Today, we celebrate!
One year ago today, our sweet boy had open heart surgery. He was just 11 weeks old and weighed 10 pounds. I'll never forget that morning when the anesthesiologist came in and said it was time. Mike and I walked with the doctor and nurse while I held Bennett in his tiny CHOP gown and a blanket my sister gave him. We went down the elevator in silence, stepped off and the doctor said "I'll take him from here." I said, "This is it?". He shook his head and I handed my tiny little baby, who was sleeping soundly, over to him. It felt terrible to give my peaceful baby over to these doctors and to know he would be in pain in a few hours. It was the hardest thing I've done to this day. As he walked away with Bennett I just hugged Mike and cried. Handing your child over for surgery, open heart surgery, is not easy. {Warning, some pictures may be graphic}
This was right before we took our walk with the anesthesiologist.
Right after surgery.
First time holding him after surgery- day two.
This was tough to see when they first removed the bandage. Just knowing what they had to do to get to his heart but it's healed so nicely and honestly, I don't even think about Bennett's heart anymore.
And of course here he is exactly one year ago today.
Amazing what these doctors can do.
We will see the cardiologist in November-that will be a year since we got the "See you in a year!" clearance. We hope and pray Bennett will not have to have another surgery to repair a valve but it's a slim possibility down the road.
For now we are just thankful for his repaired heart and so thankful for his "Happy Heart Day!"
So yes, today we celebrate!
I love your blog! I stumbled across it reading a blog, then I clicked, then I clicked again. Your family is so beautiful!! This post made me tear up, what a blessing that he is so happy and healthy and such a joy!!
ReplyDeleteAll you heart moms have a special place in my heart! Honestly! And look at him today!!! so amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a story- having your child go in for surgery is just horrible..even if it is to help them. Tyson had two and it's the worst feeling,sitting and waiting. Been there-felt that pain. But look at Mr. Bennett now! What a great smile he has.
ReplyDeletehappy heart day bennett!!! i can't believe how tiny he looks in the pics on his "heart day"! (although he still looks like the same bennett today - only bigger and a little older) :) it is hard to believe it has been a whole year since his surgery!!! so happy he is doing so well!
ReplyDeleteSuch a happy day today is! I can only imagine how hard it is to hand your baby over to the doctors. I will (unfortunately) have to find out what that's like in the next few months. Bennett is such a wonderful reminder that we can all make it through anything! What a strong boy! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Heart Day, Bennett!! What a miracle!! :) Hooray for modern medicine and wonderful surgeons that make our little ones' lives possible. Have a fabulous day celebrating!
ReplyDeleteHappy heart day Bennett!
ReplyDeleteLook how far you've come in just a year. Can't wait to see what you are up to this time next year.
Happy Heart Day Bennett!!! Look how far you've come in just one year...such a big strong boy!!!
ReplyDeletewe understand how hard it is to "hand over" your baby...possible the most difficult ever. but look at these little guys now.
ReplyDeleteI had to give W to a nurse while he was sleeping too, oh how that made me sad not to see his sweet smiling face one last time before surgery.
We are so blessed to have such awesome little miracles
Bennett your smile is so special! Happy to see you are doing great every day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Heart Day Bennett!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow - hard to believe it's been a year - that's when I started following your blog - to prepare for Max's OHS. Healthy boys - happy day!
Happy Heart Day Bennett!! A whole year later and just look at you now:) So big and strong and just full of life!!! You have such a way of making others hearts smile!!
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy Heart Day to you too, mommy & daddy!! Look just how far you have come, also:)
BTW, I think the scar is going to be quite the chick magnet in years to come:) lol
Happy Heart Day Bennett!! It's such a great feeling to have that surgery behind you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Heart Day, Sweet Boy!! We have amazing little ones, don't we? We are BLESSED! : )
ReplyDeletexoxo
He was so little, incredible really. The scar is amazing- healed so beautifully. Bennett is such a star.
ReplyDeleteHappy Heart Day Bennett!! I am so glad you are doing SO well a year later. You are such an amazing boy!
ReplyDeleteHappy one year!! I agree with Kristin, healthy boys, healed hearts..happy day! XO
ReplyDeleteHappy Heart Day Bennett Boy!
ReplyDeleteso sorry that you had to go through that :( but i am so glad he is doing so great! miss maggie's valve flow is a tiny bit high but her dr. thinks it will fix itself by her second bday so i still pray about it everyday. we love our babies so much and just want to protect them :)..i will be praying that bennett does not have to go through another surgery!
ReplyDeleteThis made me teary. What a year. I am even more impressed with Bennett, and his mommy :) after reading this.
ReplyDelete