One year ago today, it was me in the operating room. After so many years of trying to have a baby and hundreds of injections and tests and ultrasounds and dollars, three eggs were harvested directly from my ovary. Only two were good and on the afternoon of March 27th, 2011 they became viable embryos in a dish. All we could do then was wait to see if they would “take” when they were put back in to my womb. After four days of watching them grow under a microscope, those little blobs of 8-10 cells were transferred to me.
One year later, my two little bros are here, about 30lbs together!
I’d go through a hundred surgeries if I could take back all of the procedures that Brendan has had to endure. Today was another step in his journey, hopefully the next surgery he will need will be to finally reverse that ostomy!
The anesthesia team came to pick Brendan up in his room at 11:30am. There is one thing that is certain: If I ever need friends to help me move, I will NOT call on any medical professionals. His transports have always been the clumsiest things, and today was the worst!! They were banging in to walls and in to each other. They got his IV pole stuck in the elevator and nearly crushed my arm that was holding the door for them. Good thing Brendan enjoys the bumpy ride! It is amazing his crib made it in one piece though.
It was a quick surgery, he was heading back to his room less than an hour later. It was difficult to not be so excited to see him today, finally seeing so much of his ultra-adorable face. But getting the tracheostomy is just the beginning of a very difficult rehabilitation of his lungs. He may have this trach for a few months or a few years. It is all up in the air, and it is all up to Brendan.
Here are the last shots with the breathing tube taped in his mouth.
And the cutey-pie comes back with a whole cheek free from tape
His face and head is a bit swollen still from his Glenn, but he still has some pretty nice cheeks that were hiding
He woke up quickly after his anesthesia, all full of attitude!
He was so happy to have his pacifier without the tornado of air from the cpap trying to blow it out of his mouth. A little extra morphine and he was out for a nice long rest.
They used a cuffed trach tube, so it has a little air bladder that fills his trachea and seals it in to place. This creates a seal so that no air leaks from his new stoma while it heals. It also means that he can’t even make a peep or a squeak. He is totally mute. While he was awake, he spent some time getting reacquainted with his face. I love his little eyebrows.
Trevor and Gramma waited at home for news.
This is Trevor while Brendan was in surgery
This is Trevor when he heard his brother was OK.
Trevor has a new trick that he is working on, hopefully we can have a video to share tomorrow!
Good morning from the East Coast! Woo-Hoo, Ecstatic, relieved, thankful that all those prayers are still being heard, doesn’t sum up Brendan, how excited we are to know that this surgery is behind you! You are definitely one handsome, determined, tough little dude!! It was a year ago that your journey began with Mom and Dad. You are blessed with awesome parents and a super cool brother! May this part of your journey go smoothly….heal completely, and be home soon!! Much love, still praying, and many, many hugs!! (Hugs filled with strength for Mom, Dad and family!!) 🙂
Great job, Brendan! Keep working on those lungs, Little Man!
Love the “worried face,” Trevor. Hoping to see your “new trick” soon!
The East Coast said it all. What a handsome young warrior. Good for you little guy. Beautiful eyes and beautiful cheeks – soon you will be home learning all of Trevor’s new tricks….Way to go little prince.v
So glad this step is behind you. You both are such cutie behbehs! The grandma in me wants to tickle your little cheeks so I am sending cyber tickles to you both!! Sending prayers for strength for all and healing for Brendan. Love Trevor’s sad/happy faces…he knew something was going on with his brother 🙂
Amazing what a year can bring! It is so nice to see Brendan’s entire face at once!
Ashley noted that Brendan had his ‘I am going to remember you” look on. Hope he didn’t shoot that at his nice nurses! We can’t wait to see Trevor’s new trick.
Dear Brendan, great news today on how well you did yesterday. I knew you would. You are such a special little guy and you have so many people looking out for you. Tiffanie and Bill, another step closer, ofr your handsome little boy and his recovery. Still keeping you in our prayers and sending positive vibes for more great news. Trevor, I love all your cute outfits that your mommy and grandma put you in. You are such a cutie pie. Godspeed Aylesworth family.
” In the clearing stands a boxer, and a fighter by his trade
and He carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down,
and cut him ’til He cried out, in his anger and his shame
I am leaving, I am leaving, but the fighter still remains ”
– Simon and Garfunkel – “The Boxer”
……..or, could it be called “Brendan’s Theme”…….Brendan, you have earned it!
Erin called while I was on the blog, joined her, and Caleb, over at Mariano’s, for a gelato. Cousin Caleb, and Aunt Erin say “Hello” !!
Trevor, if two pictures could capture the feelings of so many, they would have to be these, of you. Yes, we were – Yes we are!
Tiffanie, Bill, You are amazing !! 🙂 🙂