Happy Birthday, Everett! You're 1 week old today, and you have already done so much!
We didn't go see Everett this morning because the nurses believed he needed his rest. He had an uneventful night. No air on his chest this morning, so all seems well. We were told that it would be best to go in after 2p.m. to see him. Poor Dylan hasn't seen him in 2 days now. :(
Mom and I went to see him at 2pm. We scrubbed in and walked down the hallway past all of the other rooms in the NICU. And we almost walked right past Everett's room, and would have if the nurse didn't spot us and call us in. We almost walked by it because he is in an open crib!! :) The room looks totally different. No more heated bassinet. Just a nice big crib! :) And my little guy was awake looking around in it.
The good news continues to pour in! As soon as I walked in, the nurse told me to go ahead and have a seat so I could hold my little guy! I GOT TO HOLD MY SON TODAY!!!
He was a little unsure about the whole situation.
In my mind he's thinking about what happened to him after the last time I held him, and he's going to be ready this time. :)
But, it looks like Everett's days under the knife are done for right now. I spoke with the Dr. today about the results of his echo, and it appears that the PDA has gotten smaller. They have decided to take no action at this time. He just recommends that we have him re-examined around 3 months to make sure that everything has closed up properly.
So, it looks like he gets a little bit of a rest. Around 3 months we'll start poking and prodding him again, but he'll be bigger then and know that surgery isn't all that this world has to offer. :)
On another grand note, it looks like his release is now all up to him. All the doctors are waiting for now is for him to work his way up to taking all 8 feedings orally and take enough for him to thrive. So, on our son's 1 week birthday, I will get to attempt to breastfeed him. We don't have a lot of expectation for this first attempt, but we have to start somewhere. It will take a bit because this isn't as easy as it seems like it should be. For his entire life, Everett has been fed by a feeding tube. Now he has to learn to work for his food. So, we're going to take it slow and try twice a day to get him to feed orally. Once he has that down, we'll start increasing his feedings. This is going to be frustrating and heartbreaking, I just know it. But, it is so miraculous that 1 week out from all of his surgeries, we're just waiting on him! :)
Mom and I were talking about how it takes 6-8 weeks for a piercing to heal and 3 weeks for a tattoo to fully heal. Everett had major surgery 1 week ago, and I think he's recovered more than I have! :)
At this point I truly have to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers. And, I still ask you to keep 'em coming! I am amazed each and every day by Everett's progress, and I think a good deal of his progress is owed to all of the love that has been shown to him.
For those of you that have not had a chance to see him, I apologize that we have had to be so strict on his visitation. But what a testament to this little man that so many people want to show their love to him that we are having to turn people away! I promise, once he is out, you will all get your chance. We just want him to be at the top of his game. All that love can be a lot to take all at once. :)
I will update again this evening. I will be going up to the hospital in about an hour to change his diaper (because I get to do that now!! :) Remind me how excited I am about this in a month or so) and get him ready to feed. Dylan is going to try to get to the hospital by 9pm and we will try to feed Everett orally for the first time.
I will also post pictures of the first time that Dylan gets to hold his son. I'm excited because I got to hold him, but I got to hold him right after he was born, and once more before they transferred him. It didn't seem like enough then, but Dylan has not been able to hold his son even once since he has been born. Tonight will be the first time, ever!! (I'm betting on tears). I'm so happy for him. I'm so happy for all of us!
xoxo
Margot
In my mind he's thinking about what happened to him after the last time I held him, and he's going to be ready this time. :)But, it looks like Everett's days under the knife are done for right now. I spoke with the Dr. today about the results of his echo, and it appears that the PDA has gotten smaller. They have decided to take no action at this time. He just recommends that we have him re-examined around 3 months to make sure that everything has closed up properly. So, it looks like he gets a little bit of a rest. Around 3 months we'll start poking and prodding him again, but he'll be bigger then and know that surgery isn't all that this world has to offer. :)
On another grand note, it looks like his release is now all up to him. All the doctors are waiting for now is for him to work his way up to taking all 8 feedings orally and take enough for him to thrive. So, on our son's 1 week birthday, I will get to attempt to breastfeed him. We don't have a lot of expectation for this first attempt, but we have to start somewhere. It will take a bit because this isn't as easy as it seems like it should be. For his entire life, Everett has been fed by a feeding tube. Now he has to learn to work for his food. So, we're going to take it slow and try twice a day to get him to feed orally. Once he has that down, we'll start increasing his feedings. This is going to be frustrating and heartbreaking, I just know it. But, it is so miraculous that 1 week out from all of his surgeries, we're just waiting on him! :)
Mom and I were talking about how it takes 6-8 weeks for a piercing to heal and 3 weeks for a tattoo to fully heal. Everett had major surgery 1 week ago, and I think he's recovered more than I have! :)
At this point I truly have to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers. And, I still ask you to keep 'em coming! I am amazed each and every day by Everett's progress, and I think a good deal of his progress is owed to all of the love that has been shown to him.
For those of you that have not had a chance to see him, I apologize that we have had to be so strict on his visitation. But what a testament to this little man that so many people want to show their love to him that we are having to turn people away! I promise, once he is out, you will all get your chance. We just want him to be at the top of his game. All that love can be a lot to take all at once. :)
I will update again this evening. I will be going up to the hospital in about an hour to change his diaper (because I get to do that now!! :) Remind me how excited I am about this in a month or so) and get him ready to feed. Dylan is going to try to get to the hospital by 9pm and we will try to feed Everett orally for the first time.
I will also post pictures of the first time that Dylan gets to hold his son. I'm excited because I got to hold him, but I got to hold him right after he was born, and once more before they transferred him. It didn't seem like enough then, but Dylan has not been able to hold his son even once since he has been born. Tonight will be the first time, ever!! (I'm betting on tears). I'm so happy for him. I'm so happy for all of us!
xoxo
Margot
Wow. I'm on the edge of the couch reading this. I cheerin that Everett can be held now. Good job at getting him healthier.
ReplyDelete-jamil
Congrats!! You both look beautiful. Maybe he'll get out of lay-away real soon!
ReplyDelete;)
Love,
Dad
Im so very happy that you get to hold him in your arms. I cant emagine how difficult this past week has been for you and Dylan not being able to hold your precious son. Just a few more days im sure and you will have him home were he belongs. I love you both and look forward to seeing you on Friday.
ReplyDeleteFrances
I am officially in tears....Margot, you are truly an amazing Mom! I cannot imagine how difficult this past week must have been. I know we have not spoken in forever, but I am so excited about the birth of your little boy. Babies are such a blessing, and I have you, Dylan, and Everett in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad to hear about his great progress. Keep posting pictures...he is SO CUTE! Take care.
ReplyDeletePS - Breastfeeding is tough for anyone, and I imagine getting the proper latch will be tough...it's a challenge, be patient, get help, it's ok to be sad when it doesn't work, and keep trying! Let me know if I can support you in any way via email or anything - I would love to keep in touch!
All of our love-
Your favorite neighbor from down the street about a million years ago & new mom (well, I guess not that new since he's 7 months, but it seems just like yesterday) -
Tanya
Boo-Hoo....I cry with happiness in my heart. Everett is a gift from God and he has two remarkable parents. This last week would have sent most new parents over the edge but Margot and Dylan finished each day with nothing but positive thoughts and Everett has thrived. May God continue to bless this family.
ReplyDeleteI love you three!!!
Aunt Katanna