Bye- Bye choanal atresia

We had to have one last picture a Nicks constant runny nose. Nick was born with choanal atresia, his right side of his nose never opened inside to his throat. So he can't breathe very well and that side always drains out because it has no where else to go.


The day before his surgery we had to go to Riverton Primary children's hospital for a CT scan. They are going to do brain mapping during his surgery and need a perfect picture!





They have him versed and it gave him the giggles and would not hold still so they gave him one dose ketamine and he was still moving. Stubborn baby, so he got 2 dose of ketamine and they had a very hard time waking back up. We got to stay with him the entire time.

Hanging with dad trying to wake up. They ended up giving him an IV bolus of fluids because he would not take any fluids and we did not want him too dehydrated since he had to be NPO later this night.

We had to leave our house at 4:30 in the morning to get to the hospital at 6 to check in. We are waiting in the pre-op room 1, the cute NP had just done his assessment and go to put on his cute hospital jammies. Mom is freaking out but trying to smile! I had a constant prayer in my heart that you were going to be just fine and so was I.

I love Primary Childrens hospital, this was the 2nd pre op waiting room where you wait to go back to surgery. There is lots of toys, video games, TV's. Nick loved it!

Dr Grimmer came and talked to Mom and Dad and so did the anesthesiologist . They came to take you back to the OR at 8 am and said you would be about 2 hours. We got to walk down the hall with you then they said this is as far as you can go. We gave you hugs and kisses, mommy cried, and you waved bye-bye. The anesthesiologist told us they would take good care of you. You did not even act scared that someone was taking you. You had not been in the OR too long and we got a call in the waiting room. It was Dr Grimmer and he said you were doing great, phew, but he wanted to remove your adenoid as well. You were in the OR about 2 1/2 hours. Dr Grimmer came out and told us everything went exactly has he planned, perfect! He did tell us you have a clefted uvula and are lucky you did not have a cleft palate!!

Mommy got to go back to the recovery room and then Daddy was able to join us in observation unit. When I got to where you were a nurse was holding you and you were thrashing around, crying and your heart rate was very high. As soon has the nurse put me in my arms and I whispered Mommy has you you snuggled right up to me and calmed down. Your heart rated immediately slowed. That was one of the best mommy moments I have ever had! I can't explain the joy and comfort I felt having you back in my arms and knowing you were OK.

This is in the observation unit, you slept for a couple of hours after surgery and they you were up and ready to play! As soon as you woke up you wanted a bottle and you did not stop drinking so they were able to cap off your IV. They had to check your vital signs but they were nice and unhooked you so you could move and walk around. The nurses told us you were the most active, happy baby they have ever taken care of after surgery!!

You and Daddy snuggling. Your poor nose kept bleeding and draining.

I love your loopy lortab look!!

We ordered you some of your favorite foods to eat but you wanted nothing to do with it! You knew where the cookies, and slushies were on the unit!

You were very curious about all your "stuff" you were hooked up to

We walked up and down this very long hallway too many times to count. You were not happy about being confined to a small room. You got lots of Ahhs and oohs from visitors passing by. You looked so cute toddling up and down the hall.

We also went on wagon rides around the hospital. It was a very long night trying to keep you happy. You would run anytime the door to your room was open. It was funny to see all of these kids sleeping and resting in bed and then there was Nick running around the unit giving the nurses high 5's!

Finally home!!! As soon as the doctor came and released us we were out of there. I think it was about 6:45. Max and Kate had balloon's and a present for you. They were so happy to see you and know you were OK!!

What?!? this baby had surgery 2 days ago?!?

I feel so blessed to live so close to such an amazing hospital and doctors! Thanks Dr Grimmer! I can't imagine living in a day and age that did not have the health care we have now!