Spa Time

A favorite part of my day is Eamon's bath time. It is not just a means to an end, it is about the whole process - it is an activity for my little man. We affectionately refer to it as spa time -a relaxing, warm bath followed by a creamy massage and gentle stretching (actually, sounds like what I could use about now!). And, Eamon has my attention, fully, for its duration. The best part, for me, is that all the wires/tubes come off, and he is free! What a treat to have a "wireless" baby, even if it only lasts 10-20 minutes. Some days, we are quick to get the oxygen back on because he needs the help. Today, however, I was slow to reattach Eamon because he looked and sounded so good. When I did, the monitor screamed 100%! Almost, unheard of even when on oxygen. What joy for David and I, Eamon, too, I'm sure. So, the prince was able to sit upon his small throne (my bed, on a boppi, under his activity gym) without any O2 support for 1.5 hours!

We are seeing improvement, and are so thankful. The surgery was to help prevent any aspirations from below; obvious times like a spit-up were a concern, but the micro-aspirations were as real a threat to Eamon's lungs. Those would be the times we couldn't see that any formula had come up and had been mis-swallowed. Theses aspirations cause respiratory distress, which can be severe and life-threatening. Or, can cause ongoing damage to lungs that are otherwise healthy. Seeing progress, already, confirms for us that Eamon needed this surgery.

For now, I will savor the moments of the day when I can walk all around the house without an entourage of wires and equipment following. Until the day, when Eamon will no longer need them - my prayer is that I will see that day here, in the "land of the living"!

Gift List (continued from previous posts):

50. Freely moving about with Eamon in my arms.

51. Progress - however small.

52. Time alone

53. A husband who doesn't succumb to stress, but busily works with a song in his heart, and on his lips, until what's needed is accomplished. What a great example for me!

54. Keurig coffee delivered. Opening the box to find a variety of coffee to try, one cup at a time, from a friend who just wanted to cheer me up. She knows me well, coffee is the way to my heart!

55. For that matter, my Keurig coffee machine. Coffee, any time, no mess to clean up. I love that!

56. Surprise visits from family who love my boy.

57. My niece, Laurie. She has become such a beautiful young woman - full of warmth, love and compassion. Such joy to spend time with her, and her cute boyfriend!

58. Unconditional Love - first, from my heavenly Father. Then, displayed by my husband for me -it is like he is unaware of my many shortcomings. Next, felt for my 3 babies. They are my heart, and love for them exists regardless of what I receive in return.

Thank-You!

Seems so small a gesture, saying the words "Thank-you", when so many have poured out their own life on our behalf. But, we are so thankful for the tangible way you have collectively lifted our burden. His yoke is easy and his burden is light - truth that was partly revealed in the many ways God extended His hand through our family and friends. What peace we rested in while others fasted and prayed; what joy knowing Maeve and Myles were well cared for (and having a ball); what comfort when treats were prepared for us to help pass the time at the hospital; what kindness when nurses and Drs went the extra mile; and what grace when my shortcomings were overlooked. We know God has placed Eamon in the hearts of many, and we look forward to continue the journey with you!

Speaking of the prince, he is doing well. Improving each day, seeming to require less oxygen, a hoped-for-benefit of the surgery . His feeding schedule will take some time to get on track - a work in progress. We are all settling back in, and shifting gear into summer-mode!

Home Sweet Home

Let the rejoicing begin, the prince is home. How sweet it is to have the whole family together once again!

If you look closely, you can see Eamon's monitor - 100% oxygen, it doesn't get any better than that! He is so glad to be home, too! And, sleeping again...let's pray this is the scene at 3 am.

The Countdown

Eamon has been fever-free for more than 24 hours! However, in the meantime he has been sleeping like a bear in hibernation. He fell asleep Sunday around 6 am and slept through this morning (Monday) around 10. The Drs want to be sure he is alert enough before they will release him. The physical therapist just worked with Eamon, and put him right back to sleep! So, we continue to wait - I'm going to try and jolt my boy up with a semi-cool bath - how cruel, I know.

So, if all goes according to (my) plan, we should be able to go home late this afternoon or tonight! Either way, I will let you know.

Rescued!

I did make it home for a bit yesterday evening thanks to the sainted-sister, Colleen! Either she wants to play mom-of-3, or she just completely loves my children and me! Either way, we are thankful!

Eamon had another fever overnight, they have changed his antibiotic to a stronger one. They will reassess his potential departure after 24 hours free from fever. His schedule is confused. He is up most of the late day, evening and night and then sleeps all morning and early afternoon - do I have a teenager, already? He continues to be a brave boy, contented to just be, leading his mom by example.

David did see Eamon, through a mask, for a few minutes this afternoon. Mimi came in for an extended visit while I go home for some time with M & M. Thanks for waiting with us, the best is yet to be!

Feeling Hot, Hot Hot!

Eamon had a fever overnight and this afternoon. They repeated an x-ray, drew some blood, and took a urine sample. The Dr. said it is pneumonia, we will continue the same treatments, and wait (a common theme in my life) for Eamon to work "it" out of his lungs. So, we are not going home today.

Weekends are hard in the hospital. It gets so quiet and obvious that life is happening outside these walls. Weekends are for family and mine is all spread out - so disconcerting for this mama. David is still not feeling well, so he can't visit the baby. Myles had a party - how fun for him to be with all his boy buddies; Maeve had a lunch date with Aunt Colleen and Mr. Dane followed by a movie (Myles went along, too!). And I just wait, hopeful that the next 24 hours will be fever-free. Hopeful, that Eamon's lungs will be less "junkie" sounding. Hopeful, that this surgery will keep Eamon out of the hospital in the future. And hopeful, because those who wait will rise up with wings like eagles and SOAR!

Look How Far We've Come

Monday, after surgery

Today, having fun with Mommy Eamon had a smile-full day! He was just enjoying his toys, a visit from Maeve and Myles, and his Mama. The Dr. does not think Eamon will be able to go home tomorrow - they are in no rush, but we are! Sadly, they are slow to release on the weekend, everything really quiets down. Eamon clearly has something going on in his left lung, and due to his respiratory history is being treated aggressively.