Today is CT Day!

***This is a repost from Caden's Caring Pages which were written while we were waiting for, and after Caden's Cranial Vault Reconstructive surgery***

Today Caden had his CT scan. We had to be at TCH at 7 am...which was really early for everyone! Poor Caden wasn't able to eat after midnight, but Mommy woke him up early and gave him a sippy cup of water/juice so he wouldn't be super hungry.

We finally made it back to the CT room and they swaddled Caden up and buckled him in the machine. He looked so tiny! They let Mommy and Daddy stay in the room with lead vests on to help distract him. He did so well that he didn't have to be sedated...which made Mommy SO happy! Mommy and Daddy were so proud of Caden, he was such a trooper and big boy!

As soon as we finished, Mommy set out Caden's cereal, milk and fruit for him to eat because she knew that he would be starving- but he refused to eat it. Instead, he ate 4 of Mommy's powered donuts, but Mommy didn't mind because he was way too cute with all the sugar around his mouth! (And he deserved those donuts after all he went through).

The CT report will be sent to Dr. Bollo and the plastic surgeon and from there we will come up with a game plan and the surgery will be scheduled.

Since today is Halloween we need to go visit the pumpkin patch and get Caden dressed up as a cute little monkey! Happy Halloween everyone!

What are these bumpy things Mommy?

The CUTEST little monkey

Trying to figure this pumpkin thing out...

Caring Pages for Caden's Cranio Surgery

Dear Caden,

When you were born, you had a soft spot the size of a tiny pea, which wasn't nearly large enough for a growing boy. You need a soft spot in order to allow your head space to grow, without a good soft spot you can have serious medical issues. Your daddy didn't have a soft spot when he was born and had to have a major surgery when he was 6 months old to fix this. Mommy, knowing this, persisted and got you to see a Neurosurgeon at Texas Children's Hospital. Unfortunately, this did show that you too would need to have a cranial vault reconstructive surgery in order to make sure that you brain could have space to grow. Aunt Sam went with me to see Dr. Bollo, the neurosurgeon, and she was there when I heard the news of you having to have the surgery. I felt like my world literally stopped. No one wants to hear that their little one has to have surgery, let alone a major surgery. I was terrified...the next few months for me were the hardest ones that I have ever experienced. All I can say is that God stayed true, and was a constant. We reached out to everyone that we knew that prayed, and you were on people's hearts and minds all over the country. We had you anointed and prayed for in church. I prayed so hard that God would just heal you and you wouldn't need the surgery, however, that is not what God decided. And so the surgery was scheduled for Dec 20, 2011.

Cranio Care Bears was an invaluable source of love and help to our family during this time. People sent care packages and prayer chains for you. People who didn't even know you were praying for you and loved you.

During this time I created a Caring Page for you and posted my feelings and people posted their messages. I am posting these on this blog, so that later when you are older, you can see how much you meant and still mean to everyone. We love sweet Caden, more than you can ever imagine.

Love,

Mommy

Messages for Caden from Care Pages

***This is a repost from Caden's Caring Pages which were written while we were waiting for, and after Caden's Cranial Vault Reconstructive surgery***


These are the messages that were left for Caden on his Care Pages:

Posted Feb 22, 2012 12:15am

by Cherri Hollingsworth

Thanks for the update, Jerusha!!! :) God IS good!! I'm so glad that y'all are all doing great! Congratulations on your new job, too! Hope to see you guys at the February Birthday Bash on the 29th (leap day!). Give Caden LOTS of hugs and kisses...you're going to blink, and he'll be grown! Take LOTS of pictures, too!!! :)
Love lots, Aunt Cherri :)

Posted Feb 21, 2012 11:04pm

by Nika Adkins

I am so glad everything is going so well & falling into place for your guys. God is SO good & you 3 deserve it. What a wonderful, beautiful family.

Posted Feb 21, 2012 11:11am

by Lisa Harshman

Caden,
Thank you, Mommy for taking this new job. I love spending more time with you!!!!

Posted Feb 20, 2012 11:15pm

by Alice Troppy

God is good and Caden is an amazing little boy. Alot of that has to do with two amazing parents. You all are so special!
Love you, Alice

Posted Feb 20, 2012 10:06pm

by Nora Freeman

I'm so happy for you and your family!! I know that elementary school is blessed to have you....there is such a great need for good school nurses who are kind and loving!

Posted Jan 8, 2012 5:26pm

by Sandra Williamson

So Glad he is on the RUN : )

Posted Jan 8, 2012 10:16am

by Nika Adkins

Amen! SO So glad Caden is doing so amazingly well. I knew he would prove quite resiliant. What a beautiful, strong little boy & family you have. God is so good! I love you three!

