tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75085129406420180372024-03-13T20:34:08.760-07:00Maximus Evan GriffinOur Journey With CDHThe Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-88929894099214458122010-04-28T20:46:00.003-07:002010-04-28T21:35:30.133-07:00I promise we are still alive!!I have no excuse! I am a sorry, sorry blogger. EEK. I keep thinkin, "okay, tomorrow I will have time to sit down and blog." Then, life happens! And, I cannot lie, if it's a choice between blogging and watching LOST or Grey's Anatomy (...or americas next top model shhhh) I am going to pick my shows! Can somebody tell me when motherhood starts smoothing out?? I know, all my clients say to hang on because nothing's changing anytime soon.<br /><br />It's kind of bedtime for me, so here's the stats quickly! Max didn't end up needing the Cranial Band, because our insurance ran us around so long, that by the time they re-evaluated him for a fitting, they said he was improving enough to skip it. Hooray!<br /><br />Max weighs 16 pounds, and is 29 inches long. That puts him around the 3rd % for weight and 70% for height. He's tall and skinny, but our GI doc says that his weight gain is "okay". He "should" weigh 20 pounds for his height, but Max is his own boy!<br /><br />He is delayed ZERO developmentally and socially at this point!! Another HOORAY! He is crawling like a maniac, saying DA DA DA for every occasion, grew two teeth, sleeping like a champ...and he grew 3 inches last month alone. Our last physical therapy evaluation gave us a shining A+.<br /><br />His feeding issues are large and in charge, however! We do therapy every week with an AMAZING therapist, and Max and I work together every day. He has such a severe oral aversion that the bottle is a nonexistent tool...we are 100% feeding tube. He gags if you even put the bottle near is face! We are trying to move into a sippy cup, and working towards baby food also. He doesn't mind playing in his food ( which some kids hate to even touch it with these troubles), but dont try to make him eat it. SO we work and wait! :) The best advice I've gotten is that we are on Max's timeline, not ours; and that the feeding tube is our FRIEND (not an enemy to be in a rush to discontinue).<br /><br />All together, he's just perfect. Max pulled himself to standing today actually for the first time! :)<br /><br />My only complaint is that he isn't scared of strangers, and if Jordan is in the room I am CHOPPED LIVER. Daddy is so dang cool...darn him.<br /><br />Okay, I'll be more creative and exciting next time, but all my friends and clients are shaming me for my slackery ways. I had to throw something up. Here's a picture of this morning, when he was suddenly up on his own! ( like always I apoligize for my loser blackberry camera moments.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHHEIz3otDHS9nb2ITvOgXEpuHv3Tn2DOFV6_r_RD4owTJQHUACGI9B_gIMJbhtEqkKsajlvoPNkEmGiQAdeXT0018Hw8eK3CgBYW4l64ePO1fqEjzPPnVMyzoLUM_nnrVuGBcgwbHOpN/s1600/max3"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHHEIz3otDHS9nb2ITvOgXEpuHv3Tn2DOFV6_r_RD4owTJQHUACGI9B_gIMJbhtEqkKsajlvoPNkEmGiQAdeXT0018Hw8eK3CgBYW4l64ePO1fqEjzPPnVMyzoLUM_nnrVuGBcgwbHOpN/s320/max3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465409513427087890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmUQaVaQEp9uTwatWAAJ9c3IoZbQGbYOvJk4hrW300JgOMcftHvpS0HgCpObz61PzTJH_lN7-BENnzHHG6iH7slqvJgf2KOsekYXhihKd2VkH85NO-SlpjRpWqv2CqJzXBE7EKErvC9b2/s1600/max2"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmUQaVaQEp9uTwatWAAJ9c3IoZbQGbYOvJk4hrW300JgOMcftHvpS0HgCpObz61PzTJH_lN7-BENnzHHG6iH7slqvJgf2KOsekYXhihKd2VkH85NO-SlpjRpWqv2CqJzXBE7EKErvC9b2/s320/max2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465409505716707858" border="0" /></a>I thought you might like to see what a g-tube looks like if you've never seen one. I describe it like the plastic "nipple" on a beach ball; a little part sticks up with a flap to close it. The feeding tube attached to that!