One Week Away!

We are officially one week away from surgery! Time is flying by and going slow! We officially told all the kids at the same time on Friday night about the surgery. We basically asked Blaise if he remembered having to go to the hospital for surgery about a month ago- referring to his heart cath. We explained that he was going to have a surgery like this again, where they will put him to sleep and he won't remember anything, they'll work on his heart and when he wakes up his heart will feel better. We said he'd be able to run around like other kids. We told them we'd have to stay a few nights in the hospital and that Sutton and Holten would be staying with babysitters. We have a Child Life specialist coming to meet with Blaise on Tuesday during all of his pre op appointments and we are going to let them be more specific on details like being cut open, the tubes etc and explain to him. All three kids broke down in hysterics, Blaise saying he was scared, Sutton afraid mom and dad weren't coming back home and also being so sensitive saying she wanted them to give Blaise a new heart so it was fixed. Holten was just crying because everyone else was hysterical. We got them all calmed down, did a nightly routine with a book and they were all pretty good by bedtime. It hasn't been brought up a whole lot, but all seem to be doing ok with it.

I've personally just been completely ignoring it and not thinking about it. I'd be a complete mental basket case if I did. I'm almost ignoring it. I"m glad we chose to wait until after the fair this weekend because its a good distraction for all of us in these final few days. We took Blaise back to school shopping this weekend and got all of his stuff. His amazing teacher is letting him go up tomorrow night to see his room and take his things, preparing for him missing out on these things.

I have sitters lined up for the kids for the whole first week for both day and night. God Bless the wonderful people willing to help us out even in less then ideal circumstances. Many prayers to Sutton and Holten as they will be with somewhat strangers for at least seven days and worried about their brother. The amazing outpouring of support from everyone so far is staggering. We have a hard time accepting the support, but realize we honestly couldn't do this without it.

Blaise was given the Anointing of the Sick by our Priest on Saturday morning.

My mind has been racing trying to plan for being gone, having people staying overnight in our home. For those that have experienced fair on a "extreme" level, you know how fast the house gets dirty, laundry piles up etc. I'm not sure how to pack for anyone- or have our house ready in time. Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be 100% fair consumed, followed by me working on day Monday, the fair Monday night and leaving Tuesday morning.

We are officially leaving town around 9 am on Tuesday morning, after dropping Sutton and Holten off at daycare. We will do all of our appointments at Children's during the day, then check into the Rainbow House and spend the night not letting go of our precious fighter. We will check into Children's at 6 am Wednesday morning, surgery at 8. Constant updates will be made as I (or another family member) is able to the blog.

We are asking for prayers, prayers, prayers, and more prayers. God hears us, he knows our needs and I know works miracles. I saw this from one of the other heart moms and thought it would be a neat way to support Blaise. If you'd like to wear red in honor of heart defect awareness, or John Deere Green on Wednesday in support of Blaise please do. Send Mike or I your pictures or tag us on facebook. We will be showing all of these pictures of encouragement to him as soon as we are able. Also, we are welcoming fun short videos by text message at 402-six-eight-nine- 6414. These we will show to Blaise while in the hospital to give him a taste of the outside world and more support.

Thank you all!!!!! GODS GOT THIS!