Brave Little Buby

Buby's surgery went well today. We have a long night ahead, so here's a quick update for family we may not have time to call. We woke up late this morning (big surprise after only two hours of sleep!), thus we had to leave the house in less than 10 minutes flat. Thank goodness I laid out our clothes the night before and had already packed Buby's play and food things. I'm not a morning person. Just hated waking him up, but no choice. He amazingly didn't fall back asleep. Wide awake the entire car ride from 4:30am on. The hospital gave Buby a pretty paper ankle bracelet and soft blue gown that opens in the back. His first. Once we got into our private waiting room (where the above shot was taken), we had to keep Buby's mind off food and drink. So while I signed yet more releases, Dada and Buby played catch with an impromptu sock ball (so much for my meticulous packing). Buby loved touching the IV bag and zoom zooming his little cars all over the carpet. Dr. R. (pediatric eye surgeon) entered sporting an m&m bandanna--very kid chic! Buby liked it lots. And she so admired his attachment to his Crocs that she let him keep them on for the surgery. The surgical nurse told Dada it was the first time in 26 years she has EVER seen anyone in the operating room with shoes on. Go Crocs! We're in love with Dr. R. Dr. Stan (pediatric anesthesiologist), on the other hand, introduced himself and called my Buby "Kevin" several times. That stopped my heart at least once. (In fairness, English wasn't his native language.) Finally... we settled on GAVIN. Then I noticed one of the releases said "both eyes." Oh boy! We're only here for the left eye, people! We were told all along we could be with Buby until he was out, but today they said only one parent could enter the operating room. I wasn't ready to say goodbye and had a moment of Mama Mama Mama selfishness. They gave me the goofy shower cap, face mask, head to toe hazmat getup. I nearly lost it as I carried Buby in his blue gown and army green Crocs down the hall with the surgical team--and left Dada behind. I turned around and said "bye bye Daddy" with a lump in my throat. Buby waved to him, and my knees got weak. I should've let him do this. I'm so scared. In the operating room--an impressively sterile scene (rubber slip-ons aside) that could easily fit the whole cast of Grey's Anatomy, House, & ER--Dr. Stan starting singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in the most God awful voice. His nurse said he willed the kids to sleep with that voice, and I believe it. Put me out! I bear-hugged Buby while Dr. Stan pressed the mask to his face. About halfway through he started to resist, kicking and screaming. I knew Buby could breathe, but I could not see HOW Buby could breathe and it made me lose my composure. I'm talking to Buby all the while. After another minute or so, I was relegated to the waiting room with Dada to wait. AND WAIT. AND WAIT. More awfulness. Less than an hour later, Dr. R. came to get us. I'll never forget how Buby looked swaying back and forth in the nurse's arms, all wired up to IVs and chest monitors. Tears rolling down. He wasn't happy. He wasn't Buby. We were in a recovery room for about two hours, the three of us sitting on the floor together. Buby took turns putting his head in our laps. They told us to feed him, so I set up a Buby buffet extravaganza on the floor--ALL of his favorite treats. (Banana, yogurt, cheese, apple, pretzels, and veggie sticks) He didn't want any of it. Another first. We made it home. He still has a bloody nose, fever, and is beyond exhausted. He'll have eye drops 4xs/day for 10 days. He won't allow himself to fall asleep even for 5 minutes (maybe he's scared if he closes his eyes he'll wake up all wired and messed with... understandable). So we've thrown all Buby Land rules out the window for the weekend. Everything he's NOT allowed to have... sure, why not. Whatever you want Buby (within reason). We're all tuckered out. Buby and Dada are shooting a few hoops before another attempt at bedtime. Dr. R. is calling us tonight. She gave us her cell if we have any questions over the weekend, and our post-op is in her office at 9am on Monday. So all should be good. Let's hope the surgery was a success! Just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the awesomeness of our friends and family :) WE LOVE YOU!!