We got a phone call this morning and Field's surgery has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 5th. They moved it up one day because the surgeon, Dr. Fraser, has to leave town Friday following surgery and wanted to give Field some time to recover after surgery before he leaves town.
So in 6 days we will hand our baby boy over to the surgeon for his Glenn/DKS. I think back to the first surgery and it was all such a blur. I had given birth just 3 weeks before so my mind wasn't all there - seriously, no woman should make any important decisions for at least a few months post-partum. Now I know why we get maternity leave. No employer would want a woman fresh after baby making important decisions after giving birth. Anyway, after he was born, Field spent 9 days in the NICU and had only been home for 12 days before the surgery. That wasn't much time for us to bond as a new family of 3. So when we handed him over for surgery - yes, it was awful and so very difficult - but we barely knew Field. This time, we know and love our sweet boy SO well. He is my little buddy that I spend every waking hour with. I have LOVED staying home with him - it gives us all the more time to bond. Handing him over for surgery will be that much harder.
I have a new friend who has done this same thing before and she has assured me that yes, it will be harder because we know him so well, but at the same time, we know his needs so much better too. I will know when he needs to be fed, when he is uncomfortable, when he is happy, etc. It brings me comfort knowing that I best know how to comfort my son.
For the most part, we are doing very well and by the grace of God, we have a peace about what's ahead. I have my moments for sure - where I let the "what ifs" run through my mind and take over. But the Lord has given us much grace and peace - and we know that is because of the faithful prayers that surround our family right now. We know God loves each of us so very much and we put all of our trust in Him. What a relief to have Him take our worries away. We could never get through this without our faith. We are so thankful to know and love the Lord.
We have been busy packing for what could be a month in Houston. It takes a lot of thought and organization when packing for that much time away - clothes, toys, blankets, bottles, pump parts, diapers, etc. Sometimes I pretend we are packing for a fun vacation rather than a major surgery - it makes packing much more exciting. :-)
We plan to leave for Houston on Sunday, January 2nd. We want to have Sunday evening to get unpacked and organized. We meet with Dr. Crystal, our cardiologist, on Monday and then the heart cath procedure will be Tuesday morning. The surgery will be Wednesday, January 5th at 8am.
We would so appreciate your prayers for safe travels, productive pre-op appointments, a successful and informative cath procedure, continued health for Field, Brad, myself, Dr. Fraser, and anyone else caring for him in Houston, wisdom for those caring for Field, and of course a very safe, successful, and smooth surgery and recovery. Prayers that there would not be any complications during or after surgery and that the new anatomy of Field's heart will be perfect for Field.
We will be sure to post updates as often as possible. We know so many of you will be praying and thinking of us and for that we are forever grateful. There is no way we can ever express our gratitude for all of the love, support, and prayers but know that we will most definitely "pay it forward" when others around us are struggling with life obstacles - we will be the first to offer our support for we know how very meaningful it is.
So many have asked what they can do to help us and for now - our request is just for prayers for Field. Prayers for a healthy and strong heart and a healthy and strong boy post surgery.
We want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. May your 2011 be filled with much love, great health, and many blessings!
Meet the Johnsons
Meet Field
