2 Year Old's Surgery and Hospital Stay

Make a LIST... for your Husband... on your childrens routines & shcedules. Daily if need be.
A "Man" will need that... to refer too. They can't remember everything like a Mom. They will forget.
So, type it out... and put up the list in a place he will see it and refer to it.

When I was in the hospital for my c-section... I was not home for 3 days. I made a list of things, for my Husband, on what to do and my daughter's routines and what not. He was home with my eldest daughter, plus with Grandma. He DID refer to the list I made and it came in real handy.... I even listed down for him to water my plants...

So that is my suggestion.
AND, talk about it with your Husband, before you will be away... openly and nicely. Let him ask questions if he is not sure about something.... explain to him what to do with the children... and NOT to just 'expect' Grandma to do everything.

For your child in the hospital... she will probably be in the ICU... yes? Because it is heart surgery. My Dad had heart surgery. SO, there are rules on that and what can or cannot be brought in. Sometimes, visitors are not even allowed in, nor 'children' visitors. So ask the Hospital or Doctor... what the rules are for the ICU unit.

If allowed by the hospital, Maybe bring her lovey if she has one... or any favorite things of hers, so she feels comfy and comforted.
Bring some books you can read to her.
Bring your cell phone.

Your daughter, will be in recovery for those 4 days... and may be tired nor not even want to "play." So you need to gauge her... and ask the Doctor for some ideas.

For your kids at home... you AND your Husband talk with them. Explain simply, what will happen, you will not be home, Daddy will take care of them... and they STILL will have their regular routines etc. Tell them to help Daddy too... and to take care of each other....
When I was in the hospital for my c-section, my daughter was about 3.5-4 years old... and I told her "Help Daddy okay? If he doesn't know something... you help each other and take care of each other... " and she felt real proud... and even told my Husband what time she is supposed to go to bed. Because, even that detail, my Husband "forgot" since "I" was not home. Men.
So... encourage that everyone help take care of each other at home in loving and helpful ways... because Mommy will be at the hospital taking care of sister.....

all the best,
Susan

S.H. gave you great ideas.

My DS was in the hospital 2 years ago. The one thing I am SO glad I took to the hospital was his portable DVD player. We were In the pre-op room before surgery for about 2-3 hrs and my DS was scared and just wanted to go home! My heart was breaking. I asked the nurse and she said it was fine to let him watch a movie. I turned that on with his favorite video Curious George and he was so engulfed in the movie he didn't even realize when they were doing all the prep work. I had actually taken it to have for his recovery room but there was a t.v. with dvd player already there. My DS was in the hospital for 2 weeks, with 2 surgeries. The portable player came in very handy while in the pre-op room!

Of course he had his favorite bear and blanket too.

I will say a prayer for your daughter.

When my son was in for 7 days the thing he used the most was his portable DVD player so he could watch Cars and Monster's Inc over, and over, and over. Don't worry about the other kids, they will be fine with Daddy, just focus all your energy into helping your sick on get well. Bring books so you can read to your child, and since he/she will be sleeping a lot of the time (if not most of it) be sure to find a good book or some magazines for yourself, and some comfy cloths. I hope all goes well, you are in my prayers.

Blesses Be

will you be at Cook's in Ft. Worth or Childrens in Dallas ? I know Cooks has a great child life department. You can call them and ask them what their suggestions are. They also have TV's in the rooms. I think they either have the DVD players in their or you can request one. If you child is into video games (may be too young) you can request a video game player also. If she feels up to it and her doctor / nurse is ok with it, they also have play rooms for the kids. I would think Childrens has similar items. I just know about Cooks. Hope your daughter feels better soon !

I definately agree with all the suggestions listed, my only addition would be to go to the craft store and have daddy and the kids at home work on a special something together for when you and her come home. Kids, and adults worry and often need something to do that feels productive towards what they are worried about.
Ideas:
1. wall mural
2. mobile for over the bed/crib
3. giant card
4. new stuffed toy that grandma can help with
5. paper flowers that they can "send" to the hospital so there are not allergy issues
You will find the strength you need and pass it along to all of your family of this I am sure, remember people like to do things with thier hands when they dont know what else to do.