The day started early for all of us. So early, in fact, that I was still asleep. My parents let me stay in my jammies for the ride to Shriner's. I sat in my car seat in the back with Papa and I was all smiles. During preop they asked my parents lots of questions and took my height, weight and temperature. As long as my parents kept my video going on the portable DVD player I was happy. We looked at a few cast colors and decided on bright pink this time around. After a short discussion with the resident, the anesthesiologist and Dr James I got a dose of some medicine to calm me down before it was time to take me away. It didn't seem to have the desired effect and I was happily playing with the toys in the waiting area when they came to get me. So there were definately a few tears as they carried me away. Dr James was happy to get the blood the endocrinologist needed but it wasn't in Shriner's budget to do the reading so she told my parents she would get them the blood in the appropriate vials and they could get them on to the endocrinologist. Off I went to the while Papa and my parents went on to the cafeteria to get some coffee and something to eat. No sooner had they sat down then in rushed a nurse looking for them. Mommy had a moment of panic until the nurse explained that someone from the OR had the blood and was trying to meet up with my parents to make sure it got delivered safely.
Since the surgery was set to last 3-4 hours my parents and Papa had plenty of time to walk the vials next door to the lab at UC Davis. Then they settled in at the waiting area at Shriner's with their i Pods to listen to their music and try to relax. A few hours later the phone rang in the waiting area and they found out the surgery was just finishing up and I was doing fine. About 30 minutes later, they got another phone call that I was in recovery and opening my eyes. Since only one person could go to recovery at a time, Daddy went in first and spent some time rocking me. I was nice and calm until Mommy came in to relieve Daddy and then I got a little upset. It was only a few more minutes before the nurse said I was ready to go to my own room down on the inpatient floor. So while two nurses wheeled me, Mommy, Daddy and Papa escorted me to my room. Luckily, it will be all mine tonight. Within just a few minutes I was watching my video and getting pretty animated. Mommy thought this seemed way too easy - and then the nerve block wore off! Out of nowhere, I suddenly became very agitated and was thrashing around. Nothing seemed to work to calm me down. The nurse came in and gave me a dose of Tylenol with Codeine and after about 30 minutes of crying in my crib I finally fell asleep. Mommy and Papa ran to get some lunch and Daddy kept an eye on me. Unfortunately, a nurse came in while they were gone and I got woken back up. As long as I was being rocked or someone was patting my back while I was laying in my crib I was okay. But I wasn't able to get very comfortable with the cast and didn't sleep for long periods of time. At 4, my Mommy sent Papa and Daddy home so they could check on the boys and miss the afternoon traffic. Since I am in a room by myself, Mommy is staying with me tonight. For the next 16 hours, Mommy and I spent lots of quality time together. It would take her about 45 minutes of patting my back before I would fall asleep and then she would try to lay down and sleep herself. About the time she was nodding off I would wake back up and the cycle began again. I didn't get much sleep - but she got even less!
Peyton Nicole Smith
It was time for Papa to leave. Before he hit the road though, he let me come out and check the oil and tires with him. I was a very good helper! Then while Papa had a cup of coffee I sat on the couch next to him enjoying our last few minutes together. I am so glad he came to see me!
This afternoon it was time for Grandma Smith to head back to Salt Lake. Mommy had hoped we would get some time to spend at the park but I decided to take a 3 1/2 hour nap in the middle of the day and squashed her plans! We settled for lunch at Chili's before heading to the airport but I insisted on wearing my princess shoes before we could leave. Just about the time my parents are feeling comfortable taking me to a restaurant I've decided that sitting still in the high chair is not nearly as interesting as running around the place. For the first 15 minutes or so stacking the little creamer cups or stirring Mommy's coffee will keep me entertained. Eventually, though, I want out of the high chair and I won't take no for an answer! 
I had a great night's sleep last night so when I woke up this morning I was ready to play. So ready that I threw a fit when Mommy tried to get me dressed and do my hair! When Daddy woke up this morning and came out to the kitchen, I was busy signing "Grandpa" and wondering where he was. When I heard someone down the hall, I took off running to go find him. I was very happy when Papa finally came out for breakfast and I got to spend time with him. He likes to build blocks with me and is willing to sit through Singing Times over and over.
After a night with little to no sleeping around 4:00 am Mommy finally decided to rock me while we watched some videos. And there we stayed for the next 4+ hours. A little after 6 am the resident came by to check on us and he said we should be able to discharge between 9-11 and he would get the paperwork all taken care of. Around 7:15, Dr James came in to say goodbye. Then Daddy and Papa arrived around 8 am. While Mommy got all my stuff together to leave, Daddy and Papa ran me down to the clinic to have my cast looked at. It wasn't long after they came back that the nurse arrived with my discharge papers and prescription. By 9 am we were on our way out the door! As soon as I got in my stroller my mood changed dramatically and I even started laughing a little - I was ready to get on the road.
The day started early for all of us. So early, in fact, that I was still asleep. My parents let me stay in my jammies for the ride to Shriner's. I sat in my car seat in the back with Papa and I was all smiles. During preop they asked my parents lots of questions and took my height, weight and temperature. As long as my parents kept my video going on the portable DVD player I was happy. We looked at a few cast colors and decided on bright pink this time around. After a short discussion with the resident, the anesthesiologist and Dr James I got a dose of some medicine to calm me down before it was time to take me away. It didn't seem to have the desired effect and I was happily playing with the toys in the waiting area when they came to get me. So there were definately a few tears as they carried me away. Dr James was happy to get the blood the endocrinologist needed but it wasn't in Shriner's budget to do the reading so she told my parents she would get them the blood in the appropriate vials and they could get them on to the endocrinologist. Off I went to the while Papa and my parents went on to the cafeteria to get some coffee and something to eat. No sooner had they sat down then in rushed a nurse looking for them. Mommy had a moment of panic until the nurse explained that someone from the OR had the blood and was trying to meet up with my parents to make sure it got delivered safely. 
It was the day before the big day. Both Mommy and Daddy had to work so Papa played with me and ran a few errands. He sat in on my feeding therapy appointment and I made sure to give him a good show - throwing food and spoons on the floor when there was something on my tray I didn't want. Since I am definately in a stage right now where I don't want to try new things, Karen and Mommy are trying to get me to taste something new each visit. It can be a new flavor of something I already like (ice cream) or a new color of something (strawberry juice vs. apple juice). It is always a little bit of a battle before I finally give in and try it - and usually like it but don't tell them that : ) It will be an early day tomorrow. Dr. James wants me at Shriner's by 6 am so we will all be up bright and early!
