RollersInVegas

We made it though our Thursday with flying colors!!! Here's the scoop:
**No swallowing issues, nothing getting into the lungs.
**Dr. Baron is the BEST...and we are changing around his feeds and working on other things to help out with his wretching. We are going to have another upper GI to make sure nothing in his anatomy has changed.
**Nicole, our developmental specialist, came over and gave me tons of exercises to do with Isaac to help with his bobblehead!
**Joe's still in Reno...he flies in tomorrow night.
**Eli has a cold...so, he's confined to upstairs, dimetapp, hand sanitizer, and lots of rest.
**Chris had HOMEWORK...and did it with success (with my help)...but, he finally gets the pre-algebra homework and I almost cried when it finally clicked for him! (He didn't know how smart he was).
**I didn't load the dishwasher tonight...but, it will be there tomorrow!
and I'm headed to bed early...I deserve it...maybe no little ones will try to sneak in!!!
I will try to post pics tomorrow...we don't have any appointments...Babies R Us is calling my name...I may just have to go!!!

I think I can...

I think I can...

Maybe one day I can....

Oh my goodness...I don't know if you're going to get daily updates...it's CRAZY around here. Yesterday we went to see Dr. Mayman. The fluid is gone and we'll be off the prednisone by the weekend. Maybe by next week Isaac will lose some of the puffy face! Today we had an appointment with Dr. Schroeder (ENT)....he was GREAT! Isaac passed his hearing test with flying colors. He has tiny ears and tiny inner ear parts...so, we'll be frequenting the ENT this winter I'm sure. But, for now...he's good. He's still wretching too much and still can't swallow his saliva...so, tomorrow we go see Dr. Baron (GI doc)...we switched from Dr. Rhee...(he was nice...but, too many people recommended Dr. Baron...so, we got lucky with a cancelation!!!)

So...here's my day tomorrow:
6:30--get up!! (remember...i'm not a morning person)
6:45--get Chris up for school
7:30--make sure Chris is clothed, fed, lunch made, and books packed for carpool
7:30--get Eli up and make his breakfast
(and sometime in between...shower myself, get dressed, feed Isaac, change him, and pack up the car because...)
8:15--take Eli to Toni's house (she's taking him to school for me today)
8:30--be at Sunrise Diagnostic for the swallow study
10:40--stay at Sunrise, because we have the Dr. appt with Dr. Baron (GI doc)
11:30--Eli comes home from school (thanks Wendy and MaryAnn for bringing him home)...it's a good thing that Sue's still here, because I don't think I'll make it home before he does
2:20--Pick up Chris and the boys from middle school...and take the boys( and Natalie home)
3:00--Nicole (developmental specialist) comes over

and Joe flies out at some time before the sun rises headed for Reno and will not be back until Friday night....
so, hopefully on Friday...I get to meet the fabulous TERRI..whooo hooo!!! I say we pay for a nurse and nanny and we get massages!!! (I wish!!!)
So, this is how my week has been...so, when you don't see a post .... just know my brain is fried, my feed hurt, and my hands are probably full....but, my boys are home (and sometimes Joe is)...and life is GOOD!!!

isaac with Grandma Sue

Just a close up of Mr. Isaac

I know, I know...where have we been?!?!!? The boys have started school, Joe's been in Chicago, and Isaac has been pressing his nurse button every ten minutes!!! He's doing pretty good overall. Mark (speech therapist) came over yesterday and said that we need to get another swallow study done. Isaac is not drinking from his bottle at all and doesn't even swallow his saliva anymore...we have to suction his mouth every 10 minutes..and if we don't catch it in time, he starts to gag and then wretch. He's eating about 140cc's (a little over 4 ozs) every three hours...but, last night, he had one stretch where he slept for almost 5 hours!!! (It's a miracle!!!) Maybe he's realized that sleep is good and he should try more of it! We see the cardiologist today, so I'll have more to post tonight or in the morning (I'm not trying to give myself more work than I can handle!).

