Talking with Melisa on Monday, August 23rd I could tell she wasn't feeling well and she'd been having minor gallbladder attacks. John was getting ready for his annual Canadian fishing trip and she didn't want to upset his plan ... ahh, plans ... well, the gallbladder wouldn't settle down, so that evening it was off to the emergency room for Melisa and John. Neighbor and friend Lorie and Bernie came over to watch Henry Donald.
Melisa was admitted to the hospital that evening, John called to let us know of her situation and she'd probably have surgery on Wednesday. Simple enough decision, we pack up early, stop the mail, advise the neighbors we're departing a week earlier than anticipated and we hit the road on Thursday, August 26th thinking we'd be there in time for Melisa to be at home. Well the gallbladder attack turned into pancreatitis, Melisa's surgery scheduled for Wednesday would not happen until our arrival day of Saturday.
What a drive that was, concerned about Melisa's health but knowing Henry Donald was in good hands with neighbors and relatives. The day of her surgery was traumatic as John called us at 8:15am to say Melisa was in surgery. Well having just had gallbladder surgery last year I assumed she'd be out in an hour and John would call around 9:45am to let us know she's in recovery. No call at 9:45, no call at 10:00 or 10:30, wanting to call him, I didn't and finally at almost 11:30am my cell phone rang, she was out of surgery. I'm thinking it was a three hour experience, however, finding out later that her doctor had an emergency c-section prior to her gallbladder. Melisa was finally able to come home on Monday, August 30th.
So, helping with Henry Donald beginning on that Sunday became the biggest part of our trip in addition to helping with cooking, laundry, Waldo and Misty, oh and the cat! Melisa wasn't allowed to lift anything over 15 pounds and Henry was now tipping the scale at just over 15 pounds ... so bending from the knees always and praying my back would hold, Henry and I really bonded over the next two weeks ... everything from diaper changes, bottle making, feeding, until Melisa was feeling well enough to assist. It was emotionally difficult for her in the beginning, but soon we established a routine I would carry Henry to the changing table and she'd dress him or change the diaper. After a few days she was able to hold him for his bottles; she was able to pump her breast milk and then John or I would make 1/2 formula, 1/2 breast milk bottles until her supply returned.
We had a great time helping with Henry, and feel so fortunate we could pull up stakes in Texas and head out to help, this was one of our longest trips North ... 16 days ... and here are two of my favorite pictures of Henry, he found his toes, was trying to roll over, and will soon be sitting up on his own ... enjoy ...
Handsome Henry, about 3-1/2 months old.
Well maybe one day soon this hat will fit me better!
As I always end my friends, until next time ....
1 comment:
Very nice recap of your trip up north.
I need to see all of the pictures that you took while you were here, please!
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