Mr. Sandman, Bring Me A Dream

***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***


Having Caden home from the hospital is absolutely amazing! However, when the surgeons warned us that Caden might revert to newborn mannerisms for a few weeks, they weren't kidding. Last night Caden woke up over 6 times, leaving very tired parents and a grumpy little man. Caden is also refusing to eat anything that has chunks in it. Weird considering his favorite meal was a grilled cheese sandwich. So now we are restocking on Gerber 3 foods, but whatever I can get him to eat! Taking care of him has been really stressful. I am terrified that he is going to hit his head on something, he is still slightly wobbly with his walking, but is getting better. The surgeons told us that it would take at least 2 weeks for him to get to 80%, considering that he isn't supposed to be walking this quickly again- I will take wobbly any day. He did bump his head and when he turned around he had blood pouring all down his face and all over his clothes. Terrifying. Thank goodness I had gauze and some silk tape and was able to stop the bleeding. I pray this recovery phase goes by quickly and Caden will continue to become stronger. I am ready for this journey to be over. I am so proud of Caden, he is my hero. The pain and suffering that he is going through, I can't imagine. He brings a smile to our faces and his giggles are infectious. I can't wait to see what God has in store for him!

Home Sweet Home

***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***

There are no words that can describe the comfort of sleeping in your own home, in your own bed. Knowing that your family is home, safe and sound, under the same roof. We were discharged yesterday evening and poor Caden could barely keep his eyes open. No one sleeps well in a hospital. I can't believe we are home before Christmas Eve. Caden is my hero. 

Today is Christmas Eve! Caden slept ALL NIGHT long! They warned us that post surgery that Caden might revert to the sleeping habits of a newborn. Not something we were looking forward to for sure! Caden was ready and raring to go this morning! He refused his morning pain medication and just wanted breakfast. And man, did he eat! I was curious where all the food went. I know that right after his surgery he didn't really want to eat much because he was intubated during his surgery and his throat was really sore. He is making up for the lack of eating in the hospital, that is for sure! Walking around is a like a new experience for Caden. He is having to relearn how to walk again because his new head shape throws off his balance. I never realized how narrow Caden's head was until now. His new head shape is very round and quite a bit larger than before. The surgeons said that they tried to over-correct a little bit so that hopefully in the future we won't have to have additional surgeries. Whatever it takes to keep my Caden safe and healthy.

My parents and Cayce's mother came over and we opened a few gifts. Caden was more interested in the wrapping paper and bows than anything. :) This year Christmas has a different meaning for us, this year Caden is my Christmas miracle. Thank you everyone for caring for us, for praying for us as we continue this journey. We know that the hardest part is over, and wow- I wish to never have to go through this again. We still have to heal, and I pray that his recovery goes smoothly. So far he screams anytime someone goes near his head, which I don't blame him. Over time I know that the pain will lessen and he will get better. I'm thankful that we did this while he was young because I know he won't remember this. I pray he won't remember this. May you all enjoy your Christmas holidays and spend time with your family. Be thankful for what you have and remember how blessed we all really are.

We are going HOME!!!

***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***

Terry RN

Dec 23 (Friday): We are in the step down unit 10 Tower (neurology). We were transferred here yesterday. Our nurses here have been beyond amazing! One of the night nurses kept playing with Caden. It was 3am and Caden was wide awake and Terry, the nurse, asked Caden, "Alright big man, it's 3 am, are you tired yet?" Caden promptly went, "Nah uh." It was so funny. Anything Terry would ask him, Caden would say "Nah uh." I knew that my baby was back! I love my Caden so much! We had to tape the telemetry leads to Caden's chest because he keeps pulling them off and playing with them. Dr. Aoli removed the second JP drain, one less line connected to Caden, which is good. I forgot to mention that while we were in the PICU, Caden was playing with one of his JP drains and figured out how to open it. He poured the contents all over him and I, fun. Did I mention that Caden has had 21 IVs? TWENTY ONE. Aunt Sam and I have been keeping count. Caden keeps pulling them out or they keep blowing. I don't think I can handle seeing my son being poked one more time. The nurses are saying they literally have no where else to place an IV because they have used all available sites. My poor baby. Anyway, Caden hasn't had a fever in several hours so Dr. Bollo was saying that we would be able to go home- TODAY! What an answer to prayer! We have everything packed and are ready to go!