It's what you need

I picked up your aunt Amanda  and brought her to meet you on the way home this afternoon. She loved meeting you, buddy. I think you were showing her your muscles in this picture. 

They've been prepping you for surgery all day today. You got your PIC line in your thigh.  They'll use this for your anesthesia during surgery. They started an IV in your foot for your meds. They switched you to a bed with a warmer that is higher up so they can get to you right away. This way they won't have to lower the side each time they need to help you. They'll stop feeding you at 4 this morning. You'll also get an arterial line in the morning in case you need transfusions. They will start you on nitric oxide in the morning to prep you for surgery. They'll sedate you in the morning since your food will stop and they want you to be resting comfortably. 

You're such a trooper. You have the best disposition and are just so sweet. I know you are receiving strength from all the prayers offered on your behalf. Daddy gave you a blessing tonight and it just confirmed how much you are loved and how many people pray for you. You are such a special boy and we are so grateful you are part of our family.

Although surgery and recovery are going to be rough we know this is the right decision. During your breathing treatment your ET tube came out and went back into your stomach so they had to take it out and reintubate you. Over the last few weeks you have been gagging more and more on your tube. It's so hard to see that and know it's bugging you. Getting the trach will help you be so much more comfortable. Not to mention that you can't come home intubated and the older you get the more they'd have to sedate you. You'll be able to do so many more things with a trach and really be a baby. Over the last 3-4 weeks you have gotten stronger and are more stable. It's been a rough road having the surgery postponed so many times but the timing seems perfect now. 

There are so many people that have offered to help. People anonymously giving gift cards for dinner for us to use while at the hospital. People texting that they're thinking of us. Praying for us. Sending new outfits for you. Bringing dinner. Taking the girls. Even sending Amanda here so she could help us since they couldn't come themselves. Other aunts offering to come. The list goes on and on. We are overwhelmed with love, kindness and prayers. You're so loved Caleb. Our whole family is. There will never be enough words to express our thanks to those that serve and continually love and pray for us. 

Sleep well sweet boy. You need all the rest you can get. Big day tomorrow. 

I love you to the moon and back. 

Xoxo

Mom