Home for some R and R

We are home and it feels so nice.  Everything surrounding getting the surgery done could not have gone better.  There were so many tender mercies that were noticed.

A few days before going to the hospital, Caroline was paraded from place to place for hours and hours to prepare.  She started Thursday with preschool.  Straight from there we went to the eye doctor to figure out what to do about the broken glasses from last week.  Then it was time for a presurgery physical.  Off to do labwork at another location, and then our last stop was to go pick out new glasses.  

Let me just say that the people at America's Best were not sad to see us leave.  We left without glasses, and it seemed like the entire store was rearranged due to Olive's interior design skills.

(blurry sorry, but I just love it, she was such a happy traveler)

Preparing her for what would happen was actually really fun.  We read "Goodbye Tonsils" which she really liked and understood.  We wore surgical masks to see what everyone would look like in surgery.  And we had to do a manicure and pedi because cute feet are a highlight of a nurses day in the O.R.

The morning of surgery was tender.  Caroline was solemn and didn't talk much.  She was tired and hungry, but didn't mention that at all.  I was so worried about having to keep her without food until 10 a.m., but we were blessed and her tummy made it.  We woke her up at 5:30 to pump her full of juice because she could have clear liquids up until 6.  

She wanted to wear her pink fairy jammies and her bunny slippers to the hospital.  

On the way to the hospital she calmly said, "Mommy, I am a little bit nervous to get my tonsils out."  

One of the most touching parts for me was that Adam and I both got to go back and be with her as she fell asleep.  I was able to hold her tight as she breathed the strawberry scented gas.

The surgical team was so interested in talking with Caroline about if she liked puppies or butterflies, or the color pink :)  I wasn't too worried that I was too choked up to sing to her or to ask Adam to sing.  She was as happy as could be as she drifted off.  

I was happy too that she was soo comfortable, but it was hard to leave her there on the stretcher.  

The surgery went fast and the doctor said that her tonsils and adenoids were HUGE!  He also said that she had what they call "glue ear" because she had such thick fluid behind her eardrum.  The surgeon placed tubes to prevent fluid from building up there.  We are so glad that she'll be able to hear better, it will be so nice for her.

She slept a long time, and when she woke up in recovery she was so pleasant.  When it was time for Adam to go she said, 

"Daddy, give Olive a smooch for me and tell her that I will get better soon."

I can tell you that tears were just waiting to pour out of our eyes.  She is always looking out for her sister.

We had to stay overnight so that she could be monitored because she was so young.  It was a long night, but we enjoyed walking around the unit at 4 am, watching Madeline, and snuggling.  

Since being home we have had no agenda and have just been resting a lot.  It has actually been really nice.  The first real smile I saw from Caroline was yesterday morning when she said, "I am feeling a little better mom."  

We have felt so taken care of and loved with all of the family and friends concern and help.  THANK YOU to all of our dear support our here.  The calls, emails, texts, visitors, care for Olive, treats to brighten Caroline's day and just offers to help have been overwhelming.

Caroline said yesterday with her swollen little bubble voice, "Mommy, it's so nice that everyone says Get Well, Get Well, Get Well!  It makes me feel good."

Even though she is young she genuinely appreciates all the love and support she has received.  And knowing Caroline she will remember it forever!