Kai's Palate is Closed...and We're Home!

Although we knew it was going to be an intense experience, we never imagined just how intense, time consuming, and emotionally draining the whole stay would be.

Kai was an absolute trooper throughout his hospital stay. Until Monday at 11:00 when he was wheeled in for surgery, Kai acted as though he was at Disney world. He had his mommy and daddy all to himself, got to eat all he wanted in the cafeteria, played until his heart's content on the beautiful outdoor playground, and messed around in the huge indoor gym area equipped with air hockey, basketball, a tree house, a huge train, and piano. I haven't even mentioned the part about being treated like a star. Everyone in the hospital seemed to know Kai by name, gave him tons of gifts, and basically treated him like royalty.

The day of surgery was rough. Kai was taken in around 11:00 from the pre-op area and was fortunately given a "kiddy coctail" before he was wheeled into surgery. He left our side not even realizing where he was going which was great for him. We of course wanted the same "coctail" so that we could forget everything as well. Unfortunately, no such luck. It was extremely difficult watching him being wheeled away. He looked so tiny in his little tiger hospital gown on such a large bed. Then the waiting began. The surgery was only supposed to take 3 hours. Finally, 5 hours later, the surgeon and surgical resident came out to discuss Kai's surgery. Fortunately, we were frequently updated by phone from a circulating nurse throughout the procedure.
Everything seemed to have gone well. His ear tubes were in and his palate had been closed.

He woke from anesthesia in the PICU very agitated and unhappy (which we were told is very normal). He was calmed by being held by Dom and Me. That night, Kai and I tried to get some sleep, but were frequently awakened by beeping machines and visiting nurses. By morning, Kai was feeling much better and began eating "go-gurts" like you wouldn't believe. He even splashed around in a small sponge bath tub. We were going to go home on Tuesday, but Kai was scheduled for a hearing test on Wed. morning so we needed to stay an additional night. I'm so glad we stayed. By Tuesday afternoon, Kai was clearly in a lot of pain and not feeling well. He didn't sleep well at all Tuesday night and continued to be crabby this morning. It was great to be under the care of a nursing staff during this time.

Fortunately, his hearing test was within normal limits (a huge relief after the first test he had) and we were released to go home. When we arrived home, Kai got a huge burst of energy and seemed to really enjoy being at home. He'll have to continue to wear his arm splints (which prevent him from bending his elbows and placing his hands or other objects into his mouth) for 10 days. He's also on a full liquid diet (fed by a syringe) for 10 days...which he HATES! For a while, he cried in the hospital when he ate probably because he was sore. Tonight, he cried during his entire dinner because he so badly wanted to use a spoon and eat what Maya was eating. It's going to be a Long 10 days! We're hoping each day will get a bit easier from here.

We can't say enough about Shriner's hospital. From the time we arrived, we were treated so well, and never once felt like a number. Kai's care was top notch and everyone really went out of his/her way to ensure that his needs were met. We just can't say enough about this place.

We can't forget about Maya. She's also been a real trooper. She came to visit us each day in the hospital and always had a smile on her face. She loved swimming in the "fancy hotel" and even learned to jump off the side and touch the bottom of the pool. She also learned to float on her back. She has been so great with Kai and even shared a little made up story with him tonight... "Don't worry Kai. When I was a baby and I had my cleft lip and 'palap" surgery, I had to use a syringe too. When it gets better, you get to use a spoon...OK?". How sweet is that! Thanks also to my parents who stayed with Maya in a nearby hotel during our hospital stay. What a relief to know that she was in good hands and having a great time with her "DiDi" and "Papa". Finally, thank you to Kristi, Kenna, and Michal for taking the time to visit us in the hospital. Even though Kai wasn't feeling well at the time, your visit really brightened our day. We also really appreciated all of the e-mails, phone calls, and well wishes during Kai's hospital stay.

As Maya said to me in the car today..."It sure is good to be home!"