{Preparing to Bring Him Home}

I'm not so sure life could get any crazier right now.  Our training with Jayden is in full force and between training and visitation every spare moment of our time is filled with preparing to bring him home. Adam and I are feeling really good about our training so far.  The trach doesn't seem much more than any other other the ICU level care we have given both Gavin and Angela in the past.  As I keep telling everyone -- we are cautiously confident.  Obviously, it is airway and even the most skilled individual should always be prepared for the unexpected.  The facility requires us to do a total of twelve trach changes -- three assisted and three emergency, and we each need to do this.  I've had so many trach families tell me this is nuts -- we kinda agree, but we do what ever they ask with the understanding that we are not the typical family they train and some people may need that many and more to feel comfortable.

Our daily mantra is: every day is one day closer to bringing him home.  I'm sure I'll be saying this until I hate every syllable in that statement.  We love this little boy so very much and as each day goes by it is harder and harder to leave him.  The staff really do the best they can with the kids but it still is a sad situation and we can't help but be anything other than eager to get him home.  I've had so many people ask exactly when this will happen -- we don't know.  We are hoping for January but it's just not in our hands.  But as always we are trusting that God's timing is perfect.  He has yet to fail us so no need to stress, right?

The girls are doing amazing with this crazy time.  Madsion is just as much in love with Jayden as we are.  She has his photo next to her bed and he is frequently the topic of conversation.  Adam and I have always been very aware of how living with siblings with special needs impacts Madison and her world.  We would never want her to feel like she is second best -- like we never have time for her needs, big or small.  Adam and I both make it a priority to give Madison the time and attention she needs and deserves.  Last week we had a Mommie and Madi date night and we went out to the movies and dinner.  It was so nice to spend one on one time with Madison despite just now tired this mommie is right now.  Adam and I plan on giving Madison one night per week with just either Adam or Myself -- so important for all kids, but particularly those who have siblings with such high needs.

There are photos that we took of the girls one day after visiting Jayden.  I of course can't wait till I can show you just how handsome our new little man is but you all know the drill.  I hope to be able to show a few faceless photos once we bring him home.  For now just take my word -- he is one handsome lookin' little dude.