Father's Day

Ian is slowly returning to his old self. He was home all last week with Casey and he LOVED his time with Daddy! Friday night was the first night we were able to sleep through the night and it was heavenly. Ian still woke up, but he was able to sooth himself back to sleep. Nice touch. We tried hard to keep him in a routine, but it was still off. We were worried about being able to keep up the medication routine because at times he was really resistant. However, we learned if he could give it to himself he was happy as a clam! So, that is what we did and he pulled it off every time. Even crying out for more Amoxicillin one night before bed. Too funny! By the weekend he was back on a normal nap schedule and had more energy, a very good sign. His appetite still waxes and wanes, but I am sure his throat is still sore and agitating to him. We are hoping by next weekend he will be back to the boy we all know and love:)

Saturday we met up with the Courtney family at Stephen Day Park. We had not been to this park before (shocking since Casey and Ian scoped out almost every park in Longmont last week) and it was awesome. There were swings, a playset, a seesaw, water fountain, skate park...it seemed to have everything. We brought some snacks and took a break when the kiddos needed one. Ella and Ian loved being able to bounce back and forth from the water fountain to the playset. It is so cute seeing them play together! The highlight of Ian's day was his first ride in the skate park though. I got a really great video that I was hoping to post here, but for some reason this lame site won't let me upload. Sorry, peeps.

After the playground and snacks, the kids were wiped out and we had to part ways for naptime. It was great to hang out and spend the morning together. Longmont has so many great parks -I love that we live close to one, but I like having so many other options that are just a short drive away.

Sunday was a quiet day. Ian and I let Daddy sleep in and surprised him with donuts for breakfast. Yum! We enjoyed some time outside and did have to run a few errands. Casey chose Oskar Blues for his Father's Day dinner. Other than the long wait, it was nice. I got some fried pickles so I was happy:) They had live music to enjoy while we were eating. I caught Ian dancing in his seat a couple of times. Adorable! After dinner we headed home so we could all get some rest and prepare for our return to civilization the next day. It's been a long week and I think we were all looking forward to some normalcy.

Recovery

June 10, 2010:

Casey and I woke up at 4 AM to get ready for the day. We let Ian sleep until we were ready to pull out of the driveway. He had to fast and I didn't want to torture him anymore than I already had. We rolled out by 4:30 AM and headed to Children's Hospital in Aurora. Ian was awake, but sat quietly in the backseat. I asked him if he knew where we were going and he said, "To the hospital." I asked him if he knew why we were going and he replied, "To take a tour." Well, sorta. Casey and I smiled and replied, "It will be a more in depth tour this time."

We checked in at 5:30 AM and sat patiently, waiting for our escort up to the 2nd floor. Everyone was very kind and helpful. I just tried to focus on getting through the next couple of hours without crying. My only goal for the last couple of weeks really. Ian was his usual charming self and he did such a great job with all the nurses and doctors. I knew he would be! He loved exploring the room we were in - oddly enough it was the exact same room they had shown us on our tour!

Finally the time had come - Casey put his gear on and went into the OR with Ian. I sat in the room waiting anxiously for Casey's return. I was not able to go into the OR with them since I am pregnant, but truthfully that was probably best for everyone. I gave Ian a hug and a kiss and told him I would see him soon. As soon as they were out of my sight, I unleashed the anxiety and worry I had been containing for the last 2 months. For those few minutes, I didn't have to be the strong one. It felt good. Casey returned within seconds to assure me that everything went okay. We headed to the cafeteria to grab a bite and find distraction (my trusty US Weekly was a huge help!). Dr. Striebel called before we were even finished eating to say he was in recovery and they would call us up in 10 minutes. Whew.

I wasn't sure what to expect next - other than what everyone had told me. He would be disoriented and inconsolable. They had told us that we would be taken back into the recovery room before he woke up, but this was not the case. We turned the corner and heard him sobbing, his arms stretched out as soon as he saw us. Exhale. He was agitated and rightly so. We held him and rocked him as best we could, but they decided a little morphine was in order to help calm him down. Whatever helped at that point was fine with me. I was secretly wishing they could give me some...water just wasn't taking the edge off! We weren't in recovery long before we headed up to Room 831 for the night.

It was only 10 AM. I tried not to think about the long stretch ahead. We called friends and family to let them know he was doing okay. Thank you to everyone who has offered their support - your thoughts and prayers for us mean the world and have helped us get through this challenging time. The doctors and nurses were fabulous too. They really took care of us. Dr. Striebel and his team at Children's Hospital were fabulous, plus Shandra and Jen (the recovery nurses). Being in the best hands possible always makes times like this a little less scary. I have a new sense of admiration for families who have to endure this. It isn't easy to see your child go through something like this, but I guess in the end it just makes us stronger.

He devoured a couple of popsicles upon arrival and ate pretty well the rest of the time, all things considered. Fluids - not so much. He did vomit a couple of times when they gave him the pain medication so they came up with another alternative. We watched movies to pass the time. Casey and I tried to nap whenever possible to conserve energy for the night ahead. Casey said it perfectly, "It is just like having a newborn, without the newborn." So true. But I have to confess, I loved getting to cuddle with him. I wish I could have taken all of his pain away, but I was going to revel in this moment. It has been 2 years since he had fallen asleep on my chest and I loved every minute of it.

