LONG day

Today was Caleb's pre-op appointment at the Paley Institute and it was such an incredibly long day. Our appointment was set for 8am but we didn't arrive until 8:30am. We checked in, signed paperwork, and then waited in the lobby to be called. The good thing is is that they have complimentary Dunkin' Donuts coffee in the lobby, served in Dunkin' Donuts cups and all : ) I wish I would have known this before stopping for coffee on the way, but now I know. This is were the fun ends. We waited 45 minutes to be called only to be put into another waiting room. Caleb kept busy by playing a game, "Guess What I Am", in which he gives me clues and I have to figure out what he is thinking. We also watched I Love Lucy and The Dick Van Dyke Show on the t.v. in the room. Yes, we love the old black and whites : )

Next, a nurse called for Caleb to get medical history, take his blood pressure, and get blood and urine samples. His facial expression was hilarious as she told Caleb he had to pee in a cup. He was trying to make the nurse laugh the whole time. He is getting very clever these days.  You almost forget he is seven sometimes.

Next stop was to talk to the anesthesiologist. He explained a parent can walk Caleb back to the surgical room and stay with him as he is put to sleep. This is comforting to know, in case Caleb gets scared. At the same time he warned me that this is not a pleasant experience for parents as it can be hard to watch your child drift off. I figure I might elect my husband for the job as I don't want to start sobbing and freak Caleb out even more.

When Caleb is asleep, they will then place the epidural in his back. I am happy they do it this way as it is very hard to keep children still as they put the catheter in their backs. It also saves Caleb from the unpleasant experience.

Then, we were off to the second floor, Dr. Paley's floor, to do x-rays and meet with Dr. Paley and his PA, Servando. We signed more paperwork and continued to wait in yet another waiting room until they called us. Poor Caleb, he was going crazy at this point. It wasn't until 1:30pm that we were able to speak with Dr. Paley and the PA. Mind you, he was running on empty with only a cinnamon roll in his stomach that he ate at 8am. We went over the surgery which is going to be scheduled for 8am tomorrow but we have to be at the hospital at 6am. This goes without saying but we will have to get in bed extremely early tonight. I have been informed that they anticipate the surgery to last between 5 1/2- 6 1/2 hours. This was really the hardest thing to hear. This will no doubt be a very long day.

FINALLY, we were free to go. Caleb was in tears at this point from boredom and hunger. We had lunch at Whole Foods, scarfed down soup and fruit,  and discussed that we were going to go to the movie theatre to watch the new Disney Movie, Brave. Which is fitting for my little man, as tomorrow he will have to be VERY brave.