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DCZ39j9C9yRgqYaMlEA8haeBXcm-ay7EEmHEOxdTTsgSN9SmyqOdmaqLGtG-1a0Q23a8qTefcLFZ3XnsS7XqNoiXqinf9lfPcG3BBr951JjE4nKlPR7KbWkY83VdIz9py8WOfaG-wv6P/s1600/max1"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DCZ39j9C9yRgqYaMlEA8haeBXcm-ay7EEmHEOxdTTsgSN9SmyqOdmaqLGtG-1a0Q23a8qTefcLFZ3XnsS7XqNoiXqinf9lfPcG3BBr951JjE4nKlPR7KbWkY83VdIz9py8WOfaG-wv6P/s320/max1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465409499804364834" border="0" /></a>My super sweet little boy. Max! Getting a little chubby, and looking more like a little BOY than a baby, if you ask me...that's what Jordan said tonight and I agree.<br /><br />TTYL!<br />ClaireThe Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-56614753464831297292010-02-12T20:53:00.002-07:002010-02-12T20:57:16.374-07:00Family PicsWell, I don't have the full "show" yet, but Misty just posted a preview of our pictures on her blog. Check them out...I'm loving them!! I can't wait to see the full gallery- Misty is a magician.<br /><a href="http://www.mistymichellephotography.com"><br />www.mistymichellephotography.com </a><br /><br />Thanks Misty, you're so gifted.<br /><br />-ClaireThe Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-15936164337199088222010-02-11T20:16:00.005-07:002010-02-11T20:46:23.157-07:00I'm six months OLD!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1HojxdPPpStcrtw1HhoDUZC9CDnoWzDq2pc_BZKrYS_NhY8PnYukQnlGQXO7TNK9_7ne09wOdi2QV1NQyLaRdTl5KeiduYC8ZNgC3kGqUH2f8foYruit0PQ-V9w9nYNnge4Vf0sPCK4O/s1600-h/max+feb11-1.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437191862377995282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1HojxdPPpStcrtw1HhoDUZC9CDnoWzDq2pc_BZKrYS_NhY8PnYukQnlGQXO7TNK9_7ne09wOdi2QV1NQyLaRdTl5KeiduYC8ZNgC3kGqUH2f8foYruit0PQ-V9w9nYNnge4Vf0sPCK4O/s320/max+feb11-1.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />Wow! How fast this part of life has gone. Jordan and I feel OLD, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">haha</span>! I just thought I'd acknowledge the milestone. This funny picture is from this morning. I was just paying some bills online while Max played next to me on the floor. He is so very aware of everything right now, especially if the focus is not on him! He never actually has "fits", but he was grunting and yelling until I picked him to check out the laptop. He starting feeling all of the keys and staring at the screen. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">don't</span> know if he was copying what he saw, but he definitely wanted in on the action.<br /><br />Max and I went to the pediatrician yesterday, and did some SHOTS to celebrate his six months!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hehe</span>, well we did do shots...six to be exact...but not the kind that make you feel good and do regrettable things. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">kidddiinnggg</span>...). Unfortunately Max celebrated by getting his vaccinations updated. Then he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">proceeded</span> to sleep the day away in recovery.<br /><br />Max weighs 13 pounds, 5 ounces, and is 27" long! That puts him in the FIRST percentile for weight, and the 65<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> for height. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Yay</span> Max! Good job getting on the growth chart!<br /><br />We are starting an overnight pump for Max's food, to see if cutting down on his daytime eating will increase his desire to eat. I'm not sure how the pump will work, with the way that he rolls all over his crib at night. But, I am willing to try anything to help him out!<br /><br />Misty, photographer extraordinaire, took our first family pics today, so I will put those up soon. You should peruse her site....www.mistymichellephotography.com....its an addictive blog watching her newest photographic adventures.<br /><br />Happy 6 mos Maxi pants...you are a true miracle, a gift from God, my greatest joy.<br /><br />Love,<br />Claire<br /><br />*Here's Max after a bath in his "King of the Wild Things" Towel...cute huh. :)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437192468776727458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzicjlvC5mgjV8GO_LIyx-vvjND9ziYESqHtz4yYJJxwnu0RTx34ojy3dRjLsI2dULLi2RW4qQeRR5-QMunxFEZYXTenE-rml2remA3W7Pg1sWmHj7aqr5UsTTpfnFqJ51fqViAVFPygrg/s320/max+feb+2.bmp" border="0" />The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-22056448450511921822010-02-04T22:01:00.009-07:002010-02-04T22:38:17.131-07:00Mug Shots for MaxWe knew that Max would probably give us a run for our money as a teen, being that Mom and Dad got into every kind of trouble there is (MOSTLY on Dad's side, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ehem</span>...) in the past, but now we have official mug shots...at six months old!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlO1KNVGnn7kUUgF04Pf5CrqWsRmc_ETUzwU35B-UoTh4g9kxXGXUuUoXtrfIhVe8Mulf5OmapVS7U6w3cC4kJAZiMAnPYjeBvFKjn5azjEBTpy5FlYe6i1nJ7yOVhMmuj4nXoW60_NtI/s1600-h/feb+2010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlO1KNVGnn7kUUgF04Pf5CrqWsRmc_ETUzwU35B-UoTh4g9kxXGXUuUoXtrfIhVe8Mulf5OmapVS7U6w3cC4kJAZiMAnPYjeBvFKjn5azjEBTpy5FlYe6i1nJ7yOVhMmuj4nXoW60_NtI/s320/feb+2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434624330290781010" border="0" /></a>Yeah yeah, just kidding! I went to the Cranial Technologies office today, to have a consultation about Max's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">plagiocephaly</span>, also known as lumpy head! :) Is he the cutest or what?! Look at those lips. Anyways, the doc said that he's not severe (yet), and a great candidate for the Cranial Restructuring Band. Here's a pic I found on google of what they look like:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCJ-bODx1mcNOU2eIL_8IlS_gMsA8TabyOXi-QNxpYbAG6sdO2UJGL628DzHf6rPFWjlTS1-NiI-8zyrM3KYvwOW30zovwIQPBFx9VveOjQ8zYnHRttBJUtkEScweN68aUqERultQehVd/s1600-h/head+band.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCJ-bODx1mcNOU2eIL_8IlS_gMsA8TabyOXi-QNxpYbAG6sdO2UJGL628DzHf6rPFWjlTS1-NiI-8zyrM3KYvwOW30zovwIQPBFx9VveOjQ8zYnHRttBJUtkEScweN68aUqERultQehVd/s320/head+band.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434625646728776210" border="0" /></a>See? This little one looks so happy, why not join in? I don't want Max to miss out on any rare life experiences, so this is just one more off our bucket list. Just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">teasin</span>... Max will get his helmet/hat/band/whatever in about 3 weeks, and he'll wear it for about 4 months. I'm not thrilled, only because I don't want it to be a hindrance to him at all. However, it will only benefit him, and I want my baby to have every last opportunity available to him. So, who cares, bring it on! I think we are going to decorate Max's to look like a football helmet!