Posted Dec 27, 2011 10:11pm

by Lisa Harshman

Every time I come over I see Caden's progress. He is smiling more and playing more. It does my heart good to see him happy. He's amazing!

Posted Dec 27, 2011 9:18pm

by Shelena Brown

Stay strong:) I hope that you guys get some rest tonight:)We love you all!!!!

Posted Dec 27, 2011 9:36am

by Nora Freeman

Wow! I know that God has great things for Caden! Praying for him and you two :)

Posted Dec 27, 2011 9:07am

by Sandra Williamson

Hang in there !!! You are doing an Awesome job : )

Posted Dec 26, 2011 7:38pm

by Alice Troppy

Caden is a brave little boy. I pray for you & Cayce during his recovery period.

Love you,
Alice

Posted Dec 26, 2011 6:45am

by Laverne Barnes

Truly a Christmas miracle! I'm sure Caden's progress so far is a glimpse on his recovery, he is going to continue to surprise all of us with how fast he gets back on his feet!
Hugs and Continued Prayer

Posted Dec 25, 2011 1:07am

by Lisa Harshman

Caden being home and healthy is the best Christmas present ever.I'm so glad it went well. Better than expected. What a trooper.

Posted Dec 24, 2011 7:04pm

by Nora Freeman

That is amazing!! God is so good to His children :)

Posted Dec 24, 2011 7:01pm

by Nora Freeman

Praise God! Lots of love and have a wonderful Christmas!!

Posted Dec 24, 2011 5:44pm

by Teri Gehring

Wow! I'm am soooo thrilled that you guys got home so quickly! What a blessing. And the pic's of Caden look AMAZING. He seems to have come thru with flying colors! I'm sure you are much more comfortable in your own home....Caden too. We hope you guys are having the best Christmas ~ so far... Many, many more to come, I'm sure! Great weather for using that new fireplace of yours....snuggling with some hot chocolate and loved ones.....what could be better? ♥ : }

Posted Dec 24, 2011 4:57pm

by Jess Hood

So exciting! I'm so happy for you guys, and can't wait to cuddle the little guy! Merry Christmas!

Posted Dec 24, 2011 7:26am

by Laverne Barnes

It is such a wonderful answer to prayer all that God has brought your little family through. We take so much for granted and this is a wonderful reminder this Christmas of what is really important. Praying for a speedy recovery!
Hugs and Prayers~Laverne

Posted Dec 23, 2011 4:36pm

by Alice Troppy

It's great to hear how well Caden did with his surgery. He's an amazing little boy. I won't be able to come by for a while. I've had a bronchial infection for about a week now & it's not too much better. I don't want to be around Caden while I'm sick. It sounds like he's in wonderful hands though. Hopefully I can see all you guys soon!
Love ya, Alice

Posted Dec 23, 2011 11:38am

by Nika Adkins

I'm SO glad Caden is doing well! God is so good! I love you 3 SO much. Hang in there, you're doing great & will be home before you know it! You 3 haven't left my thoughts!

Posted Dec 23, 2011 11:14am

by Roy Brown

Hi Caden,
We love and miss you and are praying for your speedy recovery. Hurry home so the "fat man" can find you. Everyone at PaPa's house sends their love and prayers.
PaPa Brown

Posted Dec 23, 2011 10:15am

by Nora Freeman

I am so glad that Caden is doing better! Just know that I am still praying for him and your family! Lots of love!

Posted Dec 23, 2011 4:36am

by Cherri Hollingsworth

Praise God, praise God, praise God!!!!!! We've been praying every day, all day! I remind the kids every so often throughout the day to pray for Caden, drs., nurses, mommy&daddy, etc. I'm praying for a Christmas Eve discharge date! :) Went today to the urogynecologist for my results from all the urodynamics testings I've been doing (fun, fun!). Deciding what to do now with the results. :/ Please TRY and get some rest (both of you)! You need to be strong and healthy for Caden! :) Love to you ALL! Take care! Love, Aunt Cherri & family (P.S. Hope to see y'all over the holidays!)

Posted Dec 20, 2011 6:10am

by Laverne Barnes

Hugs and prayers going up to our Savior for you all. Wish I could be there but I know God is the provider of peace and comfort that goes way beyond what I could do. Love ya~Laverne

Posted Dec 19, 2011 9:03pm

by Gene Brown

God will take care of Caden. Please allow him take care of you. We are praying for you.

Posted Dec 19, 2011 7:36pm

by Nika Adkins

We love you guys so much. Focus on the positive. I know it will be a very difficult journey, but you will make it thru. During your wait, picture him months from now, running & playing. Perfect little Caden. We love you. Here for you in any way. Prayers & thoughts will continue to be lifted up. H ugs!!

