Pre-op day

It's been a busy day! I'm just getting to the computer after more time at the hospital than we anticipated and an evening at Grandma's and packing at home. Elijah's pre-op went really well. He checked out great, so we are on for surgery in the morning. We will arrive at 6:30 and surgery will start at 8:00. Dr. G is guessing it will be 5 hours from "kiss to kiss." The thing that will take a significant amount of time this round is getting through the scar tissue in his chest that is there from previous surgeries.

We are hoping that an adult-sized valve will fit in his heart. If this is the case, his next valve replacement can be done via cath! Amazing! Dr. G thinks it's likely that this time he will get a pig valve.

We had a nice day together. Elijah is such a special little boy, and he was incredibly brave today. Every nurse/doctor who interacted with him gushed about his cute little character and personality. Our main nurse gave him a clipboard and a pen, so Elijah went around taking orders from everyone, asking what they would like to order for food. He'd scribble down the order and say, "Oh. Ok, that sounds great. Anyfing else? I'll be wight back wif dat."

When it came time to take blood, Dan and I made absolute sure that there was not a recurrence of the last traumatic time. The best blood-drawer in the unit was able to hit a vein in ONE POKE. Thank you thank you, GOD. Minimal tears, minimal stress.

We chatted with anesthesiology about airway concerns, so we feel like we are all on the same page about that. Overall, we feel very peaceful and comfortable with the next few days. Of course, mommy worries creep into my head and of course, I wish we didn't have to do this at all, but it will be good. We are anxious to have it behind us.

We have no shame in asking for prayers for our little boy! Please pray for protection over him and for the surgeons and doctors and nurses to be at their very best. Thank you...we will post tomorrow as soon as we know anything.