<br /><br />On a different note! Since we have been super stretch-happy on Max's neck (after some education from the physical therapist), he has become the rolling over NINJA! I finally have seen him do it many times, but for about a week, every time I would look away and come back Max was on his tummy! So, clearly it is working! I'm really happy about it, because getting to that 6 months mark had me beginning to wonder about his delay in development.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqElzELlqW1MzIl0IY-iSxatAPFh40h4sLhisOLLw-bP227ltu-IspgqFL5-aYnyR2OTrxXbudtIogKx12RwWMHUgzWlQcSKr5R2BUqP2uvzcl_FOEBwZJ-FcQS-0vYiaZ4SmX3yUl81pv/s1600-h/feb+2010-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqElzELlqW1MzIl0IY-iSxatAPFh40h4sLhisOLLw-bP227ltu-IspgqFL5-aYnyR2OTrxXbudtIogKx12RwWMHUgzWlQcSKr5R2BUqP2uvzcl_FOEBwZJ-FcQS-0vYiaZ4SmX3yUl81pv/s320/feb+2010-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434624335845176834" border="0" /></a>Max is also a crazy laughing machine!! I just LOVE doing anything foolish, over and over, to hear that goofy deep laugh. I still need Jordan to teach me how to shrink video so I can upload it...then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ya'll</span> will REALLY see this silly boy.<br /><br />We are doing great! Not too much else to tell for now, just the helmet fitting, and tons of physical growth, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">yay</span>! I got to talk to my pal Lauren today, who's baby was in FL with me recovering from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CDH</span> as well. Jude is doing fantastic, and so is she! I miss my friend...going through everything with her was something that I can't compare to any other experience I've had with a friend, and we were just strangers! wow. I can't wait for September to roll around for our one year check up with Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kays</span> so that we can see Lauren, Jude, (and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Aiden</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dereck</span>!) and all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Shands</span> staff again.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Goooood</span> night!!<br />Claire<br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Claire/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-25416137738537014752010-01-22T22:05:00.005-07:002010-01-22T23:10:05.108-07:00Well it's only been 10 weeks since I blogged last...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_3hoSQwCqLOaXnMEbZraulOWwgEn2Ko7nE3irgVL3TSeoGS78KZoV7dAMhI-IRiQy3fRbHaOl3gQZdmCxlCwb5bOEBk8d_kUw_P0SCQJdLEmqK01O5FGwUIncHeSYOzCQMPUyxCPy-m-/s1600-h/lion+max.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_3hoSQwCqLOaXnMEbZraulOWwgEn2Ko7nE3irgVL3TSeoGS78KZoV7dAMhI-IRiQy3fRbHaOl3gQZdmCxlCwb5bOEBk8d_kUw_P0SCQJdLEmqK01O5FGwUIncHeSYOzCQMPUyxCPy-m-/s320/lion+max.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429799871911395842" border="0"></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><font size="2">Sorry sorry sorry! I know. I'm a loser since coming home...my blogging is depraved. I am going to attempt to buy your love with a ridiculous amount of pictures of Max!! Lemme know how it works for you!</font></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvzufKX25j6sdjOnWxE1KQKcOk40iDn9ip3YFLKeyzONLA2NzUwKuAZ7s0j8FN3t4oeJmll6h12xhuOSDazixNcNVevi1egitgxGpxPtdQ3EGRFxRPOsF6ptZriN1jsmH0jtqiyOLxtmW/s1600-h/happy+kid.