We Are Home!

So at 8:30 am we got the news that we were going to be going home today but all of the final discharge paperwork, etc wasn't complete until sometime after 1:00 pm!!! It was an anxious few hours spent playing and waiting but we kept telling Max that his wish of going home was coming true.


After packing up all of our stuff, we said goodbye to our roommates who we got to know while in the hospital. They are the one's that I mentioned in a previous update who have a little girl (Kyndley) who has had 6 surgeries in her 16 months of life. This is her and Max...

Kyndley and Max saying bye!

Then we waived bye bye to the Stollery Children's Hospital...

Bye Bye Hospital

Although we sincerely hope that our experiences with the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton have come to an end, we can't help but be very grateful for the staff, technology and general experience. Having top notch pediatric heart surgeons, the best technology and wonderful, caring staff only a short drive away has made this journey so much easier on us. We were very much taken care of in the hospital and we are thankful that we live in a place where all of this is possible.

Off to the "Donald House", which is what Max calls the Ronald McDonald House, to check out and get some last minute things. I also can't say enough about this place. The way it comforts families, provides food, shelter, school programs, toys, and so much more. It is a completely equipped place of refuge for so many families who are going through a difficult time. If you are ever unsure of a charity to support, this is an amazing one. We did not know much about the Ronald McDonald Houses until we found ourselves living inside of one for the first time. Now having stayed there a second time, I am reminded of just how incredible it really is. 

Leaving the hospital and going to the RMH

The RMH taken at night with all their Christmas lights.

After the RMH, we were on the road and it wasn't long before this happened...

Beautiful pic of mom and son

Abbie and Max were exhausted from the week in Edmonton. The adrenaline is wearing off and they both slept most of the way home. Such sweethearts. 

We are SOOOOO happy to be home. Within minutes of being home, Max was playing drums and got all of his toys out. He still has a few moments of sadness that stem from physical pain and the realization of what he has gone through. When he sees his scar or has reason to remember it, he gets pretty sad. We have also heard that children who have had these types of surgeries can have some bad nightmares at night so we aren't too sure what lies ahead. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. 

Max safe and sound at home with his toys!!!

Playing in his toy box!

There will be more blog updates to come but for now, just know that we are back in the comfort of our own home and we have all been reunited with our favourite dog known as Woof Woof to Max (Koda to the rest of us)!!!

Max and his Woof Woof!

Cam