MY three year old just had his adenoids and tonsils out this past November. I also have anotyher son that had his out when he was three. I am surprised that they are sending you home. My ear, nose and throat specialist kept both my boys over night to observe them. I guess every doctor is different. The morning of the surgery is pretty easy - getting ready - they usually schedule the little guys first or close to first. SO they are up early - I was always concerned we would have to have the big fight about wanting a drink or something to eat the morning or surgery. But neither even asked - because we were up so early. The hardest part is waking up from the surgery. Ask to be taken back right away when you child wakes up or to be in the room as they are waking up. Both of my boys woke up crying and inconsolable. They hacked this awful sounding cough that made me cringe - feeling like they would cough out stiches or that it must really hurt. I would definately not be there alone - bring someone like yourself who really loves your son - you can switch off holding and trying to console your son (if he has the same reaction). Just be ready for a terrible time of it when he wakes up - for mine it only lasted about 20 minutes and then they were calm - but it was twenty minutes of trying to pull off the IV, crying and kicking, asking to go home, this awful coughing (a throaty, deep hacking sound), and felt horrible. But remember you child is disoriented and scared. That was the hardest part. At home its ice cream and jello -- not bad - after 2 days though both my sons wanted food - so we tried scrambled eggs and melted cheese, mashed bannanas with whipped cream - anthing soft. Also I would recommend having a humidifier at home in your sons room every night - it eases the discomfort they feel. Finally - whatver pain medicine they give you - give on the prescribed schedule for at least 2 days - don't wait to see if your son needs it. We don't drink or typically use over the counter medication for anything. With my first son we tried to not use the tylenol with codeine the first day and it was awful for him. So we made sure to use it the first two days and then went to an over the counter child's pain medicine. Finally - the surgery is well worth it - both my boys who were sick with ear infections, strep throat, had massive adult like snoring and sleep apnea - no longer have any of those and are rarely if ever sick. Just be ready for twenty minutes or inconsolable crying as he wakes from the surgery - the rest is a breeze compared to that.