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvzufKX25j6sdjOnWxE1KQKcOk40iDn9ip3YFLKeyzONLA2NzUwKuAZ7s0j8FN3t4oeJmll6h12xhuOSDazixNcNVevi1egitgxGpxPtdQ3EGRFxRPOsF6ptZriN1jsmH0jtqiyOLxtmW/s320/happy+kid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429799867129705970" border="0"></a>So, Max is one happy child. He is just a few days shy of 25 weeks! I am really going to try to commit to blogging more often again, more like every week or every other...because now that I AM, I realize there is just TOO MUCH to type. I'm pretty sure it'd be fairly mundane news, but the daily increases in Max's drool production are something you all should really be up to speed on. Here's his tiny head next to my big one!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhABzCXeHrA1JudW_arcnA-vrxOnhh6t1gL-nIlfEx25kxzno_rG3twuO-33j0i7DfBILYvTpt9F3uobVKUn3Ol_A9wo-6rcrM9tiMFJt9anr9UOw9HI7NNDZlOCL8JZ0M7LcLUTksqf-/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhABzCXeHrA1JudW_arcnA-vrxOnhh6t1gL-nIlfEx25kxzno_rG3twuO-33j0i7DfBILYvTpt9F3uobVKUn3Ol_A9wo-6rcrM9tiMFJt9anr9UOw9HI7NNDZlOCL8JZ0M7LcLUTksqf-/s320/038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429797815249606690" border="0"></a>So...since we blogged last, maybe you noticed...no OXYGEN! yippee!! He was set free from his O2 the week before Christmas, and what a relief. I had a good cry over it (happy cry), because it was just such a physical reminder of what he went through. It also allowed me to get him busy with the tummy time, which is SO important for a baby's muscle development. He kept stroking his face the day that I took the tape off, like "where's that other part of my face??". I wonder what he felt like, never having his face all clear before. It was also a major relief for the sake of his skin!<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIknut1yj98vmZJktBMeK6b0eCxeDhXZJyziY3XMMHU_T4fIW-y8TGkWHqYgU3NAJM6CWaqghU_nNYKfWl8D2L-k38VAqceldggv0CBGm92Qsaq6b67tXG-Y4SNkoBIb4XZCL7eP3iuqsa/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIknut1yj98vmZJktBMeK6b0eCxeDhXZJyziY3XMMHU_T4fIW-y8TGkWHqYgU3NAJM6CWaqghU_nNYKfWl8D2L-k38VAqceldggv0CBGm92Qsaq6b67tXG-Y4SNkoBIb4XZCL7eP3iuqsa/s320/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429797799471260226" border="0"></a>Max. LOVES. Jordan. I can't punctuate that enough. I am chopped liver if Jordan is in the room. Jordan doesn't even have to entertain him...they just nap together (like above) and cuddle! Haha! I have to take a moment to give Jordan his due credit...whadda man whadda man whadda mighty good man!! He has Max all on his own two nights a week and Saturdays when I'm working in my salon, and he's a pro! There something really sweet about watching a dad and his son...love my boys!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9YRADRrtvkZDfsUPHF-7T1KPl8KlXPR8xLGWrD_NDuMDD77gJ7bvWfeWUu7o4WsFqBFyYWWxs2XGeJLslJGSKGnj6BmPa6hAPW67IOWZWaxaSe60pkM7aoAAUuXOfIlPPAzi4uaOYcgV/s1600-h/013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9YRADRrtvkZDfsUPHF-7T1KPl8KlXPR8xLGWrD_NDuMDD77gJ7bvWfeWUu7o4WsFqBFyYWWxs2XGeJLslJGSKGnj6BmPa6hAPW67IOWZWaxaSe60pkM7aoAAUuXOfIlPPAzi4uaOYcgV/s320/013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429797790654412594" border="0"></a>Other than getting his oxygen off, Max's other hurdles have been allergies and weight gain. He was on a special formula for his liver and fat malabsorption issues called Pregestimil, and now he's on Elecare, which is the most broken down form of proteins that is on the market. It's also hypoallergenic, and what a difference that made. Max finally started gaining and holding weight after Elecare, and his skin has improved by miles. He WAS cracking and bleeding in his elbow and knee "pits", and they're perfect now. He skill has some sever eczema on his arms, so we have a dermatologist appt next week to see what else I can do (and i've done it ALL...I am going to start a black market ring of baby products with the inventory i have.