Surgery Date

So while we were on vacation this past week we heard from Dr. E about Ethan's surgery.  We had the option to go as soon as Aug 8 (panic panic panic) or any other Monday in Aug, but then the next date was Oct 18th.  We chose Aug 29th.  So the next month for me is going to be focusing on preparing for the upcoming rodding revision surgery.

We will be in Omaha for a week, or maybe a little longer.  Typically he will be in the hospital for 3-4 days but then we will stick around for a few days afterwards just to make sure all is OK before traveling home.

One of the tasks I have to get working on is getting Ethan a wheelchair.  He is already refusing to sit in his stroller.  It is typically a lengthy process and there is no way to have a chair ordered and here by the time he needs it after surgery.  I have been worried about him being upset once he realizes that he will not be able to move around like he is used to after the surgery.  At 14 months we were his legs and carried him everywhere or he crawled/scooted around on the floor with his casts on.  Now that he is older and in the 'I DO IT' stage, he really needs the independence.

Luckily we have an amazing OI family and a Mom in Georgia is lending E her son's old wheelchair (he just got a new one).  She had intended to send it on to another family in California but E will use it temporarily until he is back on his feet and then we will ship it on to the family in Cali.  So, road trip to Georgia in a few weeks to pick up the chair and let E have a little time to get used to using it.

In other news, Ethan will also be starting Preschool this Fall.  There is a private school 5 minutes away that has a 2 yr old class 2 mornings a week and Ethan will be joining 2 of his friends in the class as well. Ha ha...lots of 2s in this message.  For peace of mind Ethan will have an aide watching over him the whole 3 hours to assist him during outdoor play and while changing rooms, etc (ie keep other kids from falling on him or pushing him down, etc).  Luckily, Ethan's current babysitter (Chelsey) is available those 2 mornings and will be his aide, so he is already familiar with her.  I think it will be good for him to socialize with the other kids and have some time away from Mama.  Now I just hope I make good use of those hours and don't sit here worrying about him the whole time.

Of course Ethan's upcoming surgery is most likely going to cause him to start a little late since the class starts right after Labor Day.  Once he is feeling up to it I plan to send him so he can do something fun and play with the other kids.  Life goes on and we try our best to just roll with whatever the OI sends us.

That is all of the update I have for now.  Keep Ethan in your thoughts and prayers on Aug 29th.  His surgery is at 1pm (central) so 2pm (Eastern) and will last approx 5 hours.