Preparing for Surgery

So... Surgery is set for Tuesday, July 27th. We went to UCLA yesterday for Aidan's pre-op appointment. He was such a trooper! He lay perfectly still for his Echo, didn't cry once during his blood draw, and was an angel during his 12 Lead EKG. Logistically, we are prepared for surgery. We have the hotel, a request at the Ronald McDonald house our family, proper insurance coverage, and a good understanding of what to expect during the post operative recovery period. But, the one and most important this that is unprepared... Aidan.

Each time we have gone to the doctor we have told him that we are going to see the doctor and he's going to listen to his heart. We tell him he as a "boo-boo" that needs to be fixed and the doctor needs to look and listen, so he must be very still! After his blood draw yesterday Aidan was so concerned with his "boo-boo" from where they drew the blood. I felt so guilty that this "boo-boo" would be nothing compared to what he will experience in just a few short days. I looked at him and thought to myself... "oh kiddo... if you only knew."

In order to prepare Aidan for the surgery, Jake and I decided that we are going to perform "surgery" on Aidan's Build-a-Bear. We plan to have Aidan place bandages on the bear and help heal his "boo-boos". We are hoping that if he is able to see the "boo-boos" for himself, he will be less shocked when waking up from surgery. I hope this will prepare him and ease a little bit of the guilt I feel about putting him through so much pain!

Thanks again for all your kind words and prayers. I am planning on keeping everyone updated during our stay at the hospital.