It's a CRAZY weekend...so, you'll have to wait one more day for cutie-pie pics. Isaac's wretching has started up again...poor thing. I'm suctioning his mouth every 15 minutes, I haven't increased his feeds, I haven't increased the rate at which he's fed....nothing has changed...I'm not sure what's causing this. When he tries to poop, that even causes him to wretch....HELP! We see all of our specialists this week....so, I'll see if anyone has any ideas. The boys start school on Monday so we've been SUPER busy getting them together and watching Mr. Isaac....somewhere in there I'm sure we're suppose to sleep...would someone tell Isaac that! Joe has a crazy week coming up also, he's in Chicago, Reno, and then we'll see him Friday night! We have about 7 doctors appointments this week...and the start of homework (which I can't wait to see my kids actually do!). You'd think that with all of this going on...I'd be back in my skinny jeans....NOT A CHANCE....this all causes me to eat more...and It's all I can do not to make my brownie and ice cream snack each night before I go to bed.... poor me.... Joe's mom is still in town, and she's been watching Isaac so that we can spend some time with the boys (and each other...I think we forgot what that was like)... She's going to take the boys to church tomorrow....which will be good because I'll have Isaac and Joe has to fly out at noon. A crazy life is nothing new to us....I was just hoping for a little less crazy week...maybe next week!

We saw Dr. Mayman this morning..and the fluid is ALL GONE!!! We are still on the prednisone and tapering it every three days....I can already tell a change in his attitude!!! Then, this afternoon, we saw the pediatrician. I've told you before, he's scared of us. And since we'd seen him last, we have had the g-tube surgery and the heart surgery. (we were just told to see him to give him all of our reports and to just check in with him.) What could he do for us...really?? He did give me another prescription for some bum cream (just to make sure we have that area covered!) I'm surprised that he didn't make me see a dermatologist for the bum cream (ha ha ha)! Isaac weighed in today at 13lbs 4ozs and 24 inches long! He looks SO big, but they said he's only in the 10th percentile for his weight!!! (i'll keep pumping food in that g-tube!) I fed Isaac some sweet potatoes today...and he took about 2 tablespoons full (i mean...we played with it for about 45 minutes...but, it was FUN!) He's snoozing now in his cradle while his dinner is getting pumped in his belly.....life is GOOD!

Here's a video of Isaac trying the potatoes out...it's slow going...but, it did get better!

Isaac had another good day. We have nothing new to report...just a fat, happy baby!!! Eli and Chris are home....our world is GREAT!!! We do see the cardiologist and the pediatrician tomorrow...so, I'll have doctor updates to give tomorrow night. If I haven't told everyone....we LOVE all of you and wouldn't be able to get through all of this without the support of our friends and family.

***Due to popular demand....here are pictures of one of the cutest kids around!***


I need more room to stretch!


Do I want my hand or the pacifier?? Decisions...decisions...


What??


Don't tell Mark (speech therapist)....but, here's a taste of sweet potatoes!!! YUMMY!

I didn't post yesterday because Isaac was keeping me hopping!!! He's doing really well. We start tapering him off the predisone today (yippie...i think that's a source of his grumpy pants!). I talked to Mark today (our friend and speech therapist) and we talked about trying Isaac with his bottle again...well Mark....I tried....and my Isaac is TOO clever for that. He knows that he can refuse the bottle and I'll just put it in his tube...he actually watches for it now!!! (He's such the little stinker!) Boy, do you have your work cut out for you!!! We can't hold Isaac under his arms for 6 weeks...and I have to make such a conscience effort not to do so. The "under the bum scoop" looks a little silly sometimes...but, those are the rules!!! Isaac is now feeding 4 ozs every 3 hours!!! That makes it bearable at night...only waking up every 3 hours to start the pump rather than every 2 hours! I know you're all wondering...but, his bum is getting better...it's still a little on the pink side...but, he doesn't scream the minute he poops now (just after 3 mins now)! He has been searching for his thumb...I try to help him out...he'll get it! (then I can stop putting that pacifier in his mouth for him!).
I can't remember if I posted, but our friend Holly brought over some tasty soup the other day. And I have washed the bowl...and was going to make you brownies to put back in the bowl and return it to you...but, I can't find a brownie mix...I'll keep looking... But, just know Holly....that I'm thinking about brownies for you (it's the thought...right?>?>?>) . Just joking...because I want some of those brownies too...so, i'll find them...i will!!!
My other angels come home tonight....I'll be in heaven!!! (it's a heaven with no sleep...but, still heavenly!)
I'll stop procrastinating now...there are a MILLION things I need to be doing...and none of which are related to this blog...so adios for now...and I'll update later!

Dr. Mayman was such a SWEETIE to check on us today! and .....the fluid around his heart is almost gone!!! We'll have another check up towards the end of next week...but, Isaac is great!!! (although, a little on the cranky side...but, great!)
Everyone...have a great weekend! I don't expect any crazy happenings over the weekend!

