Song for the week

What a week!  It's been a whirlwind of emotions (both good and bad).  We are so thrilled to finally be ready for Birk to be Trache free, but anxious about how he will respond and recover from surgery.  This week I thought I'd share a recording we made of Nick singing the song he wrote for the twins when they were baptized.  The recording isn't the best, but it really is a beautiful song! 

Pictures from our trip

Birk is an amazing rider in the car. 

Birk and Daddy at dinner. 

Cincinnati Chilren's Hospital! 

Daddy and Birk by the Ohio river. 

Mommy and Birk by the Ohio river. 

He loves to ride on our shoulders! 

God is good!

What a day!  Birk did amazing today and we got some wonderful news that we've waited a while to get.  Birk is ready for surgery.  He is big enough and everything looked good so we can now schedule the date.  This is exciting, but also a bit scary as we move towards what surgery means.  What we do know is we are thankful...for all the prayers, well wishes, and for the love that only God can provide.  Our journey for a trache free child is just beginning so feel free to follow  along!!  

With LOVE, 

Robertson family

Surgery

Birk just went in for surgery.  We were scheduled for 11:00, and they took us back at 11:30.  What a long time for a poor little guy to go w/o breakfast.  He did good, considering.  Nick carried him back and he was armed with his SpongeBob pillow and his Bebe (blanket).  Nick held him as I held his head while they put him to sleep.  As a parent NOTHING can prepare you for that feeling.  Even though I know he is just sleeping, it seems surreal and it brings me to tears.  They told us about 50 minutes or so....

Tuesday's Clinic Visit

So today we finished our drive to Cincinnati and had a clinic visit with Dr. Boesch.  We have gone into this week.  We have hope that it will be time, but we don't want to be crushed like we were in April. Some good things have happened though.  When we got to the office today we did notice that it was incredibly busy.  We decided to occupy our time playing games on the iPad, dancing in the waiting room and watching some movies on the TV.  When the Dr. noticed we were still in the waiting room he quickly went back and got us a room and saw us.  That was very heartwarming for us to see as know we know that they know our sweet little man.  They care for him and they care for us.  The doctor did a great job of not allowing us to get our hopes up like he did back in April.  He was just as sure in April as we were....this time we are just going in to check.  That does help us quite a bit.

Tomorrow will again bring a wave of emotions for us.  As we watch our little man fall asleep and go in for this scope we are yet hopeful, but know that we have to practice patience.  This team of doctors is beyond amazing and they care so much for each and every patient they take on.  We feel so comfortable here in Cincinnati, we feel so confident in the team who is going to be helping our son.  What an amazing experience to be able to work with them.

Nick and I also spent some time at dinner tonight talking about all the kids we've seen since coming to this hospital.  We still find it strange that we are awe struck when we see a kid with a Trache.  There are times when I look around and I just feel sadness at this place.  There are so many kids and families who deal with so much.  Kids who will have LIFE LONG challenges that they will need to tackle.  What I try to remind myself of is that this is not a place of sadness.  This is a place where God shows us the miracles that he can perform.  He can give us the opportunity to learn how to treat and heal children who have these challenges.  He also shows us the innocence that a child can bring.

It makes me remember our first visit in the summer of 2009.  We were about to get on the elevator and I was feeling quite a bit sorry for myself.  As we were about to get on the elevator I looked down and saw this beautiful girl who had the baldest head and the biggest set of blue eyes.  She looked at me and in her best southern accent said "nice to meet you ma'am."  Instantly I took a step back and asked myself 'What do I have to feel sorry for?"  That little girl might have to battle that ugly disease for many years, or she may lose her battle to that illness.  I am amazed every time I set foot in this building.  Cincinnati Children's is a wonderful place and has a wonderful team of doctors/nurses.  I'm excited (and nervous) for what tomorrow will bring.  We continue to pray for the good news that we need for Birk.  :-)

You're prayers, visits, texts, emails and Facebook messages are so meaningful to us.  Please know that they don't go unread/un-noticed.  God Bless You!

J

We also talked to Addy via face time tonight.  What a blessing to have the technology when we can't be with her.  I'm so happy to report she is happy and is being spoiled by her Aunt Jodi, her Woo, her cousins and her Uncle Greg.  :-)  We miss her terribly, but we are glad that she is well taken care of.

Mommy's Monday

Whew...I actually think coming to work this morning was a small break from the chaos that today brings.  Packing for 3 people, making sure the house was clean, kids are fed, and read to go has been quite the handful.  Thank goodness for my mom who helps me in any way she can. 

Hotels are booked, check.  Bag packed, check.  Good friend coming to water the grass, check.  Addy's excited to go my sisters, check.  Birk has toys and Dora movies, check.  Nick and I have diet dew, check.  NOW...we just need the good news we are hoping for. 

On a different note, we met quite a few of our neighbors this weekend as one of the neighborhoods near us had a block party.  It is so neat to see the amount of kids that Addy and Birk can play with.  Plus new friends for us!  The block party was perfect for adults and kids.  They had bikes, popcorn, and after dark a movie projected on someone's garage.  What neat ideas!  I love the family atmosphere that Ankeny brings.  What a nice change of pace from our old neighborhood.  Lots to do, lots of friends and fun to be had! 

This weeks blog's might change a bit as I do want to keep everyone in the loop on Birk.  If you are the one person who will miss my stupid ramplings, I apologize.  :-) 

SON day

So, this is the week that I feel like I've been dreading and waiting for at the same time.  We leave tomorrow after work for that lovely 9 hour drive back to the Children's hospital in Cincy!  I'm feeling like maybe I'm putting a lot of hope into this trip as we are all ready (Birk included) to start living a Trach free life, but am also wondering how am I going to REALLY feel when I hear those words 'he's ready.'  Will I be excited?  Will I be scared?  Will I cry?  Likely all of the above.

So, my post is about the SON today.  I am putting my full faith in him.  He has Birk in his wings and knows what is best for my little dude.  There is a reason for everything.  I do love when I hear people say 'it's a God thing', it is making me wonder...will this week happen to turn into a God thing?

As much as I've focused on Birk and our trips to Ohio I'm also reflecting on what this means for Addy.  A little girl who might be away from me (and/or her Daddy and brother) for a few days/week at a time when surgery comes.  What that will feel like for her?  What if we bring her to the hospital will she be there to help Birk heal and recover?  Her spirit is so huge these days...that it might just be a little too much (or a little too loud) for the residents of Cincinnati Children's Hospital!  :-)

So my prayer tonight is selfish.  I pray for good news this week.  I pray our trip is quick and not so boring.  I pray Birk does great.  I pray Addy has fun with my mom.  I pray that what is supposed to happen...does.

Amen.