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oocYNMwKBavdjpDy1aFXtaN4bMiDdJQ6N26wu7Gg_IjBlzc9zHFkskHJw8y-YVTjcR-15rebv_V4Q76HMn3p1yLBzpMoxO5OCg9JAEKeEg1VM7am_4M2QIgGCfs6_iw0vdkNlfMI0Lao/s1600-h/032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oocYNMwKBavdjpDy1aFXtaN4bMiDdJQ6N26wu7Gg_IjBlzc9zHFkskHJw8y-YVTjcR-15rebv_V4Q76HMn3p1yLBzpMoxO5OCg9JAEKeEg1VM7am_4M2QIgGCfs6_iw0vdkNlfMI0Lao/s320/032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429798628241841650" border="0"></a>So, the weight gain and allergies are under control...at 5 1/2 months Max weighs 12.5 pounds, and is 25 inches long! He is in the 2nd percentile for weight...and around the 50th for height.<br /><br />Our next hurdle came today. Jordan and I(and our pediatrician of course) have been trying to stretch Max's neck, because it is obviously tight. I took him to a physical therapy evaluation today....uh oh...<br />So Max has "scattered delay" in his development due to his hospital stay. Let me just clarify up front that it is all stuff he will grow and work his way out of...with work. He has a torticollis, which causes his head to pull to the side and he favors looking to one side. Because of this, his head is becoming lopsided. SO, he's going to have to wear a cranial remodeling band. Maybe you've seen little kids with those open helmet looking hats? It's like that. BUMMER. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaWhrWjAj4jIRQsU1x4_JzT2FAyDwbYuAHT8w9FJV1-kg6cHUUJvpSGeHFpfmtJ53phsjtED4qy2wC1uK6O0xNDM7dg41KokDcSChgR9MmtBYIAjyjM32pXBO1zJpUU6towCJ0BYExtD-/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaWhrWjAj4jIRQsU1x4_JzT2FAyDwbYuAHT8w9FJV1-kg6cHUUJvpSGeHFpfmtJ53phsjtED4qy2wC1uK6O0xNDM7dg41KokDcSChgR9MmtBYIAjyjM32pXBO1zJpUU6towCJ0BYExtD-/s320/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429798631897243698" border="0"></a>I was sort of horrified when the therapist told me, NOT for Max, because he's stinkin cute even in a poopy diaper. And it will only be for about three months. I felt badly because I REALLY work HARD to rotate and move him all the time. The therapist reassured me that the torticollis can cause it, and when Max sleeps he favors that one side of his head. So by doing the therapy and wearing the band, he should be all better.<br /><br />But, really...can I catch a BREAK??? Ugh oh well...I am quickly reminded that I have my little bug with me at ALL when I feel stupid and whiny like this. Thanks, God.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7nKN3a-LKLRO-xdosb-0J6Ct3uSPQw4AG11k1lc49KrMLyKLC9avT-zxbUX0dn1LCkuqAmFqGXrYx9m69ES6DN0-5ubvHwTIA4XisIM1fwyKhjW83_-iDu7_g_u2DUu605Tj-MQIp8z_/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7nKN3a-LKLRO-xdosb-0J6Ct3uSPQw4AG11k1lc49KrMLyKLC9avT-zxbUX0dn1LCkuqAmFqGXrYx9m69ES6DN0-5ubvHwTIA4XisIM1fwyKhjW83_-iDu7_g_u2DUu605Tj-MQIp8z_/s320/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429798622389625762" border="0"></a>Actually if you look at this picture above, you can see how he's looking to his right with his head cocked over a bit...that's how he likes to stay. But not for long, kid!<br />Here's a few more adorable pictures to make up for lost time, friends!