This is how our day went....
Isaac slept.
Pooped.
Cried to tell me he pooped.
Cried when I changed his diaper.
I started his feed.
He slept...
and then pooped again...
It was like Groundhog Day (the movie)....it just kept repeating!!!
We have our echo tomorrow to see how the fluid level is around his heart. If it's the same or higher..then, we'll have to get it drained. If it's decreased...then, we'll just watch it. Holly brought us some DELICIOUS soup tonight (what a treat on a crazy rainy night!) and Janice stopped by to take a peek at Isaac....thanks again for cleaning our crazy house!!!
Joe went back to work today...I can't belive he made it....Isaac was a bit vocal last night!
We're SLOWLY getting into a routine..ok, well not really...but, it's GREAT to be home and thinking about getting into a routine! I'm counting the days until the boys come home!! I'll post tomorrow once we get back from the cardiologist!

Well, once again I didn't take any pictures. (Slackermom day!) We got in late last night....and Isaac slept SO good. He woke up about every three hours for feedings (I didn't set my clock to feed him every 2 hours...I let him wake me up....that's mean huh??) We met with Dr. Mayman today. Isaac does indeed still have fluid around his heart. We have him on prednisone now (hoping that will help clear it up.) We will meet with Dr. Mayman again on Saturday for another echo....if the fluid is still there...then we have to go to the HOSPITAL and get it drained! Yes...you heard correctly...back to the stinking hospital! I hope the steroids work! He's sleeping right now in his cradle. He's had a couple of cranky episodes today....but, it's when he wants his diaper changed...and he wants it at that very moment.
Joe was SO sweet today...he told me that he'd babysit so that I could get a hair cut. Now....he's not offering out of the goodness of his heart...he thinks my hair has gotten OUT OF CONTROL.!! And, well, it has. I had it cut a few weeks before Isaac was born and haven't had a chance since. So, five months later...it looks like it's grown a foot...I look like I'm trying to hitch a ride to the Woodstock festival with my free-flowing-el-natural look! Well...maybe the hospitals will get a beauty salon put in...that would be nice...and a day spa for massages when it gets stressful (I think i'll put that in the comment box!).

Oh my GOSH!!! We are home...in Vegas....in a CLEAN house!!! Janice...I don't know how you did it...but, you are a miracle worker...she cleaned my ENTIRE house...something that I haven't done (all at the same time) since we moved in!!! Joe was in shock when he walked in the door!!! Thank you, thank you thank you!!! After the long drive here (it took us 11 hours...stinky traffic)...it almost made me cry to see such a wonderful treat when we came in! We LOVE you Janice and Natalie!!! (I'll call you guys tomorrow...I just hope it was you two that saw my unsightly mess and not the whole ward!)

Isaac was up all night screaming. Not just crying, but screaming at the top of his lungs. I think it's his bum. All the meds he was on in the hospital made him poop a couple of times each hour...and his bum is SO red...my poor baby doll. But, now because of his sore bum, he likes to sleep on his side...and my little guy is sleeping in his crib FOR THE FIRST TIME!!! We have an appointment in the morning with Dr. Mayman (our cardiologist here). Isaac has some fluid built up around his heart already, so they just give him steroids or if that doesn't work..they drain it (yikes!!). It feels so good to be home! The boys fly in Monday or Tuesday night (i should check)...it's going to be a great week!!! (what's left of it!)

Now...if I can only get my sweet Joe to run to the store and get me some milk...i'll sleep just fine!

We're out of the hospital...he's snoozing in his swing as we speak!!! He's still cranky...but, much happier! We decided to get a good night sleep before trying to head out on our voyage home! I know, I know....there aren't any pics yet....too much to do.. Trust me....he's still a cutie pie.

I don't have much time to update this morning...because.....WE'RE GETTING DISCHARGED TODAY!!!
I will post pics and full details later!!!

fyi...
We have a good day nurse...and she checked Isaac's IV and it's still good !!! Gray skies are going to clear up!! (I'll just keep singing that in my head...) Isaac is currently surrounded by his stuffed animals (he really hugs them while he sleeps)...and he's snoozing!!! (this is a time when I LOVE the g-tube) He's still taking 85cc's every 2 hours!! I'll keep plumping him up (I shouldn't be the only one here gaining weight!!!)

