May 18th started very very early for Aunt Kim, Beth and my little sugar plum we were rolling out of Jamesville at 530am today for pre-op at Duke.  Gage was all laughs and smiles and in a very good mood, and then he fell asleep when we hit the morning traffic in Raleigh. He snores like a grown man.  He gets that from his Aunt Lisa I think. We helped open up the children's ward at Duke on the third floor.  Gage was great with all the nurses, and right when Dr Grant the surgeon walks in he throws a mini tantrum (Beth's side of the family) and it appears that Aunt Kim is using him like a baton-twisting and turning trying to get him in the correct position so he will be quiet enough so Beth and the Doctor can talk.  As soon as the Doctor shuts the door, he sighs, and leans back and smiles and is as quiet as a mouse in my lap. I look down because I know that he has passed out or something b/c just a few seconds ago he was squirming and making so much noise they had to yell at each other.  But no, he is smiling and he is comfortable now and ready for the next part of this pre-op visit.  We speak to the Child Life Specialist who is very nice and explains everything in great detail from when we arrive Monday at 11am (which I am not thrilled about but we will deal we have a plan not to starve him) and then the surgery is at 1pm. Gage can eat at 5am and then have Pedialyte at 830-930am so it will be a little something on his stomach. We were shown the device (which was not the correct one-too big) but she was young and Aunt Kim let that go b/c the Doctor knows the correct one. Beth and I discussed this on the way home.  We will make sure the right kit is there on Monday. Also, the Doctor has a hospital room for Gage for one night, but if he cooperates..........and Gage and I will discuss this at length.  If he cooperates, we can all stay at the hotel across the street the night and leave the next day. The last thing of the day was the dreaded blood work.....but we had a big smile when we saw the guy who stuck Gage the last time. He on the other hand said "OH NO"...and started laughing..he kept saying..."now where did I get it last time, because there is really nothing here".  Aunt Kim put the pressure on by asking "I hope you are feeling lucky".   We did not bump heads this time, because I was holding Gage, and Beth held Gage's legs. Gage's left foot is the only place we have found to draw blood on a consistent basis. He got it!!! One stick....He cheered, We cheered and Gage waved Bye, Bye.....Gage got to pick a prize for he and Cody his oldest brother b/c both of their birthdays are in the next week or so from the Treasure Chest. Gage got Play Dough-textured items are great for Gage. Like Beans for his hands and feet, feathers, textured toys....So now we have scheduled everything and if he stays well through this week and until Monday at 1pm we will have surgery.  The good Lord has gotten us this far. He has helped Beth and ML make this decision; line up the staff and doctors; made him well enough for the surgery so all we have to do is show up because Gage is in the Lord's hands.  And what big hands they are, because not only is Gage in his hands but ML, Beth and our family is too.  Because I can tell you my heart is broken yet again to think this child that I love has to go thru something/anything ever again that will cause him pain.  Yet I know sometimes we have to do it to make things better, and I put my trust in him knowing he got us this far.  May God continue to give me the strength and will to be a better Christian, wife, daughter, sister, friend and most of all aunt to these great kids of mine. I am blessed beyond belief. 
*BETH*