Recovery Update & Thank You

The past few days have been all about Joey's recovery from surgery, and he is progressing nicely. Eric and I have been spending as much time in the hospital as we can with Joey.  We've been switching shifts because we still have Jonathan at home too.  It's been exhausting to say the least, but nothing in comparison to what Joey is going through.   He's been opening his eyes this week and following the voices of Eric and I, and we're very happy to see him up and alert.  

Joey got his chest closed this morning.   He is still hooked up to a lot of tubing, but that should gradually come off over the next few days.   They will begin feeding him my breast milk tomorrow. This is a very important step for Heterotaxy babies.  With the abdominal organs being on opposite sides, doctors want to look for any malrotation of the intestines, and any intestinal blockages.   There hasn't been any evidence for this being the case, but doctors will be monitoring closely during the initial feeding.   In a turn of events, poopy diapers are welcome and a GOOD thing!

They are planning to extubate Joey by mid week, and I've never looked more forward to hearing a baby cry.   This will mean that he will be breathing on his own, and more importantly, I GET TO HOLD HIM!  Minus the few minutes before surgery, I haven't been able to hold my little baby.  I can't wait to hold my little guy.  He's been such a little fighter through the whole process, he deserves lots of Mommy and Daddy hugs.   We're already so proud of him.

Switching gears, over the weekend, it was brought to my attention that a couple of Eric's friends from Michigan, David Anderson and Chris Pope, started a GoFundMe page for Eric and I. ( Link to site )  I instantly was brought to tears with the overwhelming generosity and support from our friends.  Eric and I haven't been very forthcoming with our story till it was almost time to go through with this.   The instant concern, support, and love that has come aboard, is extremely appreciated, and I can't even put into words the love that our family feels.   We have the greatest network of friends that anyone can ask for, and love all of you very much.   Eric and I were going to fight through most of this on our own, and it means the world to us that so many people care, and so many people are praying for us.

We will continue to updated you with progress as things happen.  We're hoping for a great week ahead, but we know everything is still one-day-at-a-time.  For now, Joey's going to watch the Lions beat the Patriots.  GO LIONS!!!