Overall, Isaac was a cranky bug all day. We had dumb and dumber for nurses today....they were nice...but. If you can't tell by my opening statement, my stress level with this place is about as high as Joe's is. We're just tired of sharing rooms with all these screaming babies (ours is enough) and nurses that need constant reminding what to do (they do their job good...I think that they are use to us being SO helpful...that they decide they're not going to do anything. I can't remember the last one of them changed a diaper or started his feeding pump).

Ok...I'm finished.

Now...Isaac was cranky today ( for me to mention this twice...that's how bad he was). He had a few wretching episodes, but nothing as bad as yesterday. His meds were decreased somewhat. He's off of oxygen and his sats are doing well...staying in the mid 80s. It took three teams of lab workers to finally draw Isaac's blood today...(I will not go on about them!), but, they were all in line and no problems. Our (dumb) night nurse almost pulled Isaac's IV out tonight (Joe was standing beside her to see it all)...now there's blood all around the site. (She just "accidentally" pulled out the other babies iv). If they try to flush that IV and it doesn't work...I'm going to through one big fit and maybe they'll just go ahead and kick us out. Joe stayed tonight until 1:00am (he's going to work in an office in town tomorrow)...and this baby across from us has cried for 2 hours straight....it looks like a night with no sleep in sight!!! (not to mention the only sink in this room in in our area...) Didn't mean to get off of the subject of Isaac...I just hope my little guy reads these posts when he's older, realizes how much we love him, how much we did for him....and that he WILL push us in our wheelchairs when we are older and take care of us.

My shift ending CRAZY yesterday...that's why there was no evening post (sorry). Isaac was still having alot of wretching episodes...but, with the knowledge that meds would be decreased...there was hope that each day would get better. I was holding Isaac about 6:00pm and he started to get fussy (because he knew it was time to eat again)...so, I stood up, and laid him on the bed...then I heard this GOOOSH sound...I looked down...and eveything in his belly was gooshing on the bed...HIS MICKEY BUTTON HAD FALLEN OUT!!! Now, we don't bother our nurses. We're in the IICU (intermediate icu), so, we're in a room with 3 other kiddos. I yelled out, "JO Ann!!! I need your help!"...and she ran over (because, they never have to worry about us...she thought something awful must have happened!). She looked at his belly, and by now I had it covered with blankets to stop the gooshing. She said, no problem, we'll just pop it back in. Then, she brings out a binder. I asked her what in the world was she doing reading right now...and she said that she had never put one in and she was reading how to do it!!! I told her she better call for backup if she didn't know what she was doing! Backup soon arrived...and the button was back in! The entire time, Isaac was just looking around and wondering what all the fuss was about! I paid attention, so I know how to put it back in if this happens again.
After all that.....we hooked Isaac up to the "Ferrell bag" for feeds...it's suppose to help them relieve gas while they are eating...and since we hooked it up last night...there have been no wretching episodes. Now, we also started giving him his meds a little bit at a time and spacing them at least 15 mins apart...whatever makes this baby happy! Joe took some pictures last night, so I'll get those uploaded today. Isaac weighed in at a whopping 13lbs this morning!!! I think it's going to be a GREAT day!

Isaac had a stinky night. He's wretching alot and very irritable. I think it's all the meds he's taking in the g-tube now vs. the iv. Joe told me that he was a little (yeah right) short with the nurses and docs last night....and nothing had been resolved. So, when I came in this morning...and sent him to rest (for everyone's sake)...I was able to talk to the nurse practioner and get a new plan of action for Mr. Isaac. I think his little tummy is so upset because of the meds...so, when the docs round this morning, we are going to ask for them to be a little more aggressive about taking him off a few that cause tummy problems. I"ve got orders for zofram for his nausea and orders to let me play with the amount and rate at which he is fed. I'll post tonight and let you know how our day works out.

