Pre-Op to End of Day 1

I am sitting here right by Kohl's side reflecting on the events of the day and thankful that this day is almost past.

Kohl was so full of smiles this morning, so sweet, cooing and smiling. I prayed that he would be content despite the fact that 5:30 a.m. was his last feeding and surgery wasn't till 1:30. God answered that prayer...he slept most of the morning and really didn't cry until they had to put the I.V. in. He had the best little nurse, who really took to him b/c she has a lil 4 month old at home that is a chunky monkey like Kohl. They look a lot alike. She even took the time to put his shaved hair in a zipppy bag for me and labeled it "Kohl's 1st Haircut" when they shaved his head for surgery. She was very super sweet to him. And despite the "only 2 ppl can come back at a time rule", she let everyone come back and pray over Kohl and his prayer blankie before surgery and made sure that it stayed with him throughout. She is also the one who came out and kept us updated. She was such a blessing. After the iv was in, Kohl settled down and was very content until she carried him to surgery in her arms just as her own.

I am so thankful that Kohl did so well during the surgery, and grateful for the little waiting room that we filled up completely. Mimi, Paw Paw, Grandma, Grandpa, Kendall, Allison, Kerry, Terry, Mona, Pastor John, Dana, and Rachael were all there for us and for Kohl. It really made the time pass quickly and kept our thought from worry.

After the surgery, mom and I went back to see Kohl. Just as they had described, he was crying softly and miserably, was very jumpy and agitated from the anesthesia. I immediatly teared up...I knew this would be the hard part. Scared to touch him or move him in any way for fear of hurting him...I felt helpless. The nurse did insist that I hold him to get me over that, which I know did both me and Kohl good. The dark red spots on his face concerned me and later started to blister...but I think that should heal up quickly. Up until about 45 minutes ago, I have kept my hands on him for comfort constantly. He settles down and then startles awake and cries softly. It completely breaks my heart to see him in such misery, but I am thankful that all went well, and trusting God to give him a quick recovery. I can't wait to see that little joyful smile again and hear the innocent coo's so excited to "tell me all about it." About half and hour after seeing him, I tried to give him some pumped breast milk, but he wouldn't take it. But about 15 minutes after that, he gulped down 3 1/2 oz within a couple of minutes...and kept it down. He has already had a wet diaper and a poopy diaper, which is a good sign. About 20 minutes ago though, he woke up and just started screaming inconsolably with a wild, scared look in his eyes and I knew he was hurting. So the nurse brought him is dose of phentenol (sp?). Now he is resting, what seems to be peacefully with an occasional moan or sigh. I hope he is able to get some rest tonight. I'm glad Kevin decided to stay too for the night...this is the most difficult part. But I know that just as God brought him through the surgery, He will continue to heal his lil body. Ummm...I hear more poopies happenin' right now! Yay for poopie diapers! lol While only a little swollen right now, I know tomorrow will bring much more swelling and possible discoloration. But we will get through it. Keep gettin' better lil man!