Thankful

The end of this exhausting and stressful week is finally here. A broken car, baby with a high fever, and an MRI. I am pretty much running on no sleep and tons of caffeine, at this point. On a good note, though, there is much to be thankful for. 

Avery had his MRI appointment on Tuesday. It was possibly one of my hardest mommy days so far since Avery was born. The appointment was scheduled for 9:30, but because they were so backed up, they were not able to get Avery in the room to administer the anesthesia until around 12:30. I felt so bad for him, because he was not able to eat past midnight prior to the appointment. I get it, though, things happen that you can't always control. They tried to do the IV before giving him the anesthesia, but he just wasn't having it and would not let them near him. It was very difficult to watch and not be able to do anything. So they decided to try again after he was sedated, which went much smoother. Watching him being sedated was also not an easy thing to see, although from what the nurse told me, it could have been much worse. After he fell asleep, I kissed him on his head and told him how much I love him. I wish I could have stayed with him the whole time, but I was not allowed to be in the room for the MRI. It only took about an hour, and then a nurse came to bring me to recovery where Avery was sleeping. Again, not an easy thing to see. He was hooked up to the monitors and oxygen tubes. They let him keep his security blanket with him the whole time, and when he was in recovery the nurses covered him up with it. He looked so tiny laying on the bed. Thinking of all that he had been through just in this one day broke my heart. I really don't know how I am going to be able to go through this every three months or so when they start his casting treatments. 

Avery at his MRI appointment 6/20/17

Avery slept in the recovery room for about 20 minutes. Once he woke up, I was able to give him some pedialyte and formula. They monitored him for about another half hour, and then we were free to go. I was really hoping to get the results that day, but unfortunately it was just too soon. Instead, I had to call the next day, which meant that I probably wouldn't get the results until the end of the week. More sleepless nights and stressful days. I must say though, Avery did an awesome job through the whole MRI procedure. He was for sure one brave little warrior, and I am one very proud momma. 

Then Wednesday happened...Just when I thought the little man would finally get a break, he came down with a fever of 103.8. I was worried at first that it had something to do with the anesthesia, but George called BCH and they assured us that it wasn't that. I'm assuming it was just a 24 hour bug. Not only was I getting anxious about the MRI results, but now this happens. Another sleepless night of watching and worrying over my baby. 

Thursday rolls on in, and now I'm wondering what else could possibly go wrong. Then I get the phone call. One of the nurses from the orthopedic department at BCH is on the phone to report Avery's MRI results. I couldn't breathe as I was waiting for her to say something bad. Then she says it...Avery's MRI came back NORMAL. I felt a huge weight suddenly lift off of my shoulders. It was such a relief to hear those words. When I told my mom, it sounded like she was almost about to cry. We were so afraid of him needing to have surgery done on his spine. Now, we just have to meet with the orthopedic surgeon to discuss the casting treatments and when we will get them started. I am beyond grateful that our prayers were answered, and that the results came back clear. The day passed on, and Avery's fever finally started dropping. By bedtime, it was down to just below 100 degrees. Another thing to be thankful for. 

So here we are. Hello Friday! We are packing our bags and getting ready for our first family vacation. We wanted to plan something special for the children before Avery starts his casting treatments. Once he starts the treatments, he will be quite limited on what he can do for outdoor activities. He still has not had his first beach experience, so when I saw that a friend, who just so happens to live only steps away from the ocean, was looking for someone to house/dog sit for her while she was away with her boys, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. I couldn't have been happier and more excited when she agreed to let us stay at her home. I am most definitely thankful for friends like her. 

I am so very thankful for a lot this week... My mom, for all of the love in her heart. My aunt Janet, for all of her support and for coming to Avery's appointment with me. My sister-in-law, for always reminding me of how strong I really am, and for all of her advice and words of encouragement. Everyone who has shown their support. My fiance, my friends, my answered prayers. For all of God's blessings in my life. I am thankful.