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBI_2ottD5J7yzlmnBy9bZu13QfxirYTjNusgYeO0DdkNdMQ9mIAjq-d8Id49K52c0DYbtajQWXQAV_z_M4qWKQYqycdCwCKOUYA8UtcTRPq8nYyKjuzgSL6S0bJEHU2ohBKkf2nfPq4m/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBI_2ottD5J7yzlmnBy9bZu13QfxirYTjNusgYeO0DdkNdMQ9mIAjq-d8Id49K52c0DYbtajQWXQAV_z_M4qWKQYqycdCwCKOUYA8UtcTRPq8nYyKjuzgSL6S0bJEHU2ohBKkf2nfPq4m/s320/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429797805034248866" border="0"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yXlV9d1oHyJq9rKJZErw3fQgvgx615d0_iqHqVBrxIy84Azs66QgRKjBC6rfMP4NYt5z_-BJUMp2QcsOpp11O3iNPcZqLu8gCdOVOjS1wEK7aYfhoGoIIpYQxnBKsB3j0lYqRz8yiNPj/s1600-h/reindeer+max.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yXlV9d1oHyJq9rKJZErw3fQgvgx615d0_iqHqVBrxIy84Azs66QgRKjBC6rfMP4NYt5z_-BJUMp2QcsOpp11O3iNPcZqLu8gCdOVOjS1wEK7aYfhoGoIIpYQxnBKsB3j0lYqRz8yiNPj/s320/reindeer+max.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429799878957545890" border="0"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSSDvRfTTwlCZDfSkuUrtjFFj0BkAm2Rqfl_BmZWWExYheLsNjxiitmLLvqVJv332VcWU0mp9TfgYhz3T_EKb2L-ScCq5UAggY9vQH6mLTUMtlOcmmu_UNObV-_oO4vpX0bU0dyo21-o0/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSSDvRfTTwlCZDfSkuUrtjFFj0BkAm2Rqfl_BmZWWExYheLsNjxiitmLLvqVJv332VcWU0mp9TfgYhz3T_EKb2L-ScCq5UAggY9vQH6mLTUMtlOcmmu_UNObV-_oO4vpX0bU0dyo21-o0/s320/043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429797805916656866" border="0"></a>Max really thinks sitting in his BUMBO chair is too cool. He just grins when you step away from his and he realizes that he's sitting "on his own". :D<br /><br />Well, I've covered where Max is at health-wise...off O2, gaining weight...goofy head but we're working on it. He is truly a blessing, ya'll. Max has THE HAPPIEST disposition of any baby I've ever met...mommy-ness aside. My mother in law and mom both keep commenting on how sweet he is. He has LITERALLY never had a crying fit, and he can lay down wide awake at bedtime and put himself to sleep (thanks 7 weeks in a hospital I guess?)<br /><br />Jordan and I had a really tough time when we can home from Florida, and I got hit really really hard with much delayed post partum depression. "Our end" of coming home from Florida is a whole other story, but that's just too much of a downer to blog about! :) The good news is that we are ALL doing much better and thriving now...adjusting was just really hard. I had quite the series of anxiety attacks about Max in any and every public situation! haha. Well, haha now, not at the time!! ;) All's well that ends well.<br /><br />I will truly try to be better about updating...thank you for caring and asking for updates. You are such loving people. Max is wonderful, and I thank you for your prayers for that reason!!<br />Talk to you soon....<br />Claire<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmjnLxyMf_kbi4lG6Ve-l4SK5bBwvHMBHoG3_8FYfGtZJvh2WqXN1-njDwCiqR4nyaATJx2RKQ3JxnQaHxfVWUfyjJloLowvDpizCpDLNnzm6Aj2Qv0EjpihOYPVq6cQuQvqk-n0JB4vT/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmjnLxyMf_kbi4lG6Ve-l4SK5bBwvHMBHoG3_8FYfGtZJvh2WqXN1-njDwCiqR4nyaATJx2RKQ3JxnQaHxfVWUfyjJloLowvDpizCpDLNnzm6Aj2Qv0EjpihOYPVq6cQuQvqk-n0JB4vT/s320/022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429798620234454002" border="0"></a><br /><br /><br />The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-57518933841554803242009-11-23T07:26:00.002-07:002009-11-23T07:36:04.794-07:0014 Weeks Old Today!Happy 14 weeks to my son! It really blows my mind how far we have come through all of this, and we still feel so amazingly blessed to be here with Max. I have decided this weekend that Max absolutely LOVES Aunt Jaime. Every single time he would look at her, he would give this HUGE grin. See example below:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMFhl4oSt3xXbLdKWv1AXwBetYa7Lymi3k9r4Cs_sNHyx6Ti0Dn4meGO3NDapc_w88_oY3eSwQWxlBTfnSXd-Do-KXlY3f5sEfWXFnRbHX-TnZQe1lBMichG2VmaduYZLM3i3pJy2R_BW/s1600/Big+Smiles.