Friday, March 13, 2009

Another Great Night

Jeramie and I are at the hospital waiting for the doctors to finish up their rounds so we can go back and see our little fighter. We actually went to our hotel around 10:30 last night (I pretty much had to be read the Riot Act to get me away from Ethan's bed) and were able to sleep until about 5:00 this morning. I'm finding that the nights are definitely the hardest. I know I need to leave, but it's so hard to walk away. Those are the times we miss him the most and the major tears begin to flow.

However, all of you worried moms out there will be happy to know that I've been pumping every 3 hours or so, even throughout last night! Each time I woke up to pump, we called the PCICU (Pediatric Cardiac ICU) and spoke with Ethan's nurse. Let me just go ahead and throw out a huge shout-out to these nurses; I can't even begin to fathom doing what they do, but they do it with such ease and grace.

Around 2:00 this morning Ethan had been given a little bit of sleep medication. He had been off of it earlier in the night, but as he started to wake up he got a little agitated and we definitely don't want that right now. The nurse also told us that his urine output had started to increase, meaning the Lasix are working to pull some of that fluid out, and his kidneys are starting to "wake up" and empty the fluid from his body. This is a HUGE step forward for him right now!!

Around 5:00 I called and his nurse reported that he had been peeing even more, and they were able to decrease his epinephrine levels. They had been decreasing throughout the day as Ethan showed he was able to stabilize his blood pressures, and he's now on a super low dose! He's also on 35% oxygen, down from 60% earlier yesterday. The room air O2 levels that you and I breathe are 21%, so he's getting there!

We continue to be amazed by what his tiny body is doing. We know your prayers and working; we feel them and hear them loud and clear! Today you can specifically pray that his urine output would continue to increase; the doctors would like for those levels to get to a certain point before they'll close up his chest. Also pray that his pressures will remain stable, even as he begins to wake up and becomes pretty ticked off about his situation :)

My plan is to update every morning during rounds. For now, it's 9:30 and our son is waiting. Time to go tell him good morning....

12 comments:

traci said...

Good Job on getting some sleep last night. Matt and I are praying for you guys. I will be out there today to visit and offer some hugs.

Baby Steps said...

Such good news! I'm also glad to hear that you are taking care of YOU! Ethan needs for you to stay strong and healthy for him. I will continue to pray that God holds His healing hands on Ethan's little body. ~Marcia Hefner

Stephanie said...

Joyous!!!! I haven't called you yet because I didn't want to interupt anything way more important. Chris and I have been thinking and praying about your new family. I'm very excited to read your blog today because it sounds like he's doing better. Praise God! We love you and Jeramie very much and can't wait to see you next week (we're bringing you supper...sorry in advance that my cooking sucks).
~Steph

Littlefoot Estrada said...

Proud of you Joye and Jeramie for prying yourself away and resting. I am thrilled to hear the great news that keeps coming your way! Love ya lots! Hugs, smiles, and continued prayers!

3 Peas in a Pod said...

Awesome news!! Anna and I are thinking about you and Ethan. May God place his hands over your entire family and comfort you. ~ Joshua Green

Anonymous said...

hey Joye and Jeramie,
this is vicki paxton from roanoke, virginia....just wanted you to know that you've got a bunch of 'Lutherans' praying for you too!!
your son is beautiful, and your blog is an inspiration to all of us.
i know you will look back on all of this time as a walk on holy ground.

love from the paxtons- vicki and david

Chris said...

Keep us updated. I've been following your tweets. What a wild ride. I've been thinking about you guys a lot the last few days. Time for some healing.
Chris

Anonymous said...

It was wonderful seeing you both! You guys look great and I so appreciated seeing the pictures and hearing your stories. Thank you for the invitation to visit and thank you so much for the updates. You are both wonderful, loving, and amazing parents. Love, The Pratts :)

Unknown said...

Glad to hear that Ethan is such a tough little guy and such a fighter. You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Rebecca said...

we love you guys and we're praying for you! let us know if there is anything we can do for you! so glad to hear that ethan is such a fighter!
rebecca and joel

Janet Fuller said...

We continue to pray for Ethan that he will heal and his strength will increase; also for his oxygen intake and urine output. You and Jeramie are also in our prayers that you will get some rest, especially for you Joye as your body has been through a lot and it will take time for it to strengthen also. We have so enjoyed being able to get the updates straight from you guys through the posts. I have looked at flickr so many times already and my nephew is such a precious gift. Hugs to all three of you. ~Auntie Jan

Unknown said...

Hello there Jeramie, Joye and my sweet new baby nephew, Ethan. My heart is so full from looking at the pictures of this precious little baby that I barely know what to say. We have been reading all of the the messages, and notes as well, and our hearts have truly been touched. Our God is a great God and He has blessed you with amazing love, strength and comfort. And yes, He knew way back that you would receive this beloved child to your hearts and especially prepared you for this.
We pray for little Ethan's health, as well as the continued healing of your hearts. God bless all of your family, and we love you so, so very much. All my love, Aunt Cathy

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