Saturday, March 14, 2009

Due Date


It's crazy to think that Ethan was due today, but he's already been in this world for 6 amazing days. I don't think I can adequately express the pride and joy I have when I talk to someone about him. We've met lots of great families since we've been at Duke and they never fail to stop us in the hallways to ask how he's doing. I grin every time I get to say "He's doing really well". Jeramie told one family last night that if Ethan's story were to be in a newspaper the headline would read "Ethan Mullis Exceeds Expectations", and that's so true. He continues to surprise us and his nurses with his progress. Thank you God for healing and recovery.

Yesterday was a big day for Ethan as Dr. Jaggers was able to close his chest! This greatly reduces his risk for infection (but we're still being super cautious), and it's comforting as a mama to know that he doesn't have this gaping hole in his little body anymore. He handled the procedure like a champ and his swelling hasn't been anything like they thought it would be. Dr. Jaggers was able to remove one of his chest tubes as well; 1 down, 2 to go! The Dr. did say that he thinks Ethan may be on his way to a permanent pacemaker, but they're going to give him 7-10 days to prove them wrong. We believe that Ethan will probably do just that! Last night it was discovered that he has an underlying atrium rate of 80 and his atrium was barely being paced at all!! The ventricle still needs constant pacing, so be praying that things would begin to look up and we can get him off of this thing. As long as Ethan is "pacer-dependent" he can't leave the PCICU (unless they go ahead and put in a permanent one).

Before we left last night the respiratory therapist came in to adjust the ventilator. They are in the process of weaning him off of that, and it had been decreased even more over night. He's also currently down to 28% oxygen, so only 7% more to go until he's breathing room air!!

We've also got PEE! Never in my life have I been so excited about urine. His output is negative, which means he's peeing out more than they're putting in, and that's exactly what we want to see. Over night they were able to cut his Lasix dosage in half! Some of his kidney levels are still a little elevated, but they are expected to go down as his kidneys start doing more of the work on their own. We learned yesterday that doctors often refer to the kidneys in newborns as the "stupid organs" because they take so long to catch-up and start working after a surgery such as Ethan's.

We were told a few different times yesterday that we have a little "miracle baby" on our hands. Looking back on my pregnancy I can see how God was preparing me for Ethan, and everyone is right; he definitely is our little miracle.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

God has such amazing plans for all three of you. I am amazed, but not surprised, at how strong and brave you continue to be every day. Sunset Park raised nothing but FIGHTERS :):) and little Ethan has his moma's tenacity and strong-will. I love you all and continue to pray for everyone's health and well-being. -Stephanie

Lisa Quinn said...

Here I sit crying as I read your update. Not tears of sadness but overwhelming Joy. I am amazed and inspired by your unshakable strength. Ethan could not have better or stronger parents than you and Jeramie. I am praying…

traci said...

Amen Joye! He is amazing. We are continually praying. God is so gracious. Yeah for Pee! Yeah for breath, Yeah for life.

Anonymous said...

YAY! Amazing!

nate and meg said...

Praise God for all that he is doing! Thanks for all the updates you guys-everytime I read them, I start crying (tears of happinness)just realizing how obvious it is that God is in the center of all this! Little Ethan has some pretty amazing parents...we're continuing to pray for you guys! Can't wait to meet this determined little guy!

Love,
The Andersons
Nate, Meg, Grace, and Ella

Amy said...

So glad to hear the wonderful news!

Unknown said...

Yeah! And the miracles keep coming! You've got a great fighter! (He takes after his Mama.) Thinking and praying for you guys.
Love, Anne

Anonymous said...

Joye:
We are praying for you and your family! Ethan is lucky to have such a wonderful mommy! Just wait until your start "inspecting" the poop! Then you know you have stepped into motherhood! You are in our thoughts and prayers! We will have to have an HI playdate when the kids are older at a PLC meeting!

Elizabeth, Chuck & Ella Grey London

Unknown said...

my mom (who is not a part of the internet world) want me to let you know that she was thinking of and praying for you guys frequently, and wanted to send you lots of hugs and kisses. Ethan may accomplish something that Shannon and I have been working on, getting mama to connect to the internet :-) so that she can read your blog and keep updated on his progress.

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