Can you hear me?? What?? Oh...you can't hear me because we've moved to higher ground!!! We're on the 3rd floor now!!! (We're in the intermediate ICU room...but, we're on higher ground...and here at Stanford...that means we're doing good!!! It's been a busy morning for our little guy. They pulled out his chest tube (ouch!), pulled out his artery line (another ouch!), and changed our rooms! His feeds have been increased to 75cc's every 2 hours (before we came, he was on 90cc's...so, we're almost back to normal!). Isaac is on room air oxygen, but just at a 2 liter rate...to push air in his lungs. His upper lobe is still partially collapsed, but, xrays show that it's improving everyday. Our little man has been smiling ALL day!!! It's so nice to see a smiling face! He's had a bit of an upset tummy today..so, maybe that will settle over night (I think it's just all the meds he's taking). They have set our discharge tenatively for Tuesday at 1pm....my fingers are crossed that nothing happens between now and then...and we're home by Wednesday!!!
I talked to Christopher today...that boy talks more than a girl...and Eli sang the Cuppy Cake song to me...he told me that he's going to be famous now because EVERYONE was watching his youtube video!!! (I can't wait to snuggle the guys...)
Enjoy the show! We couldn't be happier today (well, Joe could be...he's getting a little sick...but, he's resting now)..but, he's still happy!

What a SLACKERMOM I was today....
I have no pictures to share...sorry. And he does look so funny with both sides of his head shaven! I will get some pics tomorrow..Joe and I are taking shorter shifts...so, maybe won't both look like zombies walking around! No changes...he is down to one iv (in his head), the arterial line is still in, the chest tube in still in, and he's still on 2 liters of oxygen (at 30%). Dr. Emily said if his chest xrays look better tomorrow...we can move up to 3 west!!! WHOO HOO!@!!!!! (that's the last step before discharge!) I hope we have sweetie pie Michelle again tonight!!! Check back tomorrow for funny pics...he looks like he has a mohawk with that curl still on top of his head!!! and make sure you look at Eli's blog...he's singing Terri's Cuppy Cake song!!!

Thursday morning update: Isaac had a good night. His nurse today...she's ok...that's about it! They pulled his RA line out (the one in his heart) this morning...no bleeding! They have increased his feeds to 60cc's every 2 hours! He blew the iv in his foot and hand..so, after FIVE attempts, boths sides of his head shaven...he now has an iv that will hopefully last until we get out of here! I know..I know...I'll take a lot of pictures today! He's doing great...they are still working on the lung...it's not as puffy as it should be...but, he's got a good respiratory therapist today!

I know this picture is a little blurry...but, can you see him looking at the animal attached to his pacifier with his eyes crossed...it just cracks me up!!

My shift is over...HOORAY!!! Joe and I had a quick bite to eat..and he's on. Our nurse tonight is Michelle...she is the sister of a guy that works with Joe in Vegas..How crazy is that?? (So, I'm sure that Joe is giving her a hard way to go!). Isaac had a wonderful day! Only a few desat episodes...but, he got his new blood today...so, that should perk him right up! When he's awake, he is so alert and happy...although, he would not give me a smile, he did watch the tv, look at his toys, and look at the books when I would read to him. Who would have thought that only 5 days after heart surgery...he'd be so content...and he's only on motrin (the big guns as needed!). I'm so pleased with the care he's be given...that will make his next surgery easier to prepare for! They increased his feeds to 25cc's per hour (almost an ounce!!) and have hopes of taking out his rv line (that's attached to his heart) tomorrow...and then, his drainage tube.....and then...it's up to 3west..where the exit door is in site!!! They're working pretty aggressively on his lungs to get them in shape before any of that gunk has a chance to make him sick...so, unless there are any unforeseen problems (which I know exist out there)...I'm hoping for a late weekend discharge!!! Wouldn't that be DANDY! And then...I'll get to see my buttercup boys soon!!! I"m sure they've grown a foot! (just to make me look that much shorter!).

Here's your Wednesday morning update:
**Joe made it through the night!!!
**Isaac's right upper lung collapsed again...but, not to worry, they're bring in some type of puffer machine that will puff big breaths in his lungs to help expand them.
**His blood levels were a little low (duh....they draw blood every 2 hours)...so, he'll get a new bag today!
**He's almost back to his grumpy old self...he gives the nurses his evil eye when they come around...and he was trying to talk to one cute blond this morning! It was SO cute...his voice is hoarse from the ventilator...but, she came over and was talking in a sweet, soft voice to him...and it sounded like he was trying to talk right back and tell her answers to the questions that she was asking (the things we have to look forward to if he's flirting already!).
His feeds were started up again last night..and were just increased to 20cc's per hour...he'll appreciate that! The line in his heart gets removed tomorrow..and then, maybe his chest tube...and THEN I can hold him!!! (That can't happen too fast!)
Overall, he's really doing good. No fevers, no crazy screaming, Joe and I are still talking to each other...I mean,really....it's going a lot smoother than I could have ever imagined! Thanks for checking on us!

