Let the Hermit Lifestyle Begin

Now that Ayden is home, our family will be entering into our little hermit shell.  Because Ayden's body is not yet well-suited to fending off illness (his little half a heart is doing the work of a whole one right now, adding the pressure of fighting something off would be too much to ask of it), we will not be able to do . . . anything, really.

No going to church, to the movies, out to eat, to visit friends or family.  Basically, we cannot venture out into the world, either with Ayden or without him (Allison and I can't run the risk of contracting something and then giving it to him).  So, I'll be going to work.  And that's about it.

The inverse of that restriction is also true.  Just as we cannot go to the public, the public cannot come to us.  Yes, we are not able to welcome visitors until at least after he has his second surgery.  Of course, this sucks, but it's the hand we have been dealt.  What will get us through this period of isolation is the knowledge it's what's best for him in the long run.  The important thing is keeping him safe until his second surgery, after which his heart will be doing less work and will be better able to take on other challenges.

So, if you don't see us for a while, it's not because we don't like you anymore.

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On to more fun topics...

Ayden made his first trip to the pediatrician this morning.  He did great with it.  The nurse was impressed with how well he handled her taking his vitals.  Of course, all of that is old hat to Ayden.  He even laid flat on the exam table for quite a while without getting upset (sometimes laying flat makes him feel insecure).  What was most interesting was the placement of a mirror on the wall right beside the exam table.  This allowed Ayden to see himself for the first time.  He was transfixed, as you will see by the pictures.  You'll also see how happy he was near the end of his appointment.

By the way, although he's now topping 10 lbs on the scale, he's only in the 3rd percentile as to height and weight.