Our Brave Baby Boy

Maxwell George showing no pain

On Monday Max had his surgery at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. Tim and I took him up while my mom stayed with Linc and Charlie at home. Tim's mom came with us to help us understand the medical stuff and support very scared parents. We had to put him in little hospital pjs and kiss him good bye while he was taken into the OR. This was the second hardest thing I have had to do as a mother, first being after he was delivered watching him in the nursery being poked etc. The surgery was an hour long and he was then taken to recovery for another hour - which to me felt like 10 hours! The doctor said everything went as planned. When they went in to fix the LARGE hernia on the right, they discovered that he had a small hernia developing on the left side! They were both repaired within 45 mins.

I stayed at the hospital overnight with him so I could nurse him and provide that comfort that he so desparately needed. Tim went home to be with Lincoln and Charlie and relieve Grandma. While I was at the hospital with Max there were times where he would look around and then look back at me with question in his eyes. And I would say "Lincoln is at home buddy and misses you too". The connection between all 3 of them is amazing and I hope that never changes.

On Sunday while we were at church, Father Paul said a special prayer for Maxwell and his family. During the prayer Max's church family laid their hands upon him to give him strength and love for the next day. Ironically my parents' minister and her husband were in town visiting their son who attends school in St. Peter. They were at church and were able to pray with us and let us know they were thinking about my brother as well during his upcoming surgery.

Charlie giving his VERY hungry brother some juice before his surgery Monday morning (he went 7 hrs w/o eating)

Max right after surgery - this was the calm before the storm

Max the next morning

The blanket that he has on is one that my mom made and I brought with at the last minute. During the middle of the night I was unable to move and breathe the wrong way in fear that Max would start crying again. At midnight or so I decided to try the blanket and it was the first time I saw Max's body relax and the tears stop (for 15mins at a time).

No one ever said it was easy to be a parent. We got through it and he is happy to be with his brothers at home. I told Tim at the hospital that I want to put all 3 of them in a giant bubble so nothing can harm them until their 35 or so!

Grandma saying good bye to her brave lil grandson - until next time

A GIANT THANK YOU!

To everyone that has helped us with our children, putting warm meals on our table, taking care of our dog, and all the emails and phone calls : Tim and I want to express how much it has all meant to us. Everyone helps in their own ways and we are grateful for all of it! God bless and Happy Holidays.