Mickey is gone

Monday was a good day. We had a visit with Dr. Etheridge who was to remove Mason's g tube (mickey button). After a brief visit we decided that we would just remove it at home closer to bedtime. I figured that it would be better to do it at night while he didn't have much in his stomach. So we went to Daddy's baseball game and as soon as we returned home we just deflated the retention balloon and out it came. He had very little discharge in the next morning and I thought we would be home free since Dr. Etheridge said the actual hole in the stomach would close in about 4 hours. Unfortunately, it just isn't that simple. When Mason drinks liquids he has minor discharge and with increased activity the discharge becomes more significant. The site itself looks good so now it is a matter of wait and see. Most literature I have read indicates the site should close within a month and if not then surgery would be required to close the hole. This is a perfect time to do this though as Jordyn, Matthew and Jaylen are in Mexico and I devote all my time to Mason. He is just a doll and is happy 99% of the time. Everywhere we go he inspires smiles from others as well as comments like he is so beautiful, he is so happy, what a beautiful smile, what beautiful eyes, etc. I guarantee part of the reason he was given to us was to inspire joy and happiness in all those around him. His story is an inspiration and once you hear it you can't help but falling in love with him.

He has now perfect the goodbye wave and crawl. Next are his attempts at pulling up and standing, soon enough he will be walking. What a long way we've come.

Knowing

These are some wonderful days! Our little Mason is developing such a personality. He loves to smile and laugh out loud and each moment near him is pure joy. He loves watching his brothers and sisters and they love him so much. So much so that Jaylen loves to squeeze him tight; much to the annoyance of little Mason, who in turn tries with all his might to escape her clutches.

Last week we all headed to Grandma's house in Deming to take her to the bank. After the post office said they had not received Grandma's renewal payment for her po box of some 30 plus years, they gave away her box two weeks after the expiration/renewal date. So there we were, faced with changing over all important bills, insurances, etc. While we were at the bank officer's desk I asked Jordyn to take Mason, Matthew and Jaylen over to the fireplace while we dealt with changing the address on Grandma's account. In short order, I heard a thud and then Mason's hurt cry. I quickly got up and found Jordyn holding Mason and telling me that she thinks he got a little hurt. Apparently, Jordyn entrusted Mason to Matthew and Jaylen and a swivel chair! They had spun the chair around and Mason flew off. He got a little bump on his head but thankfully he seemed fine. I sent them all outside to wait it out. Within a few minutes I saw a parade of little bodies coming in to get some water from the fountain, all with bright red faces. I think I may have gotten in trouble with some authority if they knew I sent them out alone but I was upset that they hurt their sweet, little brother. As we were leaving Matthew pointed out the spot where he had peed while outside. This being right outside one of the banks large windows, some officer got quite a show. Needless to say, I won't be taking them back to the bank anytime soon.

Our traditional 4th of July camping trip included Mason this year. He loved being out in the woods and was so happy almost the entire time. Another big event happened the week leading up to our camping trip; Mason learned to crawl! He looks so precious scooting around, changing from crawling on hands and knees, to putting one leg out and pushing his butt forward. If you just take a look at him you would never, ever imagine he has a congenital heart defect that affects every aspect of his living.

Knowing he has something so wrong with his heart isn't the problem. It's the wondering when his heart won't work anymore that creeps up in my mind when I least want it to. There isn't anyway to explain this to "normal" people, only those that are going through this can truly understand the hurt you feel to know there is always something about to happen around the corner. The only solace is that I think we can all get comfort in knowing we are not alone in dealing with this. That doesn't sound that great either...Knowledge-it's not all that great is it?