A way out.

I am not a super religious person. Well, let me rephrase that. I am not a super "in your face" religious person. I don't normally go around quoting the Bible, but there is one verse (passage? scripture?) that I really like...

"No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful & will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it."

The last few months have not necessarily been the easiest with the 15 doctor visits we have made due to normal things like sinus infections, check ups and a really bad diaper rash...medium things like a staph infection and, of course, pretty intense things like The Eye. I realize that it could be worse. Anyway, the point is, here are our " ways out":

1. Aunt Paula:

What are the odds of your Great Aunt literally changing your life? In Anderson's case, they are pretty high! With her eye background, Aunt Paula introduced us to infantsee (http://www.infantsee.org/) and we were lucky enough to catch the cataract while we can still fix it. I can't even imagine how awful this would have been to discover when he was 5 and it was too late to save his vision. Fate. We love you, Aunt Paula!

2. Pirates:

This pirate obsession started before I even knew Anderson was a he! Seriously, who does that happen to? I, myself, thought it was a little weird at times as we kept planning pirate events & getting pirate themed gifts. Then, bam! Eye patch. If that is not divine providence preparing me for something difficult then I don't know what is.

3. Bham:"Hi, this is Dr. Cogen's office. I heard you are a relative of Scott Hill & need to make an appointment-can you come next week?" What a crazy coincidence that we got in with a very experienced, renowned pediatric ophthalmologist who happens to be in Birmingham where we have lots of family!! And, this doctor is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. He is patient, a genius and kind. I know we will be making a lot of trips to AL in the next few years (we went twice within the last week already) but this guy is totally worth it. Also, the fam is there and they are pretty kind too, so that works out.
4. Snuggletime

Because we can't let him rub his eye, we have to get him if he cries at night. This has resulted in a lot of snuggling with my monkey & his monkey. The other night he woke up, shocked to find me holding him. He put his little hands on my cheeks & kind of stared at me for a minute. Then, a big grin. I, selfishly, am enjoying this but also concerned about "crying it out" take 2 that will begin soon.
The eye shield was on Truman when he woke up one morning!

5. The best kid in the world

Every time someone asks what is wrong with him I am a little shocked. Do they not see the perfect kid behind the eye patch/shield/bandage? I guess not because clearly they are ignorant/rude to even ask. But, please check out my baby who I think missed the memo that he was supposed to be recovering from surgery...
"Oh, that giant thing on my eye? Who has time to notice that when I have things to do!" Now, don't get me wrong-he is a 13 month old and he does have all of the stubbornness, independence and "I will throw this lotion all over the doctor's office" characteristics that you would expect, but he is also hilariously lively. Dr. Cogen even made a reference to the fact that, "He is obviously not shy"
Loves a "ba".

The same day as the surgery. Look at him in his little gown. There is nothing a wagon ride and Dad can't fix.

6. Uncle Hughes

Again, with the weird fate thing. Uncle Hughes just happens to be an anesthesiologist... working in Birmingham...who set up for us to have the best anesthetist... introduced us to everyone who might possibly be in the room. Seriously, these are the comments we heard, "We've got some VIPs in here!" , "You must be the nephew!" (from the main doctor!) We were so important. And, he spent 3 hours patiently answering every question that I could have ever imagined the night before the surgery. He is a handy thing to keep around, that Uncle Hughes. Now, that didn't stop me from walking in slow motion to the "red line" where I had to hand him over. As I made eye contact with the nurse, I desperately tried to convey the message, "Please be careful. You are holding my entire life in your hands." I guess my communication worked because there he was, safe in my arms, just hours later.

7. People If being on a prayer list could help vision, then Anderson would have 20/15. Neighbors, coworkers, friends, distant friends, my mom's coworkers, the people who sit next to Brandon's parents at the Lady Vol's games, a guy Pops made balloons for at IHOP...all praying for my boy. We had dinner delivered to us (thanks, Clare!), a generous "thinking of you" from the SWAT team, toys showing up on my desk at work & in our mailbox, flowers delivered from my department...it was very overwhelming. We didn't get phone service in the hospital so when I walked out and had 27 texts I was very touched.

I totally bonded with this other mom who's son was having a tear duct issue repaired. It started when Anderson stole her son's wagon, then we ended up being across the hall from each other & bonded over being totally emotional when they took our babies. Her son had a different surgeon who was unable to fix his duct, so they had to wait for the best surgeon to finish up next door. Yes, that would be our doctor they were waiting on. I don't even know her name, but it was kind of encouraging to realize we really are all in this parenting thing together. She is in the doorway in the picture and I, shockingly, am talking with my hands.

8. Family We win the best family award. Sorry to everyone else who entered. Aunt Cole & Uncle Hughes let us stay with them while their house is for sale, fed us, entertained the boy and called lots of pharmacies to try & find his eye drops. Noni & Bop drove to Birmingham with us (twice in a week), listened to me complain & were their normal encouraging selves. Meanwhile, GG & Jpa were handling the skunk situation (more in a later post),which I definitely think was the stinkiest job! Aunt Manda let us stay with them on visit 2 & provided her calmness, which is weirdly addictive.

I can't have a post without a pic of Lily! She is really the best thing about the Birmingham visits!