Happy boy... just taken moments ago!

Down to the one hand count-down... 4 days to go...

Can you believe it? In two days it will be: two months since knowledge of Keane's health conditions started; Keane's six month birthday; the day we drive to Portland for pre-op appointments; and two days before his surgery. It seems like much longer than two months. For better or worse, this summer is like being in grade school. Remember when summertime lasted for an eternity and you actually were excited about school starting again? Then, as we get older, the summer's go by faster and faster, well, that was until this summer. Officially the SLOWEST summer on record, in my life at least.

Everyday is incredibly busy, but the list of "to-do" work, personal and kid-related items before Keane's surgery seems to get longer instead of shorter.  Days are long and stress is constant, but we dance, sing, make play-dough sculptures and watch the Olympics. Who knew the "modern pentathlon" would be so entertaining?

Keane has another cold. Avery went to school ONE day two weeks ago and about three days later started getting a runny nose. Then, about three days later, Keane got the same runny nose. He's been under the weather since. My pre-op instructions are clear about not getting sick within two weeks of surgery. Dr. Bob said the cold was limited to his head, his lungs were clear. That was Tuesday and since he wasn't better by Friday, I left the message, I had been dreading for days...."This is Erin, Keane's Mom. I am not sure how ill Keane should be to notify you that he is ill, but he has upper respiratory...." I am hoping since no one called back on Friday, they are not concerned about a little runny nose and puffy eyes. His weight was good on Friday and his oxygen saturation was normal for Keane (about 85). He appears to be on the road to wellness today. He just needs to be well and strong by Wednesday morning at 745a so he can be cleared for surgery on Thursday....

And can't get enough of the Cozy Coupin'

 Seeing the world from a whole new vantage point.

 Loving this one handed driving.

Can't pass on this outfit...

Surprise, the camera was rolling!

 

My friend, Amanda, came over this weekend - just in time for our daily dance party. I believe everyone involved thought I was taking still pics. Surprise! Don't miss my little diva in the right hand corner...

Cozy indeed!

Avery and Keane had a fun time playing this morning (8/11).

Too long, I know, but only 9 days to go...

It's been too long since my last post. It's not because there is nothing to share. On the contrary, there's so much to do when you're not 100% sure about how the rest of your summer will unfold. There are not only chores to complete and errands to run, Keane's upcoming surgery has kicked our summer bucket list into high gear: Avery's been enrolled in an intensive swim class Monday through Thursday last week and this week; I insisted on a spontaneous trip to the beach to show my dear little man the ocean; and I was not about to let the swim suit for Keane I purchased three months ago go completely unused...you only have your first summer once!

Pulling together a plan

Every day since last Wednesday, I have received a call from someone at or affiliated with Doernbecher Children's Hospital: cardiology nurses, surgery schedulers, pre-registration-ers, "our" social worker making sure we were stand up citizens who could stay at the Ronald McDonald house, and intake staff at the Ronald McDonald house. Who will call tomorrow?

On Friday, Keane weighed 12 lb, 9.5 oz. However, today he weighed only 12 lb, 6 oz. We've been trying to get Keane to drink out of a bottle instead of the dropper. As a result, he is not getting as much high calorie formula. What a quandary. He has to drink out of a bottle in the hospital, at least for the first couple days after surgery, likely. However, if he doesn't get enough high cal, he loses weight. Well, only a few more days to go. One week from tomorrow (Wednesday) morning, we will be at his pre-operative appointment, on a tour of the Peds ICU and checking in to the Ronald McDonald house the night before his surgery.

It's all so surreal - still.  It feels like a lifetime of waiting for the surgery and wishing for it to be surgery day. Now that it is really almost here, I am not ready. I don't mean readiness for chores, errands or completion of work-related tasks - I am not ready to watch them take him away, not ready to wait for the surgery to be over, not ready to see chest tubes protruding, or my son intubated, not ready to be unable to pick him up or see him in pain. I know I don't have a choice - he doesn't have a choice. There is no other option....

Will swim once this summer!

Avery has been swimming quite a bit this summer, especially in the last couple weeks. Keane, however, had never been swimming. First, he can't be near the crowds at the public pools. Second, he doesn't like cold water. The solution - add some hose water to Grammo's and Grampo's hot tub. Voila! Instant swimming for all.

Must see the ocean

We took a spontenous trip to the coast on Saturday (8/4). Which, of course, in Oregon always requires sweatshirts. Avery built castles and buried toys (we found them all) while Keane got completely over tired from his outing that he passed out. Thanks to BFF Marian for sharing this adventure with us! What a crazy fun day, full of unanticipated mishaps and the always anticipated giant ice cream cones. Of course, we stayed clear of any locations that may have crowds. Taking no chances with germ exposure before surgery!