The Tin Man's Heart Watch Day #40

Sometimes (meaning regularly) the nurses have to change Holden's dressing around his PICC line (think, permanent sterile IV.) Because of the aggressive, territorial behaviors that Holden exhibits with such a change, they've had to give him a little something-something to keep him calm for the 10 minute procedure. The effects don't last long, but they'll throw him on the skids for a few minutes.

See below:

The Tin Man's Heart Watch Day #39

Sometimes, you capture that perfect moment.

The Tin Man's Heart Watch Day #38

As a family we have walked Holden 4872.3 miles around the cardiac unit at Arnold Palmer Hospital.
When Holden was younger, we described them as parades. Parades included fake musical instruments created mom and dad's mouth. Parades included waving drive bys of all the nurses and doctors who were hard at work. Parades put us in control. Control has swayed. Therefore, parades are no longer cool to him.

These days, he's "Cruising the unit". He comes armed with a classy pink (but manly) Little Tykes car he steers through the halls like a bat out of heck. We've got to push it, but he doesn't seem to mind, in fact, if you stop for even a second he'll remind you to go.

Nicole, having a little fun, pulled a video of one of these rides.

The Tin Man's Heart Watch Day #37

Mended Little Hearts hosted our annual holiday party last night. Thank you to Santa, the Orlando Magic, and all the heart families for making it out. Holden couldn't be there it obvious reasons, but they made sure to keep him there in spirit. It was an awesome gesture.

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The Tin Man's Heart Watch Day #36

(pipes up recorder)
(tunes voice)

♪ ♫♪ ♫ Holden Flynn is a quarter Jewish, not too shabby. ♪ ♫♪ ♫

Nicole is Jewish by way of her father's side of the family and over the last two years we've introduced Holden to the holiday traditions of both religions. This year Hanukkah started on Thanksgiving Eve and was overshadowed on this blog by the entire turkey we've been working ourselves through over the last 6 or so days. We promise, we didn't mean for that to happen. So...

With Holden in the hospital, there is the problem of lighting the Menorah as a family. For some reason candles are frown upon in the Pediatric Cardiology ICU. Something about flammable gases and massive 'splosions which can result in all sorts of paper heavy and lawyer friendly law suits. 

Luckily Target had a safety Menorah to allow us to "light" the candles and celebrate the holiday, with class. 

Inert wooden flames, to the rescue.

Happy Hanukkah! 

The Tin Man's Heart Watch Day #35

With his familiarity with the surroundings and wonderful support staff, we know Holden is comfortable at Arnold Palmer Hospital. On Day 35, he started redefining comfort.

Captions?

- I know your communication is limited, but please warn someone before you crack one off like that.

- Holden! If our doctors are required to wear shirts, you are too.

- Your insurance doesn't cover pedicures.

- Burt Reynolds just called...he is jealous.

- Mr. Flynn...you hit the call button?

- I'll leave your gruel on the sink.

- Excuse me. Those rails were designed solely for safety. Not for comfort. There will be no comfort.

The Tin Man's Heart Watch Day #34

Holden was still a wee bit sedated yesterday, so action was minimal at best. Mom and dad spent a good portion of the day cleaning the house.

He awoke for dinner though, His favorite part of staying at Arnold Palmer? Hummus. All. You. Can. Eat. Hummus.

Check out the hummus truck delivering the latest batch o' goods.

Notice the band aid on his arm? A sedated Holden can still remove an IV like a freaking fox. He thoughtfully placed it next to him on the bed and went back to sleep.