We're Home!

Praise the Lord! After 13 days, we are finally back home with our sweet boys! Everett had his checkup Wednesday morning and he passed every test with flying colors.  His chest X-Ray was clear of fluid and his heart is back to normal size already.  We knew that Everett had heart failure from the VSD but we didn't know that his heart had already become enlarged from working so hard.  It was amazing to see the difference on his X-Ray before surgery compared to after surgery.  In just 10 days his heart had returned to normal size.  Isn't God amazing? He designed our bodies with the most incredible healing capabilities.  Everett's blood work and echo were excellent.  He got his stitches removed.  Everett gained an impressive 6 oz since discharge and the doctor was thrilled.  He will have a checkup with his pediatrician and cardiologist in Edmond next week.  Please pray for him to eat well and to continue to gain weight.  He has 3 lbs to go to catch up to Eli! We are so thankful to be home and to be reunited with Elijah.  Thank you for sharing in this journey with us.  We are truly blessed.

Blake&Caroline

 

Happy Easter

This entry is a day late but full of good news! Everett's chest X-Ray was clear Sunday morning and he ate well through Saturday night. His cardiologist was pleased and gave us the order to be discharged. We are staying in Dallas until our follow up appointment on Wednesday morning. The doctor wants to make sure he is gaining weight and that there are no surgical complications before we get the green light to go back to OK. We are thrilled to have Everett out of the hospital but it feels strange that we still can't take him home. Please continue to pray for his healing. He is doing better overall with pain, but still has a rough time in the evening hours. Please also pray that he will eat better every day and that he will gain weight. Everett had problems with reflux prior to surgery and tonight it seems to be causing him problems again during feedings. Eli has been battling reflux as well as a rash and upset tummy. Prayers for both boys to be healed from digestive problems are appreciated.

It is hard to believe that one week ago today our son had open heart surgery. When I think back on all the fear and dread that we experienced in the days leading up to surgery and during the 4+ hours he was in surgery, I am overcome by God's grace that upheld us. He sent so many people to bless and encourage us during that time. He orchestrated every detail so that Everett could get the best possible care. We were treated so well at Children's Medical Center that I actually miss his nurses and doctors since we left.

Through the past 11 days, we have seen a lot of families in similar circumstances. It is easy to think, "Why is this happening to my baby?" But, I am humbled by the parents I have met whose children won't leave the hospital for months or who have already endured multiple surgeries. I am so thankful that God created and then gifted a surgeon who could operate on the hearts of tiny infants. He created teams of caring nurses and doctors who walked us through every step of Everett's surgery and recovery process. He gave us his love and comfort through our families who have helped bear the burden of the last 2 weeks. I can't count the number of blessings he has laid before me in just 11 days. This time last week I was so tired I couldn't walk without help. Tonight I saw a mother carrying her toddler who is balding from chemo. She was probably 9 months pregnant. What can I possibly complain about? I am not the only mother who has watched her child suffer. I am not the only mother who is exhausted. God has never let us down. He is always with us, carrying us through all of life's challenges. He is healing my son and it looks like we won't ever have to endure another heart surgery. But even if we do, we know that he will provide just like he always does. Thank you all a thousand times for your prayers. May God bless you abundantly. We will update you after Everett's checkup on Wednesday.

Blake&Caroline

Day 5 Recovery

Everett had a very good day. His cardiologist discontinued the telemetry (heart monitor). We were able to take him on a short walk around the unit. We still don't know when Everett will be cleared for discharge or when we will be able to go home. The doctor wants to make sure he eats well and has gained weight. He will also have another X-Ray tomorrow to check the fluid around his heart and lungs. Please pray for the fluid to be gone completely and for Everett to surpass expectations during his feedings. The goal is for him to take 2oz in under 30 minutes. Just now he ate just under 2.5 oz in 20min. He is doing a great job so far! Please continue to pray for healing and for no complications. We are excited at the possibility of being discharged tomorrow but also nervous to leave the doctors and nurses at the hospital. Thank you again for praying. We hope you have a wonderful Easter celebrating Jesus.

