Both Brad and I decided to come home from the ICU last night to get some sleep, as we were both really crashing down from the "high" that we had from the stress around the surgery, and found ourselves too exhausted to function. It was so hard to leave our little guy there on his own, even though he was still intubated and not awake to see us go, and even though we know he is in excellent hands.
When we left, they were talking about maybe taking his breathing tube out later on in the evening as he was breathing over the machine and his eyes had popped open a few times (mostly when he heard Brad or me), so it seemed that he might be ready. I asked them to call me if they were going to remove it so I could be there.
I am pumping breastmilk for him. We're freezing it at the moment but hopefully he will start receiving some of it through a feeding tube soon. I just got up to pump (at 3 a.m.) and called in to the hospital. His nurse, Jill, said that they weren't able to take out his breathing tube last night. I'm not sure why not, and in fact it doesn't really sound like there was a reason, they just didn't get to it. At any rate, he's doing fine overnight and his latest bloodwork looks great. She said he has been grimacing a bit, which is a hint that he might be having some pain. They've been giving him a little bit of extra pain medication during the night, and it's working well.
The PICU nurses (the P stands for 'pediatric') are fantastic. They are obviously used to soothing worried parents at all hours of the day and night, and Jill was very reassuring tonight. So, I am going to pump some milk and then try to get a little more rest. We will be back at the hospital in the morning and will post another update then.
Keri and I have been keeping you guys in our thoughts. You are doing all that you can and more for your tough little guy (3am breastmilk pumping, absolutely!!). Sounds like he's in amazing hands....get some much deserved rest and do keep us all posted. Go Christopher!!! xxx
Posted by: Shelley Tee | 06/22/2011 at 07:12 AM
Soooo happy to hear he had a good night! Hopefully they'll try taking the breathing tube out today. Get some rest and know that we are thinking of you all! xoxo
Posted by: Patti Dsouza | 06/22/2011 at 07:56 AM
All the best to all of you. Christopher is in our thoughts and prayers. Be strong little guy!
Posted by: Mcsullivan12 | 06/22/2011 at 09:30 AM
Hey Nicki so sorry to hear you guys are going through such a tough time, but that surgery went so well! will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, God is good , He will bring you through this!
Posted by: Teresa Ghent | 06/22/2011 at 09:31 AM
Nikki and Brad, I am sending very positive thoughts toward you and your family. Christopher sounds like a tough kid, which is a great sign. Hang in there and let me know if you need anything.
Posted by: Lindseykmccaffrey | 06/22/2011 at 04:23 PM
I haven't worked with typepad before - a whole new experience - so I hope this comes through. Your mom has been keeping me up to date and I wish you all the luck in the world. He sounds like a very strong little guy! 221 George.
Posted by: Diane Sule | 07/12/2011 at 11:33 AM
I know it is not easy what you've been through. We've been there before with our first son but not as complicated like you have. But I know it will be fine. Great job to the nurses there.
http://www.stmaryspharmacy.org
Posted by: Account Deleted | 08/03/2011 at 09:19 PM