I don't like Mondays....

Especially when they involve my children going under the knife. Kevin was born with a herniated belly button. They usually close up on their own within two years, but his didn't. After years of it not bothering him, it started causing pain earlier this year. So.....Monday was The Big Day to get it fixed.

In typical Kevin fashion, he was unphased by the day up until it was time to go into the OR. I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck, not sleeping well the night before and mentally drained by noon on Monday. The surgery went as scheduled, without any problems or complications with anesthesia. What a blessing!

Children's Hospital is one of the top hospitals in the country, and we are so lucky to have them here. Everything is kid-oriented, from the cafeteria menu (which includes chicken fingers, hamburgers, Pizza Hut, fries, and Gold Star Chili), to the playrooms, methods of transportation, and decorations. It's a fantastic place, and the staff is top notch.

We went back with Kevin when they put him under, and got to be at his side about 45 minutes after he came out of surgery. He was eating a grape popsicle and shaking just a bit from the anesthesia. His left arm was taped to a tiny board to prevent him from bending his wrist and pulling out the IV. One more popsicle (cherry this time), and IV removal... and he was ready to go!

He fell asleep in the car on the way home, and once home, spent most of the evening laying on me (Happy Happy Joy Joy! Reminded me of my cuddley little Baby Kevin. *smile*). Pain management was an issue yesterday, and continues to be today. He's on Tylenol with Codeine every 4 hours- and it's really making a difference. When it gets close to time to re-dose...he starts complaining about the pain, and shook sometimes yesterday. Ug... so sad. He slept OK last night- until 3AM, and ended up in our bed for the rest of the night. So needless to say, Kevin and I are BOTH experiencing pain management and sleep issues today.

He's getting better.... playing for short stretches and eating well. Popsicles are a food group, aren't they? Bill said so- told me they were in the same group as chicken wings, pizza and garlic bread. *grin*

John, knowing this was a tough couple of days for me, posted a caption contest in my honor, which is bringing me lots of smiles and giggles. Thanks to John and everyone who has commented, and thanks to those of you who knew ahead of time and sent your GA's our way.