[Lylac]

We saw Tim's surgeon today. He's scheduled for a total knee replacement on June 4th. In Nashville which is 200+ miles away.

The problem that I'm having is: Abbie's adoption in on June 3rd. And I'm really struggleing with leaving my kids for 4 days to be at the hospital with Tim.

Adopt her one day..leave her the next. Just doesn't seem right to me. Tim says for me to stay home with the kids, but then I'd feel guilty for letting him go through his surgery alone. And I know that my kids will be taken care of, and I don't worry about Lyla or Bremon, but Abbie was just put on a feeding pump at night. And nobody other than my sister knows how to operate one.

And she is only off 2 days. She had planned on taking days off to stay with all the kids at our house. But we were thinking that his surgery would be at least a month away, and she would have time to request some personal time off.

Their grand parents could turn the pump off and on, but if it messed up or if she wasn't tolerating her feeds that day..they would be lost.

This is mostly a trying to think things through post...but I do need some help with it.

[waited2long]

Hmm, is it possible to bring Abbie with you to Nashville? I always thought the nice thing about babies is that they can be more portable.

Then you can be with her and your hubby. No guilt!

[skirbo]

Just an out of the box thought, but would either grandparent go stay with hubby in the hospital instead? I know how helpful it is to have someone willing to bring things and visit. But hubby probably would feel better if you stayed home with the kids, because he loves them as much as you do and has to worry if neither one of you is with them.

Just a thought.

Sarah

[linda512]

Is anyone else willing or able to learn how to operate the pump? You still have some time. I just had my hip replaced and was glad I had family around to help. Taking Abbie would be too hard, I think. They would not allow my 20 month old son in the hospital when I was in.
Good luck with your decision.

[aspenhall]

I have to say, in the hospital you'd just be sitting around looking at him, and the nurses would do the actual taking care of him....so you'd be more needed at home. And when he does come home, then you can pamper hima nd everything there.

Besides, after surgery you're so out of it and just sleep all the time...I wonder if you could go up for one or 2 days to pick him up at the end when he's feeling better and actually aware and needing your presence?

Could you get a hotel and bring along your sister and your kids, then you can spilt your time with them and be there at night for abbie?

In the end, your husband is an adult and is in capable hands, but your children really need you at least for part of the time.

[athikers]

I would say, go with hubby for a couple days while sis can watch Abbie, then come home and take care of your baby. I have a very difficult time leaving Teeter for this same reason. If he's not taken care of "correctly" he loses ground SO VERY FAST.

[Lylac]

Ok I 'think" we've got it worked out. I'll stay with Tim Wed & Thurs. Come home Friday and hopefully he'll get to come with me..if not, then I'll go get him on Sat. And I'll just take Abbie with me to pick up daddy.