By 7 PM that night he was starting to stabilize. We were finally able to get him to sleep in his crib comfortably. He would wake up whenever the nurse came in to check on him and would need to be held before going back to sleep in his crib, but he truly was a trooper! Casey and I took turns comforting him and sleeping on the less than comfortable arrangements provided. Not to complain, at least we were able to "sleep" in his room with him. We just kept telling ourselves that this is preparation for the months of sleep deprivation ahead!

June 11, 2010:

The doctors made their rounds early that morning and assured us they would do their best to get us out as soon as possible. Music to our ears! Ian was feeling much better and it was getting difficult to contain him. He wanted to explore and see what this place was all about! This was his happy dance when we told him he would get to go home soon. He said, "I want to see kitty!" How cute.

By 9:30, we were walking to our car. Everyone was so happy to be headed home. The thought of sleeping in my own bed and returning to somewhat of a routine was blissful. Ian fell asleep on the car ride home. He is already breathing noticeably less. It is going to be interesting to see how he changes over these next couple of weeks. I am just glad it is all over and we can focus on his recovery now. I am amazed by his resilience. He got a great surprise once we returned home - balloons from Grandma and Grandpa Schneider! He was so excited. I think they made his day!

Favorite season

I always thought fall was my favorite season, but as I get older (and moved to CO!) I am starting to rethink it. Summer has a lot of perks - sunshine, pool time, cocktails - all the good things one should have in life. I liked summer when I lived in WI, but you couldn't really love it because the season was so short. Living here has changed that for me - funny how life without humidity can just make you a happier person!

Memorial Day weekend is the start of summer for me. You have the Indy 500 and a Monday off from work - who could ask for anything more?! We wanted to host a party for our friends on Memorial Day to get the season started off right. It was a great mix of our favorite people and good food! We didn't want the night to end, but I guess all good things must come to an end.

Ian was excited to break out his pool. He loved it! Especially the new trick that Uncle Jon taught him...

Thursday Ian and I headed to IN to see Grandma and Grandpa Schneider. I was a little nervous about managing a toddler in the airport and on the plane being 7 months pregnant, but Ian did fabulous. We had so much fun! He was so excited to be riding on the airplane, he could barely contain himself. I love seeing the world through my child's eyes. Grandma and Grandpa were so happy to see us. We knew it was going to be a short trip, but we made the best of it.

Thursday we were pretty tired. Ian didn't take a nap until the car ride to Grandma's house - too much excitement to think about napping before that point! That night I enjoyed dinner at Little Mexico. I had been dreaming about that meal for some time! Ian was thrilled with all the toys he had to play with at Grandma's house. Thanks to my cousin, Lisa Tyler! She let my parents borrow so much stuff - car seat, toys, trikes...I so appreciate her efforts in making our trips easier.

Friday we were up and off to Turtle Park. We played for a bit before grabbing lunch at Dari-Licious. Something about those Vanilla Cokes. I just love them! It was sunny, but not too humid yet. Ian loved going down the slide and playing with the bubbles. Before we knew it naptime had arrived. Friday night, I got to enjoy dinner with my friend Erica. It had been awhile since we were able to catch up so it was great to have an adult dinner just the two of us. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of us. I somehow managed to get pictures with everyone else but her. I think we were so busy getting caught up on life that we just spaced it.

Saturday was hot and HUMID! I was quickly reminded why I don't live in IN anymore. I am so weak - I could barely stand it. Ian helped Grandpa fill the cooler on Saturday morning and watered Uncle Jon's cacti. We had a lot of work to do to get ready for our cookout that night. Before all the craziness I got a surprise visit from Jim Rich, he is the father of my friend Jay. It was so nice to see him and catch up. Sadly he did not get to meet Ian because Ian was napping. As he was leaving, Tammy Staton arrived for a quick visit. I always love getting to catch up with her. She was my daycare provider growing up and I love her dearly. One of the kindest people I have ever known in my life. She was what I envisioned when I was searching for a daycare provider for Ian and truthfully, Kristin reminds me of her a lot. My aunt, uncle and cousins arrived shortly after that. We finally got to meet my cousin Laura's two daughters, Bevin and Halli. Bevin was born a couple of months before Ian and Halli turned one last month. It was so cool seeing all the kids play together! Ian loved checking out all the new toys. My friend Stacie also popped in to say "hi". It was so good to see her. I always appreciate the people who make an effort to visit us when we are in town. The visits are short and life is busy, but it means a lot to me to get to see them.

The night ended abruptly though when Ian took a big spill on the cement in the backyard. Ouch! I didn't freak too bad, but he was pretty beat up. I was just happy he didn't lose any teeth. It was a hard fall, but after a clean up and a couple of hugs he was ready to go back outside. I was seeking refuge inside in the AC and he quickly moved on to other toys inside as the party goers dispersed.

Sunday was a low-key day. My parents went to church so Ian and I took a trip to Milligan Park. We had some crazy storms roll through the night before so most of the playground equipment was wet, but we dried off what we could and enjoyed a quiet morning in the park. Ian went down early for a nap and then it was time to head back to the airport. Ian was so happy when he woke up from his nap and could finally talk to Daddy! Casey had been camping in the mountains all weekend so we weren't able to talk to him until Sunday afternoon. Ian couldn't stop talking about all the fun he was having, but we all know he was ready to get home to be with Daddy.