Surgery was a breeze. We did the tour last week, and I think it really helped. Gatito was a little quiet then, but when we saw the same nurse again today, he opened up an asked tons of questions, which is exactly what we wanted.
The difference between this experience at a top children’s hospital with pediatric anesthesiologists and the one with his teeth at a more local hospital with a children’s wing and regular anesthesiologists with pediatric experience was night and day. Should your child ever require surgery, no matter how minor, I cannot stress the importance of a children’s hospital enough.
The entire staff was so sensitive to the way a child deals with anesthesia. He was so calm that he did not even require the happy drug they would have given him prior to the mask. He did not fight the mask and went down easily. We were allowed to be in recovery before he woke up, so that we were there the moment he opened his eyes and he did not have time to become hysterical. When he started to be bothered by the IV line, they took it out. None of this happened the last time.
Before the anesthesia, the nurse told him gently, “Close your eyes. Now open your eyes. That’s how long it’s going to seem to you.” So Gatito asked, “But how long is it going to seem to you?”
When we got home, he and A were playing a game of Hospital. Gatito was the doctor and A the patient. A, exhausted from our early morning wake-up, was eagerly awaiting the play anesthesia, when Gatito kicked A out of bed and said, “Excuse me, but I just had surgery today, and even though I’m the doctor, I need to lie down.”
The kid just floors me. I love him so damn much. Watching him and waiting for him to wake up, I stared at his long neck and noticed that his nose is turning from its baby non-nose into a real person’s nose, and I was struck by the realization that he’s in the final transition from baby to kid. It’s bittersweet, of course. I’m so proud of him and so excited for what lies ahead, but I would still like to freeze time. I’m aware it’s a feeling that is familiar to many.
Most importantly, the surgery was a success and it’s over and I’m so ridiculously grateful that we weren’t there for anything more serious.
YAY. I was thinking about you guys and wondering how it went. So glad it’s over and that everything’s fine.
And yes, the growing up thing is so bittersweet. We’re feeling it here too.
He’s amazing. He’s so aware to ask her how long it would seem to her.
I’m glad he’s ok and it went well and it’s over. And that he’s so up and around. That kind of play – reenacting things from a kid’s perspective – is my favorite thing.
Sometimes I just stare at feet that seem giant compared to the little pads with pebble toes I am certain they used to have but of which there is no physical evidence.
Glad it went smoothly. Great job having it done in the right place.
Wonderful!
Ainsley had to have three small cavities filled last week and I was a nervous wreck. They wouldn’t let me stay with her when they put the mask on and I balled my eyes out in the hallway for 10 minutes. She came out and screamed, “I WAS SO BRAVE MOMMY!” and I thought, “Gees, this is always so much harder on the parents.” I have been wrestling with the emotions of thinking I am a bad parent because she has cavities and I didn’t have one until I was well into adulthood, too, so it was a hard bump in the road (for me, apparently.)
And lately . . . I have noticed things in her demeanor and in the way she carries herself that remind me of what you said. It is difficult acknowledging she isn’t my little baby anymore.
I think with teeth, like so much else about kids, you get what you get. I specifically remember wetting my toothbrush so my mom would think I’d actually brushed and I never had a cavity. Then Gatito was born without any enamel at all on 2 teeth and no amount of dental hygiene could have made up for that.
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Oh, I’m so glad. It is amazing what they are capable of, isn’t it? And I love that he re-enacted it by playing hospital. Apparently he knows what he needs emotionally and can take care of himself.
And might I just mention what a great job you did with him and this issue?
Awww. Thanks.
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So glad to hear everything is well! Thanks for keeping us posted.
Thank YOU for reading!
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Big sigh, I’m so glad everything went well. I was thinking about you, A and Gatito and had my fingers crossed.
Thanks for updating us.
Aw, how cute is he?
Yea, glad to hear that everything went well.
It is amazing how fast it goes by, isn’t it? J starts kindergarten in August and I’m not exactly sure how that happened. Nowadays, when I look at her, I drink her in, noticing the kid she’s becoming, while still holding onto the last vestiges of toddlerhood. Bittersweet but exciting at the same time. Sounds like we are in the same boat in that regard
These are precious years. Enjoy every moment.