Here are the pictures that I promised! Isaac is doing GREAT! He has his moments where he likes to show everyone how blue he can turn...but, he's resting most of the time! (I hope that's how the night goes!)

Isaac is off the vent! They tried a couple of times today..turning it off, to see if he would breathe on his own...and nothing! Finally, about 3:00, Lise was changing his diaper and he got mad and started breathing on his own!!! He was pretty mad for about 30 minutes...so, they said they'd give him tylenol to settle him down...but, it's tylenol in the bum....which makes him angrier! But, our little man is fast asleep now. So, in 5 more hours, I can feed him and maybe I can hold him tomorrow! I will post the pictures later tonight!

It's just another manic Monday...ah ah...(isn't that a song??)....well, we made it through another day! Isasac is still on the vent. They're going to try to get him off tomorrow (but, that seems to be the plan everyday!) His sats were good today (only a few desat episodes.). His blood pressure and heart rate stayed pretty low today, but they were pumping him full of lasix....so, that's why (they think). But, thanks to the lasix, he's not a puff ball anymore!!! We had wonderful nurse Annie again today...and tonight we have Jerry. (you'll have to tell me if you remember her Terri). Joe's on night duty once again! We received goodies from Christy and Mandy...Joe actually carried most of them to the hospital tonight to share with the nurses (I don't need any help gaining weight here...it's all I can do to cope with the stress...I need a treadmill beside Isaac's bed!). Grandma Judy sent more toys for Isaac.....so, Joe took them and the dino that Mandy sent .... It looks like Christmas in August at Isaac's bedside! Joe did successfully burn up one baby tad...but, he also successfully installed the mp3 player and speakers on the second one that he had to buy! Isaac can now hear classical music 24 hours a day thanks to his wonderful dad!!! I was mistaken yesterday about how much milk Isaac is taking...it's only 5cc's per hour...that's like one teaspoon. (i bet he's starving!). So, today it was increased to 10cc's. He really had a good day...I hope and pray that he has an easy night! Thanks for all the goodies and thinking about us! We're trying to get out as fast as we can...we miss the hustle and bustle of Vegas...it's too quiet here!!!

OK..my day shift is over! Joe is in charge of the night nurse! We had Annie today and she was GREAT! (Terri can vouch for her). We started Isaac on breastmilk today. He gets 15cc's (1/2 oz) every hour through his g-tube. He's a little puffy today (ok...really puffy), so they put him on drip lasix to get the fluid out of him (his little eye lids are even puffy). While they were changing his dressing today, Joe grabbed some pictures. The incision looks so good. It's already healing nicely...there's no drainage...and the line is sooo straight! The tube you see on his right is draining the extra fluid from around his heart. He's still sedated. They are going to possibly try to get him off the vent tomorrow...but, he's still de-sating in the 50-60s every couple of hours...and they don't want to take him off until he maintains his sat level. They're not sure exactly what that's from yet...it could be the vent, it could be the heart still, or it could be his lungs...they are having to suction him pretty often now, he's building up secretions...but, they're on top of it!
Whoo....that's enough for one day... It sounds like a lot,...but, we had a really good day. All of these things are "normal" things this soon after surgery. I'm ready to take my butterball and bust out of that place though!
I wish Joe would post again. But, let me tell you what he has planned for tonight. He bought a small, inexpensive mp3 player and a small pillow speaker. He's going to download classical music onto the player, connect the pillow speaker to the player, and sew them inside the frog that mom sent. This will be Isaac's new music machine...so that he hears music non-stop. Now...Joe also brought in a sodering gun and wires...(yes, he brought this to the hospital)...he wants to take apart Baby Tad (another frog that plays music already) and tap into it's speakers and hardwire the mp3 player to it to see if it will play through it's speakers. (Can you tell that he's bored out of his mind at night!) We also bought a little pokemon stuffed animal and he's going to attach another pacifier to it. I'll take pictures of each project as he finishes it....he's so very creative! All I have to do is issue the challenge....and his brain can't stop thinking about it until he comes up with a solution....I love it!

Here's your noon update: Nothing much has changed. He's still having a few desat spells...but, nothing a little morphine and valium can't fix! Here are a few pictures that Joe took last night after they gave Isaac a bath.

