Levi Recap

We arrived at Arkansas Children's Hospital bright and early on Thursday, 5:30am to be exact.

This place is huge!  

I got lost so many times.
There are color-coded elevators if that tells you anything!

After asking for directions, I had a nurse tell me, "you're on the right floor, but wrong building."

Levi was in a great mood for starting his day so early.
Poor baby had no idea what was in store for him.  

They gave us a room in the pre-op area where we waited and waited and waited...

We had to entertain him for almost 4hours in this room.

Luckily he took a couple of naps.

Finally a doctor came in and explained to us step by step what would happen.
I appreciated this so much, because I needed to know my baby wouldn't be in any pain.

He could've either be wheeled in the bed he was in above or I could carry him to the room.
Wonder which I chose. :)

We walked in and they showed me where to lay him down.
Cue the tears!!!!!

A nurse gave both me and Kris several kleenexes.
She even said, "I can't look at you or I'll cry too."

The anesthesiologist said, "Ok mom, you can give him a kiss."
Aka... time for you to leave.

I told Levi I loved him and I'd see him soon, then gave a kiss on his forehead.
Cue more tears!!

A nurse was so kind to give us several calls throughout the procedure to give us updates.
The procedure took less than I expected which was nice.

When we were told he was in recovery and we could go back, I was so excited.
Seeing him laying there like he had just woke up from a nap was the best sight ever!

He was doing so good for just coming out from anesthesia.
I got to hold him and give him some pedialite.  Poor baby hadn't ate since 3:30am.

Here is the itty bitty mask they used to put him to sleep.

It smells like strawberries.  And yes, I kept it. :)

As well as all the "leads" that were on him

He quickly fell asleep once we were in post-op.

This sweet baby did so good being out of his element.

Everything went so well.  The doctors said the procedure couldn't have gone any better.
There was minimal leakage after expanding the valve which was expected.

Levi was such a champ and a little flirt with the nurses.  :)
Everyone who came in contact with Levi just ate him up.  Who couldn't?  :)
All he had to do was bat those long eyelashes and give that gummy smile and they were wrapped.

I was truly impressed with all the staff at ACH.
Every single person made us feel so welcome and took such great care of Levi.
The nurses bedside manner was none I had ever seen before.
But I have to say I hope to never be back.

My heart does ache for all the children there.
We saw so many children that it just put into perspective that there are many children worse than Levi.
Some of the patients/parents had been coming there for years.  I could not imagine.
I am so thankful for Levi's (and Jacob's) health.
Please say a prayer for all the children (across the world) who are suffering.

We have a follow up echo in 3mos and I just hope and pray everything is still strong.

Thank you so much for all the sweet comments and prayers for Levi.
We appreciate them so much!!!

I owe a HUGE thank you to Meme for watching Jacob for us.
Don't know what I would've done without her.
And my sister and dad coming to the hospital to lend support.
That was so thoughtful and generous of them to make the drive.

Now I need to go munch on these chubby cheeks!