July 26 - Crazy Busy

It seems like an eternity since I've posted. Max had a fantastic day yesterday, despite not gaining any weight for 24 hours. Dr. R2 said that if Max looks as good as he has been, then by Tuesday we'll get a firm date (with the usual caveats) for coming home. It could be as early as Friday, but I won't be using any exclamation points w/r/t announcing discharge dates. So here's my deal: The next time I use exclamation points won't be until AFTER we have him home.

He took 40 MLs by bottle yesterday and actually kept it all down. (Must resist conveying enthusiasm....) Dr. R2 said about the pumped feedings that the devil's in the details for finding the right combination of quantity over time administered. We're getting there, but it's just going to be a slow process. I roped Dr. M into Max' room to get her opinion on NG tube v. G tube and she pretty much agreed with Drs. D and R2. I think it's pretty much a done deal that Max won't have surgery before coming home. Dr. R2's main beef is with post-surgery issues, mainly Max' being intubated and then coming off the vent. His little lungs have been compromised so much that we don't know how much of a setback he'll encounter in returning to independent breathing. Dr. M was very nice about it. She offered encouragement and words of praise for us in being able to handle whatever decision we make.

Max remains off oxygen. (No hitting "shift+1"....) It's great news really. Like Phoo said, we'll still come home with a monitor and tank for the "what if" scenario, and that gives me immeasurable comfort.

Totally off topic but still noteworthy is that Meaghan has been testing me everyday for the last couple of weeks. She's been an envelope-pusher for awhile, but her obstinacy has escalated considerably. A couple of days ago we were sitting on the couch and I told her "not right now" when she wanted to do something. She looked at me, furrowed, and said "no mommy" right before slapping my arm. I told her to apologize and she said, "No mommy. Naughty 'pot." I said, "Meaghan, no hitting. Apologize to mommy or you're going in the naughty spot." She just averted her eyes acting like she didn't hear me. Speak of the devil, she just woke up. Gotta run, but after two minutes in the "naughty 'pot" she apologized while grinning and went on her way. Testing, testing... That's MY daughter.