Posted Dec 19, 2011 7:05pm

by Lisa Harshman

I'll be there tomorrow to help you thru this journey. I know Caden will be fine and luckily he won't remember it.God gave us this beautiful little boy and we will all get thru tomorrow together in faith. Love you all

Posted Dec 19, 2011 6:23pm

by Sandra Williamson

Hugs Prayers and Kisses From Kentucky : ) We Love You 3

Posted Dec 19, 2011 6:21pm

by Teri Gehring

Wow, Jerusha....I can not begin to imagine your anxiety. But I think that this Care Page has been a great blessing to you and your family, and will help give you guys strength and peace. What a blessing that the surgery is now only to take 2-3 hrs instead. I am sure that is some relief on your hearts. And it sounds like Caden has an excellent group of Doctors taking care of him. Can't wait to watch him push threw this on the other side, like a trooper! ♥

Posted Dec 19, 2011 5:11pm

by Nora Freeman

I will continue to pray for little Caden and for both you and Cayce! God will work everything out and take care of your little one! XXOOXX Nora

Posted Dec 19, 2011 4:36pm

by Marianne Moore

We will all be praying for the three of you!

Posted Dec 13, 2011 3:08pm

by Alexis Page

Hey J! I've been thinking about you a lot lately and praying for everything to go smoothly and quickly! Hang in there and try to not drive yourself too crazy with worry.
Romans 8:28- we know that God works ALL THINGS together for good for the ones who love God, who are called according to His purpose.

Love ya!!! Alexis
p.s. knowing our family, you know i had to do a food virtual gift! lol!

Posted Dec 7, 2011 5:40pm

by Midnight Hades

Finally signed up! Caden is a strong little boy, he will do well. And you take care of yourself. Do not hesitate to let Mark and I know if you need anything at all!

Posted Dec 4, 2011 7:34pm

by Sandra Williamson

I so AGREE !!!!! Hope is alot when you don't know what to hold on to : ) We Love You Three so Much !!

Posted Dec 4, 2011 3:22pm

by Lisa Harshman

Remember that Christmas is a time for miracles. God gave us his son to save us. He gave you Caden, I know deep in my soul that Caden will be healed, whether is is thru a miracle or thru the doctors skills (given to them from God). He is such a beautiful, happy little boy. I look forward to watching him grow.He is the littlest love of my life.God bless you all.

Posted Dec 4, 2011 2:46pm

by Laverne Barnes

Love you! When you doubt read your own words and remember. Praying for all involved in Caden's life. Hugs and Prayers~Wendell and Laverne

Posted Dec 3, 2011 10:32pm

by Nora Freeman

Wow! Nicely said! With strife, we become stronger and God will see you and your family through this :)Posted Dec 3, 2011 6:16pm

by Tammy St. Clair

Thinking of you and your family.

Posted Dec 3, 2011 6:15pm

by Nika Adkins

Beautifully spoken. You, Cayce & Caden are so amazing. God will carry you thru this trying time. I love you guys & pray for you often. I am here for you. Hope is important, and sometimes, Hope is all you need.

Posted Dec 3, 2011 5:46pm

by Jessica Remmen

Very well said!! I agree with so many of your statements. I pray for you on a nightly basis for strength and faith through this period in your lives. I am always here as a friend, coworker, fellow mother, and any other position you need me to fill.

Posted Nov 28, 2011 11:50pm

by dorothy swinke

That is beautiful best friend

Posted Nov 28, 2011 11:15pm

by Alice Troppy

Thank you so much for the updates. I think of you, Cayce & Caden everyday & my heart & prayers go out to you for all that you're going through and still face. I promise to get by there soon. I have to be at MDA on 12/6 for follow-up so maybe I can come by that day. Or if you're working that day I can catch you at the hospital.
Hugs & Kisses,
Alice

Posted Nov 26, 2011 10:06pm

by Laverne Barnes

Please remember when life seems overwhelming and you feel all alone, you have friends and family lifting you up to our Lord. Caden is such a precious little man and I am looking forward to watching him grow up and impress us all with the way God uses him. It is hard to believe he is already 1! I love having time with your family in our house and spending time with you. I will need another date night with Caden real soon, it's been too long!!
Hugs and Prayers, Laverne and Wendell Barnes

Posted Nov 25, 2011 3:38pm

by Sandra Williamson

So Glad for your posts. And You are So Blessed : ) Give Hugs to Little Turkey and Big Turkey : ) Love Ya, Dad and Mom Williamson

Posted Nov 25, 2011 11:44am

by Lisa Harshman

I consider all 3 of you blessings in my life. I am so happy to spend time with you. Caden makes me smile. Thanks for taking the time to create this care page. It is a wonderful way to keep up with Caden and his treatment. I know in the next few weeks you'll be busy, but it's nice to visit this page and keep current.

