Some things never change

It's been 10 months since Gabe's surgery and he's had 2 (minor ones) since then. If there is anything epispadias has taught me it is to expect the unexpected. Bladder stones. Bladder infections. Skin infections. Two months until his next check up and I'm nervous. I'm so afraid that we'll find out he needs another surgery for something. Some things never change.

WAHOO!

Gabe did it! Brian is on his way and we are outta here!

Come on bowels!

No more NG tube. No more epidural. No more IVs. The drain will go today. Gabe is sitting and walking on his own. He's eating. His pain is well managed and much better. All we need now is POOP! He'll get some Miralax and another suppository this morning. So hopefully we'll be out of here tonight or tomorrow. Fingers are crossed. I don't think I've ever looked forward to one of my men pooping so much, ever.

What a day

Day #7. We're still going strong and Gabe is feeling better than ever. He was out of bed 3 times today. He took a few steps the second and walked to and from the toilet the third. Brian visited tonight and helped him walk to the bathroom and get back in bed. I think Brian realized how much work it takes to help Gabe move. Three of us had to help that time. Brian helped Gabe walk; the nurse dealt with the IVs; and I carried the cath bags. What an event! Besides the bladder spasms, he's in a lot less pain. He also had his epidural removed today. And, for the big surprize, Santa came to town! Santa, Mrs. Clause and a troop of elves visited the hospital and came to Gabe's room. They gave him a Sorry board game and took a picture. Gabe is actually smiling in the picture! Tomorrow, he has a chance to meet Chicago's mayor. I don't think Gabe is too interested, but whatever. He's sleeping comfortable now.

Sweet!

Gabe has been chattering away to the nurse about Plants Vs. Zombies for about 20 minutes now. So funny! I'm getting ready to put it on Uncle Tim's computer so he can play. Thanks Uncle Tim! Also, he was having some cramping and not feeling well. BUT! The lady from child life brought him a Chicago Bears build-a-bear, a Nike backpack and a Bears football signed by Charles Tillman. I guess he was here last week and signed a bunch of footballs. He donated them all to the hospital. THEN, we played bingo. Gabe won twice! He picked out a little orange pen and a metal John Deere tractor. He told me, "Mom, I feel better now." Well, off to kill some zombies!

How exciting!

Today, so far, is a good day! Gabe is napping and is calmer than he has been. The pain seems to be better. His doctor wants him sitting in the chair atleast twice today. He had some coco krispies. And at 1:00, we get to play bingo. Hopefully he wins because if he does Child Life will bring a prize cart up for him to pick a prize. We also were just told some students from the French pastry school are going to visit in a few minutes. If he wants to, they will let Gabe decorate cookies. If not, we get to eat some anyway.

End of the day

Today went pretty fast. Thank goodness. We were busy. It was a hard day for Gabe. He's exhausted, sad, scared and ready to go home. But it was a good day whether or not he wants to believe it. First, we got him out of bed and sitting in a chair. He stayed in the chair for about 1/2 hour. Not too shabby considering he hasn't been out of bed since 7:30 Thursday morning. Tomorrow he'll get in the chair twice. And the second good thing is ... FOOD! Real food! Food that needs to be chewed! He had Froot Loops! It all was awesome. Hopefully we're done for the night and have a good day tomorrow. I know one more good thing that could happen then. Just wait and see!