My Kid's the Smelly Kid in Class??

Hee hee! Okay first of all, another CDH blog had posted about their baby being "smelly" before his first bath, and if you've seen "Big Daddy", it's a good laugh and a fairly accurate mental picture!

Max had a bath after two weeks of life, and just in time because he was put on ECMO that night! Then, since ECMO is a pretty big procedure, and they can't move him much, the next two weeks produced a greasy, goopy haired little guy. Poor kid! His little legs still smell like new baby though...they haven't been through much. So, not that it really matters, but I can't wait for extubation day because a side benefit of that is A BATH! :) Stinky pants is aptly named, but who cares when you're this cute?
We seemed to miss all of Max's awake time so far today! We came by this morning for a few hours, sleeping! Then again around 4 for a few hours, sleeping! So we are going to go again for goodnight kisses, and he's usually fairly alert at night! The nurse said that he was awake all afternoon, darn. This is the side he is comfy on, because his little neck is so tight. She (the nurse) had him stretching for a bit on the opposite side, and said that he was not at all happy during that time. So, he's pretty content in this picture from soon after that. We got a little peek when we talked to him, but lately, if he's content we don't rock the boat! He's looking so much better too, huh! No more Michelin baby!

Dr. Dickie came by this afternoon (as always), and said that Dr. Kays was again very happy this morning with Max's progress. They lowered his Oxygen to 34%, and breaths/minute to 30. Extubation is a go at 30% and 10breaths/min, so we are about two days away, if Max's blood gasses continue to improve every time. He is doing SO well now...I'm almost scared to say it. He is also off ALL of his medications, so it's just Max and the vent now.

Anywho, that's really it for Mr. Max the Miracle Man Mighty Pants. He's taking it very easy, just resting and sleeping. No more speed bumps and two week detours, Lord, puhhlleeaassee??!

I have been texting with my family, so they know, but Jordan and I are officially SICKKK of being away. We are so grateful to be here, but I just want to crawl into my own huge bed without Jordan's booty in my back, or me driving him nuts with who-knows-what (I'm sure there's plenty!). We miss everyone at home, thank you for thinking of us! We have gotten so many fun treats! A baby shower in a box from church pals, several boxes of evil treats from Aunt Terri and Uncle Tony, snacks from Great Grandma/pa, cookies from clients and Patti (yuuum!!) , Edible Arrangements from the Brinton faculty of my mom's school, and more! If I didn't write it I'm sorry, I'm just going quickly! Thank you so much everyone for loving on us, it truly brightens our time here and encourages us.

OH OH!! And, it's always sad to see a good laugh laid to rest, but I'm afraid I can't mourn this change...
Eek! Isn't he handsome! There's my Jordan, sleepy and clean cut. What a relief, to be able to walk side by side again, not having to duck out of elevators ahead or losing him behind those doors so we aren't "together"...and having people's stares linger just a little to long on his face! Haha who knows what they were thinking, although I think a hefty group of locals from Waldo, FL thought it was perdy nice. And, hey, we DID get a lot more personal space in halls and elevators when Jordan had that..."style"(?)...I can't imagine why. He loves me...and I bribed him. Okay.

Max doing amazing, the stache, and thank you's...got it!
Love ya!
Claire

PS, please say a prayer for some friends of ours from NI3, they had a Max in the bed right next to ours for weeks and we got to know them a bit...they had "little Max" and we had "big Max" because he was so early. They lost little Max this week, and my heart just breaks for them. This is a really hard part of being here; not all the kids get to go home. (Our homes at least) Thanks...