The Stocking Story: Surgery Morning

I was hoping to blog update earlier than today but to be quite honest, it's been quite the whirlwind in the Stocking casa.

Sunday night leading into Monday morning was a sleepless night. We had to wake Ryder up at 1am to drink his last milk bottle (ever!) and then again at 5am to have clear liquids before his surgery at 9:20am.

So when we woke him up at 6:30am to start heading to the hopsital he was already so exhausted!

This picture was on the morning of Ryder's surgery as we were loading up the car. We specifically wore the t-shirts we wore to celebrate Ryder's first birthday that say "just keep swimming Ryder Jeremiah!"

A morning smile.

Love for Chester!

We arrived at CHOC around 7:15am on Monday. Dressed in our superhero gear we were ready to help Ryder conquer his mission!

My wonderful mom, dad and sissies put together goodie baskets for Ryder and us. These baskets were filled with snacks, toys, stuffed animals, books, drinks, clothes and even handmade pillows. Ryder's cousins also made cards for him and put together this adorable bed sheet with all of their handprints on it! Even the family dog, Noelie, got in on the fun!

I don't know what we'd do without family! They've been so supportive, encouraging and loving. The visits, text messages, phone calls and cards we received leading up to and during Ryder's surgery was overwhelming!

Mom included this sign in our basket and oh how true it reads!

In addition to all of the goodies, Mom and dad also arrived with Starbucks coffee and donuts for everyone! They are the BEST!

My parents!

Ryder with both sets of grandparents.

Look at these baskets filled with goodies. Thanks mum-mum!

Daddy and Ryder had a superhero meeting before being called back to pre-op.

About 20 minutes after arriving, we were called back to pre-op where they had a crib and toys waiting for Ryder.

Time to change into the REAL superhero outfit - a hospital gown. Ryder's worn this gown WAY too many times for my liking.

Ryder was losing patience (can't blame him) so bubbles were brought in and we all know how much he loves bubbles!

Cutest butt ever!

Auntie Nee Nee (one of my older sisters) came to visit Ryder. And after loading Ryder up with kisses, they started cruis'n around the pre-op area.

Then we found this other cool car that Ryder loved driving while waving and smiling to EVERYONE. It was the Ryder parade!

Then a few minutes later Ryder was given some calming medicine to partially sedate him pre-surgery. My heart broke when he got this med because he immediately lost his joy and just laid on my lap, expressionless. They give these meds to babies so they don't have anxiety while they're taken away from their parents. It doesn't help with the tears of mommies and daddies though.