We are home!

Saying goodbye to our nurses and techs at the Children's Hospital.  What an incredible place!  We had fantastic care, and they do such a great job!  It makes me so proud to work for Palmetto Health!

When we met with Dr. Chen for appointments in preparation for the palate repair, he prepared us for a long, painful recovery.  One appointment he said we would be in the hospital probably 4 or 5 days, and that the issue would be Parker wanting to eat again due to the pain in his mouth.  He always reiterated that this surgery was "a really big deal," that he will "really, really hurt," and that it would be "pretty bad."  How reassuring, right?  We were hoping that we could go home by this Friday.  However, this precious little boy is constantly surprising me, and as I mentioned earlier, he didn't hesitate to take down some milk when it was presented!  In addition, his pain was well managed that second day with the PO medicine and I never had to request for the IV morphine.  When Dr. Chen rounded on us yesterday (Wednesday morning), he was very pleased and discharged us much earlier than originally expected!  He told me that he has had kids go up to 7 days without taking any food post surgery.  Parker- you are amazing!

Jack was thrilled to have us home- he jumped straight in the car and went for kisses on Parker

So happy to be home- clapping!

We had a great day at home!  Parker was thrilled as he crawled and pulled up nonstop around the house.  He also was very happy to see Jack, and there multiple attempts to stand up holding on to Jack, as well as trying to eat Jack's collar (I didn't say he is always brilliant).  We got to be outside for the first time in days, go on a couple walks, and not be restricted to the metal crib in the hospital room.  He got to take a bath in the tub with his toys.  In addition, I only gave his pain medication a couple of times- and it was only in trying to prevent breakthrough pain and not because he was upset.  This is one TOUGH kid!  Did I mention how raw his palate looks?

Anyhow- I can only give praise to the grace of God and his answering of so many prayers and requests.  He is so good to us, and I am constantly blown away by our many blessings.  We follow up with Dr. Chen next week to see how he is healing and to get the go ahead to eat real food again.  Go Parker Go!

Back in our chair for stories and cuddling before bed time.   By the way- as I write this, Parker has been asleep for 10 straight hours without waking up!  Thank you, Lord!