Just a quickie!

Hello there! I wasn't going to blog tonight, but I thought I'd just quickly send out the update.

We filled you in on the great, amazing news that Dr. Kays has started Max on a weaning plan to get him off of his ventilator and oxygen. He had cut his vent and O2 down quite a bit, and we were waiting to get a blood gas report to see how his little body took the change. (Blood gas reports the amount of O2 Max is taking in, and how much Co2 he is retaining...which we dont want much) So the next day, which was this morning, we called the nurse for the stats. She had an average to poor report, that his Co2 had jumped a little high, but his oxygen was okay. A bit low, but okay. However, they didn't raise anything back up so that they could give him a chance to ride it out and improve. Eight hours later, Max was due for another "gas", and he had drastically improved! ;) YAY MAX!!!

Basically, the original vent changes were sort of aggressive, so his body kind of panicked a little, and had a hard time processing the Co2 coming in since he was recieving less assistance from the machines. He pushed through it on his own though, and throughout that 8 hours got adjusted to that level on his own. That is exactly the process, and he got an A+++. Gooo Max!

So, a funny thing. After Max demonstrated this good behavior, we were sitting in the NICU admiring him as usual when Dr. Kays came by again. He's pretty quiet and dry, so I asked "How are you?" and he said "Max is good, so I'm good" and turned his vent and O2 down MORE. Then he just started walking away like it was no big deal and I said, "this is a good thing then?" and he just looked back and said "yep." and kept walking. Funny surgeons. Anyways the point is, he had been "turned down" a second time in two days, and this time he took it easily in stride. A tinnny raise in Co2, and an increase in oxygen. That just shows he can handle this weaning process. Amen Jesus!!! WOOO!

The end point is, is Mr. Max keeps this up, he will be VENT FREE by Friday or Saturday. I will get to see my baby boy's mouth for the first time. So far it's been just a part of a lower lip. You have no idea how little things like that make my heart explode...such as opening his eyes and looking at me. Speaking of that. He was really alert this afternoon, and I was laying my head on the bed next to his looking at him, and he locked eyes with me for a good minute. My heart just soared...it was one of those moments where I knew he knew it was Mommy. Ahh I die. Those moments in NICU are so very important for me. (and him i think)

So, medical stuff is AWESOME still.....just wanted to update you since things will be pretty active and quick moving over the next few days.

Gigi (Grandma Griffin), Max's Great Grandma came to meet Max today. She sang to him and prayed a blessing over him with me. It was really special to have her there. :) And of course G-ma and Papa had another day today with Max, but they said their goodbyes today to fly home tomorrow morning. We were so lucky to have them for a time!

We will be in touch! :) Sorry no pics, I just wanted to be quick.
Love,
Claire