Primed and Ready?

It was this day three weeks ago that Ira left Columbia Children's. So it's only appropriate that we go back there today for two doctor appointments (GI and pulmonary hypertension). This is how our day goes down on days like today.

What we think about prior to our departure:
1) Air tanks. Do we have enough of them? Are they full and ready to go?
2) Food. Ira's appts are at 11:30 and 1. He's supposed to be fed at 11 and 2. Trouble! Get milk in portable bag with ice. Get g-tube primed and ready. Make sure the pump is charged.
3) Meds. Ira normally gets meds at 11 and 4. The 11 med can be taken at 10:40 before we leave but the 4 med (Viagra) is very important and can't be missed. If appts run late, do we have that med ready to go?
4) Food. Laura will need to pump at some point during this excursion. Should we take the portable or should she slip out at some point, go over to the NICU pumping rooms and take care of business there?
5) Other equipment. Is the sat monitor charged and ready? And do we have an extra pulse-ox with us? We might need tape. Pacifiers a must! Change of clothes? The boy vomits like Mount St. Helens. Diapers? etc...

What actually happens:
Ira gets poked and prodded by several doctors, undergoes an EKG and an echocardiogram and waits for quite some time to see other doctors. Ira acts like a pro. Been there, done that. Mom and Dad and Nurse are all exhausted and feel like they've been worked over. Time for sleep.