Hand splints, wheelchairs and surgery. . .OH MY!

It has been a crazy week. . . and it is about to get even crazier! It is surgery week for Evan, so we have been trying to squeeze in as much as possible before he is laid up and in casts. Monday was GORGEOUS so the kids and I spent the day purchasing and replacing the swings on our swing set and enjoying the great outdoors! On Tuesday we FINALLY received Evan's hand splints. . .and he is actually really enjoying them (definitely didn't expect that). We are having a bit of a struggle keeping his left thumb (which is shorter and has a significant amount of webbing) strapped down, but otherwise, all is well on that front. My biggest concern with the hand splints is keeping the other kids from messing with them. I have a feeling I am going to have to be extremely vigilant when he has them on to make sure that they don't mysteriously disappear!

Evan modeling his hand splints . . . and a cute pink and purple hat that Maren so kindly placed on his head! He is an easy "dress up" target!

After we got home from OT yesterday, my friend Stacey and I took all of our kids to the zoo (that's 7 children 3.5 and under). It was another BEAUTIFUL day and I really wanted to take Evan before his surgery. I am so glad that we did as he absolutely LOVED it (as did all of the other kids)! He was so excited to see all of the animals (especially the indoor aquarium. . .as soon as we walked in he shouted, "NEMO!") and he loved riding on the carousel.

This morning I had to take Evan to see the wheelchair supplier so that he could be fitted for a rental wheelchair for use after his surgery. I debated on whether or not we would actually need or use it since I use the double stroller for most of our outings, but have decided that it will be nice to have it at home, church and when I am taking Evan to his various therapies and appointments over the next few months.

The rest of the day today was spent in preparation for the next few days. Meals are cooked and in the refrigerator, ready to be popped into the oven, the laundry is clean, the grocery shopping done, the hospital bag is packed, a babysitter is lined up for tomorrow (thank you Stacey!) , my wonderful mother-in-law will be flying in tomorrow night and is staying until Monday evening. . we are SO grateful for her help!

We have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am tomorrow morning for a 7:30 surgery, so we will be up and out the door before the sun comes up. The surgery is estimated to last approximately 4 hours (2 hours for each foot) and he will be staying in the hospital overnight. If all goes well, he should be able to come home sometime on Friday. He will be coming home in "soft casts" which will allow for the normal post-surgical swelling (I'm a little nervous about this as well, with 4 other curious, rowdy children at home) and then we will go back next week and check the incisions (to ensure that they are healing properly and that there is no infection) and get his hard casts. He will be in long casts (these extend all the way up his legs) for several weeks and will likely have 2-3 cast changes over the course of the next 8 weeks.

Although I know that Evan doesn't really understand what is going on, I can definitely tell that he has been able to sense that something is about to happen. He has been very sensitive this week and starts to cry whenever we talk about the surgery or his feet. I know the next few days are going to be difficult for him, but I have a feeling that he is going to come through this with flying colors and surprise us just like he has with everything else!

Pre-surgical feet

While we are definitely nervous about this surgery, we know that the Lord will be watching over all of us, especially Evan and the doctors performing his surgery, and that all will be well. If you could keep Evan, our family and his doctors in your prayers, we would greatly appreciate it.

I will be bringing a laptop with me to the hospital so be sure to check for updates over the next few days!