Our first day was a long one and started early, we had to be at the hospital at 7:30 am. We started out in Cardiac Pre-op where we met Alia, an NP who would guide us thought the day. First was Dr. Lee, a cardiac surgeon who provided a quick overview of the procedure, discussed the risks and expected outcome, and guided us through the consent forms and other paperwork. Next we went to the lab where Wes had some blood drawn which was about as popular as you can imagine. Then we met an anesthesiologist who talked about the anesthesia plan for his MRI scheduled for tomorrow and the surgery itself on Wednesday.

From there Wes had his height (29″) and weight (18 lbs 5 oz) taken along with an EKG, oxygen saturation and an attempt at blood pressure which was as popular as the blood draw. Next was a chest X-ray taken by two extremely nice older women who were straight out of an episode of Coffee Talk. After, we sat down with Alia to discuss the preparation for the next couple days, review family history, and ask some questions. From there we were able to take a quick break and finally get a coffee before taking a tour of the cardiac ICU and recovery rooms. To wrap up the morning we met with Dr. Levine, the cardiologist we first met in August. Dr. Levine has been renting a house on Long Beach Island, where we also vacation, for the last twenty years so part of our discussion was recapping last summer (she was leaving the day after our first appointment) and talking about the coming summer where we found out we’ll be there at the same time.

After a quick lunch we met with Dr. Emani, the surgeon who will be operating on Wes. We discussed the procedure, the different approaches available to him and asked a lot of questions. He also got to meet Wes for the first time since Wes did not make the trip with us in August. Dr. Emani seemed taken with Wes’s big smiles and endless energy even after missing his morning nap.

We left the hospital at 2:00 and made the short walk back to our apartment, stopping at Star Market along the way for milk, cheese, fruit, pistachio muffins and vodka. Just the essentials.

Wes fell asleep in the stroller before we were off the hospital grounds and is now napping in his crib. The sun has come out so we may take a walk when he wakes up.

Tomorrow we have to be back at 9:00 am with an angry Wes who will not have had breakfast. Luckily we will be able to hand him off to the nurses for his MRI, and luckily for them anesthesia will be administered shortly thereafter.