Blake&Caroline

Day 4 Recovery

Everett continues to improve every day. We are witnessing God's healing in our little boy and it is amazing. The doctors are not sure yet when we will be able to leave the hospital. We could be discharged as early as Sunday, or it may not be until Tuesday. Everett's chest X-Ray still shows fluid around the lungs that is from surgical trauma. He is getting Lasix to help get rid of all the extra fluid. Please pray for complete healing and for a good report on his X-Ray tomorrow.

Since Everett is doing such a great job taking his bottle, his cardiologist allowed us to remove the NG tube today! Our little handsome man no longer has any tubes or lines connected to his tiny body. Praise the Lord!

Everett still needs to eat well for the next few days and get over the excess fluid before we can head home. It has been very difficult for us to balance our time with both boys. We miss Elijah so much when we can't be with him. Please pray for us. We want to make sure Everett is ready before we head home, but we are very anxious to be all together again. Please pray for that time to be sooner than later.

Today I am reminded of all that our Savior has done for us. This week especially we can see how blessed we are. My heart is overwhelmed by the gifts he has given to Blake and me in our children. We appreciate your continued prayers. They mean so much to us.

Blake&Caroline

Picture of Everett without his NG tube and Eli just because he's cute :)

Day 3 Recovery

This was a busy day for Everett. His pacemaker wires were removed this morning and his IV was removed this afternoon. He had an echo today to make sure that his heart still looks good since surgery. He is eating pretty well today which is a relief. The best news of today was...Everett graduated from the ICU! He was transferred back to the cardiac floor this afternoon and Eli was able to visit. We aren't sure if they missed each other or not, but it was fun having them together again.
Everett's cardiologist told us that he may be discharged this weekend. We have mixed feelings about leaving the hospital. Today, Everett's nurse had me change out his NG (feeding) tube. I was not excited about this task, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. If Everett still needs the NG after we are discharged, we have to be prepared to put one in at home if he pulls it out. Please pray that Everett will continue to take more by mouth and that he won't need the feeding tube anymore. Pray that his pain will decrease and that his body will heal quickly. Everett has some skin breakdown on his neck and face from the tape and betadine used during surgery. Please pray for it to heal quickly and that it will not become infected. We are amazed by the healing that has already occurred so quickly and we know it is God's grace. Everyone here has grown to love little man and we can't say we blame them. He is a pretty special little guy and we feel honored to be his parents. Thank you for praying.

Blake&Caroline

Picture of Everett after the pacemaker wires were removed and of Everett and Eli together again after leaving the ICU

Day 2 Recovery, Part 2

Chest tubes are out! Thank you for praying. So far there are no complications and the X-Ray was clear. I'm holding Everett now for the first time since surgery and it is wonderful!! They did put in a feeding tube and we are about to start feeding him. Please pray that he tolerates the first feeding without throwing up.

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Day 2 Recovery

Everett had a good night. He only needed morphine once and otherwise, his pain was controlled with Tylenol. One of his doctors came by and turned off the pacemaker! His heart rate is fast enough on its own now. They will probably leave the pacing wires in place until tomorrow just to make sure he is okay without them.

Two nurse practitioners just came in to remove his cardiac lines. In 30 minutes, if he has no bleeding complications, they will remove his chest tubes. Please pray that he will not have any complications from either procedure. We can hold him as soon as the chest tubes come out. I can't wait!!

We still don't know for certain when Everett will get to leave the ICU. He has not been interested in eating so he will probably need a feeding tube again. Please pray that he will eat on his own as soon as possible so that he won't need the feeding tube at home.

Our little man is so strong. God has taken care of him throughout this whole experience. We will continue to update you today on his progress. Blake's grandma's funeral is today. We hate that we can't be there to celebrate her life. She is missed so much already. Please pray for Blake's family today.

Blake&Caroline