carried Matthew into us, and he reached right for me. He was kind of groggy and grumpy, but he did a lot better once the nurse took the IV out of his arm and removed the tape stuck all over him.

After a sippy cup of warm milk (one of his favorite things ever) and a cup of yogurt, we got to go home. The rest of this afternoon and evening Matthew was sweet and kind of sleepy, but he seems to be recovering just fine. The dentist didn’t need to pull any teeth, but he did trim some of his gums, cap a tooth, and shave down a couple other teeth—so it’s likely he’ll have a little bit of oral discomfort for a day or two. Thank goodness for ibuprofen.

Many kind thanks to everyone who was sending thoughts and prayers our way. I was also thankful for the many test messages and phone calls today (and sorry for not replying to most of them).

At this point we anticipate that it will be another couple years before we have to lay foot in the surgery center again, which is a good thing. I don’t think this mama can handle another day like this one for a good long while.