Red Sox fan?

After many prayers, long discussions and a fantastic phone conference with a world renowned surgeon, we have made the decision that Koal will have his next surgery in Boston in about a month. We spoke with Dr. del Nido last week, and we were so impressed with him and all the information he gave us, we had such peace to make the decision to travel to Boston for Koal’s continuing care. The man is AMAZING and seems very confident that the concerns the team has here are not going to be difficult to work through there. He is an expert at the type of surgery our little man needs, and he assured us that he would not recommend something he didn’t believe was for the best, and that he will make decisions as needed during surgery if something is not as we expect once he begins.  I got a call from the scheduler at Children’s Hospital Boston yesterday, and we were hoping to set dates in place, but she said she will call this next week to determine dates for all procedures. Unfortunately she also said it is probably that the earliest we could get in is early December. After speaking with the cardiologist and surgeon we were expecting sometime mid-November for a surgery date, but it seems that may not be the case.  This process for setting the dates for surgery is so bittersweet, as we are thrilled to begin planning for a trip that will save little Koal’s life, and yet my heart aches knowing we will most likely be gone for both Kade’s 4^th birthday AND Christmas. I am so devastated to even think about having to spend those special times away from Kade and Adry. The approximate time for staying in Boston is 3 weeks.  This includes a few days prior to surgery to have an MRI and echocardiogram done, then about 2 weeks in the hospital having and recovering from surgery, followed by 3-4 days in the Boston area before we return home, so doctors can evaluate Koal’s progress and check medication levels, etc. a few days post hospital release. We will have much more information soon about dates and details, but for now we pray for God’s perfect timing with all of it.

Quick update on Koal and the crying and reflux:  Unfortunately, not much better. L  I do think there is some improvement…the crying doesn’t usually go all night, and the daytime drama has decreased some as well, BUT, we are still up nightly, sometimes only for a ½ hour or so, but other times for an hour or more once to twice a night. Poor little dude…and poor tired us! No, we are hanging in there, but we do long for a good night’s rest, and for our sweet little man to feel good enough to sleep peacefully as well.

Again, thank you so much for your continued thoughts and prayers for us.  Here are some specific ways we need prayer at this time:

*For the timing of Koal’s surgery in Boston. Perhaps it is selfish, but I want SO VERY MUCH to be able to be home with Kade and Adry for Christmas, so please pray that the timing will be absolutely perfect and that God will work things out in His perfect plan.

*For insurance approval for the surgery to come through quickly and without issues.

*For the details and planning surrounding the trip to Boston as well. Once we know dates we will have quite a few things to pull together in a few week’s time – plane tickets, housing, transportation issues, kids schedules, finances, and so much more.  Pray for God to go before us and work all things out – every detail – and that He would give us wisdom and peace as we enter into this stage of planning and preparing.

*For Koal’s reflux and crying. Pray that as he grows and develops that his tummy would become less of an issue and that he would return to his great sleeping patterns soon. Pray that he would not be in any pain, and that Adam and I could get some much needed sleep as well.