Chapter 4: Max Starts Recovery

>> Friday, August 14, 2009

First of all, I want to say that my son is a freaking stud. No joke. Our little guy had surgery yesterday and it is like it didn't even affect him! Claire and I called twice during the night last night to see how things were going, and how he was doing. The nurses just said "He is doing excellent!" His CO2 was down, his O2 was up, his PH was in a good place, his saturation numbers we as high as they could go, and he was peeing 11 CCs an hour.

This is just a bit of the stuff that we have been watching to monitor how things are going. Dr. Kays said that they probably wouldn't touch any of his ventilator settings for 48 hours after the surgery because it would probably mess him up. Well, Max wasn't having any of that. His numbers were doing so well that Dr. Kays actually was able to ween him off some of the support over the night, and he was stable enough to move rooms today. Here he is with Mom in his new diggs:


We are still in NICU 3 but we got moved over a bay so we are not isolated any more. We seriously have the greatest nurses ever. Sandy has been helping us the past few days and even let Claire and I bring in a new sheet for his bed. Our friend made it for him and we decided that we want to win the love and affection of the NICU staff through bribery. Since we are on the University of Florida campus, we are officially Gators fans, and Max is too. Our friend also made the blanket that is sitting next to him as well.


We really are so blessed to be here. We have made some great friends and been treated with such kindness through this whole ordeal. So a big "Thank You" is in order to all of our Westside Baptist family that we have met these past few weeks! You all rock!

Frankly, there isn't much to update about except that Max is a superstar mutant super healing baby! His numbers are incredible and we are looking great! At this point we are just taking it day by day and doing what we can.

Claire and I are finally taking a little more time to ourselves and getting some well needed rest. In the past five days we have had a baby, Claire had major surgery, our newborn son has had major surgery, Claire's mom has come and gone, and we are 2,016 miles from home. It has been pretty stressful, but we are doing it!

We are very much looking forward to coming back to Arizona (where it doesn't rain every 5 minutes), and seeing all of our family again very soon! We miss you all and think about you guys all the time! Much love!

Here is one last picture of Max before we go. He is PASSED OUT from the sedation medication that he is on. They are weening him off of that too! Goooo Max!



18 comments:

Martha August 14, 2009 at 8:10 PM  

Oh, my goodness....God is good!! :) So glad to hear that Max and ya'll had a great day!! I love the Gator sheet!! :) Get some rest...ya'll deserve it!! I'm only a phone call away....

Chanda August 14, 2009 at 8:40 PM  

my God...he almost looks like he should be wrapped up...what a perfect looking little baby!!! love the Gator sheet...we've become UofU fans for the fact they'll be saving our baby....gotta support those that take care of our greatest loves!!!....anywho, much love and prayers and just positive vibes continuing to be sent in your direction!

Helen August 14, 2009 at 8:42 PM  

Oh my Gosh!!! That little guy looks like he is already healing up on his incisions. You weren't kidding when you called him a "super" baby. Super in more ways than one. Yesterday, I was still really worried, especially after reading the update. It all sounded so very serious, but if Dr. Kays is already making positive changes, that has got to be good.
All day long, I kept thinking about Max, and now I know why. I think that little "dude" is sending out positive vibes to all of us who are praying for him. Max you are really something. Claire, you looked much more rested in today's pictures. Both of you keep taking care of you.

Mary Jane Kenney August 14, 2009 at 9:19 PM  

Awesome on the recovery. Hes on a mission to get well! Gotta love that. Prayers still comming your way till you get home.

Jaime's World August 14, 2009 at 9:46 PM  

We're so thrilled to hear that Max is doing so well post-op! I'm also glad that you guys are getting some much needed rest!
Great pics...Max is a superstar!
Hugs and prayers to all.
Sheryl

Melissa N. August 14, 2009 at 10:36 PM  

Oh Claire... we are speechless. Mike and i have were just going through the Max Update. I'm crying (for joy) and my big, tough, teenage boy is all misty eyed. I just can't believe how good Max looks. Now you and J can take a big breath and get some rest. Please take care of yourself.
Thank you for sharing....to wonderful news.
M and M

Anonymous August 14, 2009 at 10:47 PM  

I hold my breath every time I check into your blog. I am so glad and so happy that Max is doing good. Will continue praying you, Max, and family.

Love you all,
dai

misty August 15, 2009 at 12:56 AM  

goodnight max. i love you sweet boy, can't wait to hear about all the butt-kicking you do tonight!

Unknown August 15, 2009 at 5:16 AM  

So glad to hear things are going well. I will have to tell you a funny/sad story about a little miscomunication I had when I got her this morning after being off for a couple of days.. starting with the fact that before I read your blog I didn't realize he had moved bedspaces.

Sue mom to Emily LCDH 1-22-08 August 15, 2009 at 6:03 AM  

So thrilled that Max continues to progress quickly through his CDH. What a super baby his is!

Anonymous August 15, 2009 at 8:03 AM  

Go Max Go! God is definitely good! Praying Max continues his stable steady progress! Keep it up big guy! Another CDH Superstar happening here!

Unknown August 15, 2009 at 12:49 PM  

Renee (salon boutique)Glad they are treating you well in Gator country. Enjoy the rain and humidity it's great for your skin. Max looks awesome was thrilled to hear he is doing well. Very glad Dr. Kays is confident on Max's recovery makes all of us back home feel good about it too. Can't wait for ya all to come home so we all can give him a little squshy hug. God bless to you and Jodan and that little man!

Anonymous August 15, 2009 at 2:44 PM  

Hi from the heat in AZ! We are keeping you and Max in our prayers- so glad to read that he is doing so well! May God continue to bless you all and the physicians and nurses that care for him!

Jeane Jaks August 15, 2009 at 8:05 PM  

Claire, Jordan and MAX! First, welcome to Florida! My mom (Helen) has been keeping me updated and all I can say, is what a glorious God! Max is beautiful and such a blessing! I am just tickled I am finally able to check the blog myself. I hope to drive up to see all you before you leave for the desert again. ;) Please know you are in my prayers! Rest and with every passing day, you're challenges make you stronger!

Rebecca August 15, 2009 at 8:42 PM  

Such great news!! I'm so happy for you both!!

Mike Ricks August 16, 2009 at 7:21 AM  

You guys have been such an inspiration to our staff at Westside Baptist. You guys have an uncommon strength and that is why God chose for you guys to go through this because He knows you will be faithful to Him. We love you guys and pray for you every day and in every staff meeting. You were prayed for this morning before worship as well.

Helen August 16, 2009 at 12:10 PM  

Hoping that "no news" is good news. Still praying that Max is making a speedy recovery.

martha August 16, 2009 at 5:51 PM  

oops....I posted on the wrong entry....just wanted you to know that you are in our prayers and thoughts....hope things have gotten into a 'routine'....

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