Bathtime improvised

Aidan stinks... and I say this in the most loving way. Aidan is still in diapers- he was in the midst of potty training when we went into surgery- and we (obviously) have put that on hold while in his cast. To be honest, I think life would be a little more difficult if he was using the potty- trying to hold him over the potty and aiming... I just don't see it working so well. However, unfortunately- we have had a diaper incident too. Aidan was, well, tucked into the cast in a way that made it so that when he urinated- it went right into the cast- missing the diaper completely. So, our Saturday this past weekend was spent trying to clean the iside of the cast (not such an easy task) and blowing him dry for about 3 hours (FYI- the cotton they use for lining the cast- does not dry very quickly). So, if you get close to Aidan- and stick your nose down by his cast- he is kind of stinky. Poor little guy. We try to keep him as clean as possible- we just miss about half of his body since it is cast covered. But at least his head, arms, feet and exposed other areas are cleaned. We have a perfect set up for Aidan's "bathtime". Our counter is perfect size for him to lie down beside the kitchen sink and we have a pull out spray nozzle to spray his head down. He doesn't love it- but I think he must feel better when we are all done. Here are a couple of pictures of Aidan getting his bath.

Aidan is coming home today!

He's done so well the hospital is releasing him early! Very early, as Christy and David were prepared to stay until Monday or Tuesday. So they are all packed up and just waiting to be released basically. Yay!

Aidan is doing well. He understood he was getting surgery and getting a cast, what he didn't understand was how 'stuck' he was going to feel. So once in awhile he sort of feels a little freaked out by the confinement. Who wouldn't? But that was totally expected, just hard to watch him struggle with. It is also something that will subside as he gets used to his new routine. The cast he got this time is fiberglass, which is much more lightweight than his previous plaster casts, it is also not the full cast on both sides, just the one leg is fully casted with a partial on his left leg. The doctor told them he could be as active as the cast will allow within reason. So basically he's protected enough to be a little boy, which is wonderful. Obviously, he won't be jumping on the bed for awhile, but he can wiggle, squirm, and move to his heart content without giving his parents a heart attack and that is a good thing.

Christy tried to post pictures last night on here, but wasn't able to transfer files onto the hospital computer, so she promises to do so as soon as possible. David and Christy are doing very well and are so proud of their little guy. They sound sooooo exhausted though and I am not sure that they have slept much in the last couple days. The surprise release from the hospital is very welcome, but they will have to do some espresso shots before they hit the road I am guessing.

The ride home will be a bit tricky. Aidan cannot fit into a upright carseat so his only option is a lay down vest type restraint that basically doesn't totally protect him in case of an accident, just prevents him from being thrown from the car. So I am sure Christy and David would welcome some safe journey thoughts and prayers as this causes some obvious anxiety.

The hospital staff was so impressed with Aidan's ability to cope with his situation. He has been polite and calm throughout the ordeal, meeting milestones way ahead of expectations. He is ready to come home! Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts and words of encouragement. It means a lot to my sister's family to have such a wonderful support network. And as much as I've enjoyed writing here, I am excited to report that most likely it will be Christy and David posting the next news later this evening, from the comfort of their own home. :)

Aidan Update III

He's doing great! Christy and David are in the room with him now and he is still sleepy, but starting to wake up. He is doing so well the nurses have removed his IV, (but left in the port in case they need it). He did get the partial cast on his left leg with a full cast on his right. So- so far, so very good.

Aidan Update II

Aidan is out of surgery and resting :)

The doctor was pleased how everything went. He added a couple pins that will need to come out in six weeks under general anesthesia. But all in all, a very successful surgery. Christy and David will get to see him soon and I'll have more information to share then.

Aidan Update

I am writing for my sister since she won't have computer access until this evening or possibly tomorrow. She wanted to make sure that everyone was updated on Aidan's progress, so I am hacking her blog until she can take over. So any incorrect medical information that might happen would be totally on me. I try to pay attention, but you know, lots of big words... Thanks! Candy

Aidan was wheeled into surgery at around 12:45. The surgery is expected to last at least three hours and then he'll rest in post op until around 5:00 or 5:30 p.m. Christy told me that Aidan was so cute when they first gave him the drugs to relax him, laughing slowly and at everything. The hospital staff has been wonderful and they've made every step as comfortable for Aidan as possible. He was allowed to eat this morning until 6 a.m., drink up until 9 a.m. He didn't have to come into the hospital until 11 p.m. and everything started at that point. He didn't get the IV until after he was comfortably drugged even. So all in all, as pleasant an experience as can be hoped for.

Aidan is having a Pemberton procedure where they will be building up the anterior shelf of his hip bone. There. That sounded like I totally knew what I was talking about, didn't it? Here is a link that is sort of hard to read and full of more information than I personally can absorb, but it is interesting and Google told me it applied to this situation.

There is the possibility that both of his legs might not be casted. Christy isn't sure, but one of the nurses implied that he might just have his right leg fully casted and the other partially. This will be much more comfortable and cooler if it is the case. And in other good news - there is a Starbucks right down the hall from where Christy and David are waiting. Nothing like mixing caffeine and adrenaline. But actually it sounds like the hospital is a very good place with a wonderful cafeteria, and yes, places like Starbucks. All of these things making it more tolerable. Christy and David sound really good. I imagine the time will start to really drag here soon, though. That is a long time for your baby to be in surgery.

Christy and David truly appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers right now. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive and kind during this crazy time. I will be sure to post again when I get the next update.