Surgery Day

We arrived at 6am to check the boys in for surgery.  Brandon did very well with a minor outpatient urological procedure.  He was very cooperative and was all smiles all the way back.  I think he enjoys the attention!  He was not real sure about breathing the gas mask but did fine and was out within an hour.  The doctor came to talk to us and then took Brayden back for a fairly big surgery.  He seemed nervous all morning but did well going back.  The doctor said to plan for about 4 1/2 hours so we may be 1/2 way through it now.  We had one call to update and let us know that he was doing fine. 
Once Brandon was ready to discharge, they were kind enough to bring us back to the pre-surgery room to wait.  This way Brandon can rest and watch TV while we wait to go into recovery with Brayden.  I like being close if Brayden needs us and having a place to wait in privacy since Brandon is not really up for public right now. 

It has been a little tricky working things out with two at once for surgery, but with Bo and I both on duty (Thanks to Mom and Lindsay watching the girls) it has been manageable and I am happy to be getting it over with at once.  There are some striking similarities to adopting two at once-- more hassle, more expense, more planning to make things work smoothly.  And I think the real key is enlisitng help.  This day would not be possible without those helping to care for the girls and both of us here to take care of the boys.  At one point Brandon had awakened in recovery crying for mom and they were preparing to take Brayden to surgery and Bo had to start that and I just made it in for a quick kiss before he was out.  It is best to be prepared and have lots of help!   Still it is CRAZY! 

The boys have come so far in language and attachment and everything. I feel like even the surgery is a chance for them to see us caring for them.  Just praying we can keep up the pace and care for them both.  I did find out from a nurse that the restrictions we faced with Lily's surgery (no kids visiting) are lifted this week and will begin next week so it seems as if we came at a good time.  I am hoping Bo and I do not have to spend our 31st anniversary tomorrow totally apart- hopefully we can hang out in the hospital together...like we did the year Lauryn was born and one or two times when Lindsay was inpatient for New Year's Eve-- those were some of the crazy years.  But to be fair-- some of the amazing years were spent in-- Hawaii (just before our 5th), Colorado, Downtown Charleston, twice we were in China just prior to our anniversary and last year we celebrated in Niagara Falls.  Thanks to my AMAZING husband who puts up with me and loves me and is willing to live this crazy amazing life with me!

Please keep the boys in your prayers.  I will update you when Brayden gets out.      

Check out this blog post...

I just had to share this awesome blog post.  She really touches on the heart of what you can do to support someone who is going through the adoption process.  And since many of you come to our site because you are in the process, it really is something nice to share with your friends and family so they know how to best support and encourage you.  She has a way of telling it like it is...but read to the end-- the end brought tears to my eyes-- as I agree that we have had those moments in the last 6 months when we think-- What if we didn't listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit?  Those few special moments when I think, I might have missed this!  The past 6 months have been hard- really hard-- and yet I know and am convinced that God led us on this path and I wouldn't miss it for the world!  So here is a link to http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2011/11/02/how-to-be-the-villagethe blog I read and wanted to share with you.