Posted Nov 25, 2011 10:24am

by Nika Adkins

Amen my friend! I love you so much & I'll be here for you anytime! God is good, and we are Blessed. :)

Posted Nov 16, 2011 11:25pm

by Alice Troppy

Jerusha, I'm glad you wrote about the actual procedure related to the surgery. It helps me understand how they will go about it and the outcome. And the pictures are adorable. Caden is a good & mild tempered little boy. He will go through this alot better than you & Dad. So please take care of yourself too. And, like I said, if you & Cayce just need to get out of the house for a few hours, you count on me to stay, play & adore Caden. Hugs kisses & gobs of prayers for your little family.
Love you, Alice

Posted Nov 15, 2011 11:15pm

by jana paxton

Jerusha, ive been there so many times! It is a big deal and it hurts terribly but... you will get through it no matter how hard it is in the mean time. God will never leave or forsake you, even if it feels like it sometimes. Take lots of pictures, there will be a day when you want to look back and remeber where you were and what you went through. Love you girl...chin up! One day atta time..

Posted Nov 11, 2011 1:40pm

by Sandra Williamson

Don't let anyone tell you how you should or shouldn'tt be feeling. You are Great Parents who serve a Greater God. And We Love You Three : )

Posted Nov 11, 2011 11:05am

by Lisa Harshman

Jerusha,
I'm so sorry you have to go thru such an upsetting ordeal. I think people don't know what to say and they are trying to reassure you. I remember the feelings of helplessness and fear. This is a test of our faith. God will lead us thru this journey if only we let him. Our faith is strong and your love for your husband and beautiful son is strong. I'm here for you whatever you need. You don't have to go thru this alone. I love you. Call anytime!
Love,
Mom

Posted Nov 10, 2011 11:14pm

by Jess Hood

It is a big deal! Even if it was just a shot or stitches, or a bee sting, if your baby hurts, it's a big deal to a mommy. I'm sorry your heart is hurting. I love you, and am praying for your sweet family. PLEASE call me if you need anything!

Posted Nov 9, 2011 9:33pm

by Holly Campbell

That sucks. What a hard thing to go through. I can only imagine how I would feel if Isaac needed surgery. definitely praying and thinking about all of you. Take care of yourselves so you can take care of Caden.

Posted Nov 8, 2011 8:33pm

by Jess Hood

I totally understand about wanting to get the surgery over with. I will be off from school that week, if you'd like company!

Posted Nov 8, 2011 12:17pm

by Alice Troppy

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear you have appts in place. Hugs & kisses & thoughts & prayers for Caden, Mommy & Daddy.
Love you, Alice Troppy

Posted Nov 8, 2011 11:11am

by Lisa Harshman

Caden is such a loving little boy. He gives great hugs and kisses, and his smile brightens my life. I'm so blessed to be his grandmother. Thank you God (and Cayce and Jerusha too).

Posted Nov 1, 2011 11:12am

by Carl Gehring

We are praying for you, we know its hard but God knows what's best.............

Posted Oct 31, 2011 10:54am

by Sandra Williamson

What a Awesome site : ) Thanks for the invite, I am so Blessed to know Mommy and Daddy and the Main Man Caden : ) Love All Three of you : )

Posted Oct 31, 2011 9:18am

by sarah morris

Jerusha and Cayce... My thoughts and prayers are with you! I also pray for the wisdom, talent, and knowledge for the medical staff who is in the room taking care of Caden. I know that God and many angels are looking after your family. Sending hugs your way!

Posted Oct 30, 2011 7:45pm

by Alice Troppy

Jerusha & Cayce, I am so sorry you & Caden are going through this difficult time right now. Caden is a precious little boy & a pleasure to be around. Keep the faith & know that God will take care of him. I think about y'all often & you are always in my prayers. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I love you!

Posted Oct 30, 2011 7:39pm

by Lisa Harshman

Caden, My love, Know that Grammy will be here for whatever you, Mommy or Daddy need. I love you all so very much. You are my favorite branch of the Harshman family tree.God will bless and heal you thru his guidance of the doctors and all who help take care of you.
Love,
Grammy

Posted Oct 30, 2011 6:56pm

by Danielle Biehle

Jerusha, just today I read what is going on. God will be with your family every step of the way. Keep your head up through this hard time and God Bless. Cayden will do great! Love you guys!