Surgery Day

It's incredible how many emotions the human heart can simultaneously experience. Following Ivan's surgery, we felt grateful, concerned, exhausted, and relieved. 

Ivan on the other hand just felt pretty miserable. 

Monday late afternoon we headed down to St. Louis.  We enjoyed a delicious meal at Dewey's Pizza, which we highly recommend!  Ivan was a big fan of the chef who kept throwing pizza rings at the window!

We arrived at the hospital early on Tuesday and had an incredibly smooth surgery prep. Ivan was a pro and seemed fairly relaxed given the surroundings, lack of food, and new experiences. We were so grateful that Ryan was able to take Ivan back to the OR. Ivan gave Mommy hugs and a kiss and went back to the OR with Daddy and Lambie.  

 

Ivan was in surgery for approximately an hour and a half, then was in recovery for about half an hour before we were able to see him. 

Ivan was pretty upset when we arrived in his recovery room. It was pretty clear he didn't feel well. It became apparent moments later that he did not like his cast...not one bit.  He kept asking for it to come off. When we told him that it had to stay on for a while, he just dissolved into more tears.  While it was of little consolation to Ivan at the time, Lambie came out of surgery with a matching red cast. Due to the anesthetic and pain medications, Ivan kept drifting in and out of sleep. He was able to drink a juice box and a couple crackers...however, they later came up all over Mommy. More tears. The surgeon reported that the surgery was very successful and we have every reason to believe that Ivan's wrist will experience greater function in the coming months and years. 

 

When Ivan had calmed down, we were released and headed home with a popcorn bowl for possible future vomiting. Ivan slept most of the trip home. We encouraged him to eat a little ice cream (hospital's suggestion to relieve the throat irritation he experienced due to being intubated) and macaroni and cheese (his fave). He did eat a bit of both...but alas, both made a reappearance as we were driving...unfortunately the popcorn bowl was a bit late in making it to the scene, so Ivan's carseat caught the brunt. 

We eventually made it home, much to everyone's relief. Ivan was quite subdued, but enjoyed his cars and track. Ivan did eat some dinner. But I'm sure you can guess what happened next...Yep, it came back up. 

Ivan seemed to be about 90% of his usual joyful self today. We've had some precious moments with him, and he continues to astound us with his grit and adaptability.  Ivan jumped on his sit-and-spin this morning and twirled with one hand.  He also prayed before breakfast with his usual fervor. 

We would appreciate continued prayers for Ivan's recovery, healing of his arm, and greater motion and function. We are appreciative of the thoughtful calls, messages, and cards from family and friends. 

6 months and counting!!!

As with so many things these days, finding time to complete a blog update has been challenging. Both Ryan and I have been working on this particular update for over two weeks. We meant to share the update on August 20, marking exactly six months home. But as they say, better late than never...

So where to begin? It's certainly hard to believe Ivan has been home for 6 months now.  Let's see who can decipher some things Ivan says?  

High bibe

Bay

homem

good dob

hoomm

boomba (this has a double meaning.)  

I'll translate in a bit...

Since our last update, we've had some highlights (in no particular order):

CHRISTMAS
If Ivan allowed it, Christmas would be a multi-day event, just to unwrap his presents. When he would unwrap a present, he would be enthralled with it for an extended period of time. You'd think we were twisting his arm to open another gift. :) He was also able to meet all of his cousins and aunts and uncles.      This was truly a joy to see. "Jingle Bells" became a seasonal favorite. When he's in a good mood, we still hear a little jingle...especially if he picks up the tambourine or maracas.

 Picking out our Christmas tree...this one was a three-fer...two larger main branches and one baby branch all coming from one stump...it seemed perfect for our family this year!

DROVE A TRACTOR BY HIMSELF
Some people would be horrified that a parent would allow their 2 year old child to drive a massive, high horsepower, dust making machine.  He has mastered it though.  Full of confidence and able to overcome any obstacle in his path.

 He loves to pick up sticks! And pose for pictures! :)

TRIP TO FLORIDA
Back in December, Lindsey and I decided we'd try to take a trip to celebrate our 5 year anniversary.  We wound up in Florida last month!  After our last flying experience with Ivan, we were understandably uneasy about revisiting that, but, once again, our boy was the star of the day!  He charmed our fellow flyers around us, we should of known.  FYI to any parents of toddlers out there, you can check a stroller or carseat for free on any domestic airline!

Once at our rental house, we took Ivan to the beach before sunset.  It was pretty breezy and a little cool, so first impressions were undetermined.

 

The following days consisted of scooping sand into a bucket, pouring it out, scooping more sand into the same bucket, pouring it out, more scooping, more dumping, repeat.........

  

He was one happy beach boy

POTTY TRAINING

We are slowly making progress toward potty training. Ivan does an excellent job sitting on the potty, wiping, and pretending to flush. He pretty much has the process down except actually going potty...in the potty. :) 

Looks like he's got it down, eh?!

ANOTHER FIRST

Ivan experienced another first...his first trip to the hospital ER. In the early morning hours one Sunday, Ivan experienced a febrile seizure.  It was very frightening for all of us, but thankfully we were both in his room when it occurred. It was discovered he had bronciolitis and an ear infection. After leaving the hospital, we stopped at McDonalds and Ivan ate hotcakes with the best of 'em. He rebounded from the entire ordeal very well and you wouldn't have even known he was under the weather. 

OTHER DAY-TO-DAY JOYS

•   We can't get enough of watching our precious boy pray with such fervor and earnestness.  We pray he may always have a closeness with and readiness to talk to Jesus. 

•   Enjoying Ivan's affection! Ivan is a hugger, kisser, and high-fiver. He is quick to give a kiss to Mommy and loves wrestling with Daddy.  He continues his friendship with Lambie, BearBear, and Moose.

•   Watching Ivan's love for tractors and all-things with wheels. He is instinctively drawn to anything he can drive, and loves to ride along with Daddy on the farm. 

UPCOMING

Ivan will be having surgery on Tuesday on his left arm. He will be in a cast for six weeks, followed by a removable brace for a number of months. We would appreciate prayers for a safe and successful surgery, quick recovery, and great outcome. 

LAST THING...

You've waited for interpretation of our Ivan-isms...

High vibe - HIGH FIVE

Bay - LAMBIE

homem - HOME

good dob - GOOD JOB!

hoomm - PLEASE!

boomba (this has a double meaning.)  - BE BACK! or DIAPER