Joseph's surgery

This was just before the surgery

 Our little Joseph had his hernia surgery last Friday, Dec. 14th. We were told earlier in the week that the surgeon, Dr. Downey would like to perform the surgery on Joseph before he gets home after all. I was feeling so nervous throughout the rest of the week, mostly the idea of him being under anesthesia and being cut, but we knew it needed to happen.
We got there Friday morning and his primary nurse Pam was getting things ready and waiting to hear when surgeon was ready for him. We then wheeled him to the patient waiting room in the O.R. Dr. Downey came and looked at him and explained to us that he would also look on Joseph's other side (left side) to see if there was another hernia. They also said that he may have a slight umbilical hernia. That was new to us, we didn't know that.
Soon, they were ready for him and we wheeled him to a certain point in the hall and then they took him. I had a ball in my throat and wanted to burst into tears. I wanted so badly to be right there with him and hold him. We just had to trust the staff and put our son in their hands. That was rough. 

In the waiting area with his nurse Pam. She is so wonderful.

This was just after his surgery

The surgery took about and hour and a half. Dr. Downey came out to talk to us and told us he repaired three hernias, the original one, one on the left side and his umbilical. THREE HERNIAS! Still gets me. He is recovering well and has gained his appetite back quickly. If we get him on the right track with feedings again then he can come home soon. :) What a little trooper Joseph is. He is such a fighter!