Cell phone update--Joe had the night shift again. Isaac had a pretty good night...he still has his moments where he tries to show off and make all the alarms go off...but, he's doing good and sleeping. The docs haven't rounded yet...so, I don't know what the plan for today will be. I will post later today with pics.

OH...I didn't get any more pictures tonight. It was a LONG day. His bp finally came up...then they decide to take him off of his valium. I told them that he would wake up mad...and I was right. So, he's on another drug to keep him slightly sedated...but, they do want him to start waking up. They decided to keep him on the vent today and through the night and try to get him off of it tomorrow. Isaac looks so pitiful just laying there...but, when I look at the others around...he's doing AWESOME~! Thanks for all your well wishes. I never thought about how sad it can be just sitting around the hospital (with all those sick people)....I don't know why I never thought about it...but, I never did. Anyway...it makes my day to read such upbeat comments each night...thanks for taking the time to follow us and send your love! We love you all!

Joe stayed up with Isaac all night..and I came in at 6am..we had breakfast together...and he's headed back to RMH to get some sleep. Isaac has had a pretty good morning. His blood pressure has been a little low..so, they're keeping their eyes on it. And his right lung collapsed yesterday..but, don't worry...it's the same lung that collapsed after his first cath (must be a wimpy lung)...he's getting lung percussion therapy already! He's still very sedated...they are going to try to get him off the ventilator today and start waking him up (boy...they don't know what they're in for!) I'll post again tonight.

We FINALLY got a chance to see Isaac...he looks good. He's going to be sedated all night...so, no worries about him waking up and fighting with everyone. The nurse tonight is GREAT and she's still trying to settle him in. We'll update you again tomorrow!

HE'S OUT!!! We just talked with Dr. Hanley and he said the sugery went great! He said that he didn't lose alot of blood, he didn't have to be put on the lung bypass machine, and his sats should improve within a few days. He's getting settled in ICU now..so, as soon as we see him...I'll snap some pictures and post them. I'm SO glad that there were no complications...and that we get to share this experience with all of you!

Here are the pictures that we took before Isaac went back! Now...we just wait! They're hoping to be finished by 6:00...we'll see! We did get to talk to Dr. Hanley...and he made all of my worries fade. He was SO nice and explained this procedure and the next...we're in GREAT hands!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Isaac went back for surgery at 3pm. I will post once he's settled in ICU. Thanks for keeping up with us!

1:00pm update***
We just talked with one of Dr. Hanley's nurses...and he said that the OR is ready, Dr. Hanley is ready...but, there are no available beds in the CVICU!!! So...unless they can move some babies around...we will not be able to have our surgery today. We're still at the hospital waiting! I'll post again once I know if we're getting in or if we're headed back to the RMH.

We knew that you had the POWER Dr. Mayman!!! They just called and told us to be at the hosptital at 11am!!!!
Fingers crossed, prayers said, blessings given....and behind the ears are clean!!! We're ready!!!
I'll take the laptop and camera and post once he's taken back!! (I'm not sure what time they're trying to start the surgery...but, being at the hospital itself is a great first step!)

Still no news!!! So...I took the pictures that we took yesterday and made a little show for you! I'll post tomorrow as soon as we hear from Dr. Hanley's office.

In the meantime...enjoy the show!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

No word from Dr. Hanley's office yet...but, our great Dr. Mayman is on the case! WE lOVE YOU DR. MAYMAN!!!

***5:00 UPDATE**

Guess what....we went to the hospital at 1:00 like good little patients (Joe gave Isaac the sweetest blessing before leaving)...and we waited. At about 2:00...they came out and offered Isaac some pedialite (which I knew wasn't good news). They came back at 4:00 and said that he was finishing up his first surgery that went long...but, now there was a critical case in ICU that needed to be reopened and that our case would be BUMPED! We knew it was a possibility...and although Joe is more frazzled now than ever....I get another day to rock my butterball (so...no complaints from me!). They will look at their schedule and give us a call tomorrow and try again. I just hope that all of this doesn't mean more lab work ups...Isaac just hates that! Joe is going to work in a local office tomorrow (which is always good for our marriage that he gets out of the house...) and Isaac and I will keep chillin' at the RMH and wait for a call! Thanks for checking on us...I wish I was writing a post like "they opened him up and found he had miraculously been healed!"....but...as promised, my laptop and camera was packed. I'll upload the pics later tonight...I wanted to get this update out asap!