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407305600954239538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMFhl4oSt3xXbLdKWv1AXwBetYa7Lymi3k9r4Cs_sNHyx6Ti0Dn4meGO3NDapc_w88_oY3eSwQWxlBTfnSXd-Do-KXlY3f5sEfWXFnRbHX-TnZQe1lBMichG2VmaduYZLM3i3pJy2R_BW/s320/Big+Smiles.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I kind of wish that we had more to report to you, but things have been pretty uneventful! We really consider this to be a good thing because we have had enough baby drama for a lifetime!<br /><br />As far as development, Max is doing REALLY well. He is looking for voices, reaching for things, coloring, simple math, and basically being the coolest kid on the block. Being a dad is really the most awesome thing in the entire world. Life has totally changed from what I once knew, but it is all for the best. I couldn't be happier and more blessed. I look forward to my "Daddy Time" everyday when I come home and love our Saturdays together while Claire is at work.<br /><br />Here is Max at bath time:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Cz8B_xxPL4fsU9wvXNrQuDEGlaP-G5EuQB_KCg9yHdLL-ltIaL5BkkCcc_lgocm-qsyEpLt4fUV8AaiEWD5JC_MwxHwYWr90y1vl_FqsNLSeWtSRgdrNz67a5d9NpdrfSPV-LCT-k1c9/s1600/Bath+Time.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407305596096869554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Cz8B_xxPL4fsU9wvXNrQuDEGlaP-G5EuQB_KCg9yHdLL-ltIaL5BkkCcc_lgocm-qsyEpLt4fUV8AaiEWD5JC_MwxHwYWr90y1vl_FqsNLSeWtSRgdrNz67a5d9NpdrfSPV-LCT-k1c9/s320/Bath+Time.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>And getting ready to go to Grandmas:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihrhmjDmf4sIhfHJS6_fJeJ14WFOSptU3jjpM9W-7AzlYBpOrw2CtQrVYvSlvrRlAwr32IYp4XMOIoemt5XbUyetkqIthanGEk8pYgcBDsQe7B-JxgW7RVQ41P45fe1uTUvd9ZtC9pnbi/s1600/1+Draft+Pick"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407305591026347538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihrhmjDmf4sIhfHJS6_fJeJ14WFOSptU3jjpM9W-7AzlYBpOrw2CtQrVYvSlvrRlAwr32IYp4XMOIoemt5XbUyetkqIthanGEk8pYgcBDsQe7B-JxgW7RVQ41P45fe1uTUvd9ZtC9pnbi/s320/1+Draft+Pick" border="0" /></a> </div><div>As you can see, he is just a smiley ball of love. His is about 10lbs 6oz right now so he is still a little small, but he is catching up quickly to where he needs to be. That is all for now! </div><div> </div><div>Jordan Griffin</div><div> </div><div>PS: If you are a nurse at Shands and are reading this, can you comment and leave an address or way for us to send you all something and also a way to contact Dr. Kays if possible! Thanks so much! We miss you guys, but are glad we are not hanging out everyday anymore! ;) Go Gators!<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-55881680859962836892009-11-04T21:00:00.004-07:002009-11-04T21:18:19.613-07:00Still just chillin'!Hey all! I'm sorry, again, that we are SO bad about keeping up. We've been home for a month now, and I am JUUUST starting to feel normal. I think I sort of expected to "squeeze" Max into my world, but as all you parents know...yeah right! I realized that I am squeezing MY life into his. :) But I love it. Man mornings don't really get going until around 10-11am, because Max is such a cuddly and sweet kid. I thought I would post a couple happy pics that I just love. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNsBrWpVGWj8fk6_lUpCGtYLE95ebkyYrsxTsl0clk5-SGLhgn0zSkny-V9xUIgmkMNiSlDrQ1RZCoy274CtcoshjbNFLy9wdOwNQaCfm-Ffg1yknLM9DqV0naExiS0pY7wYLxIpy20eK/s1600-h/max+10-31,5+-+Copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNsBrWpVGWj8fk6_lUpCGtYLE95ebkyYrsxTsl0clk5-SGLhgn0zSkny-V9xUIgmkMNiSlDrQ1RZCoy274CtcoshjbNFLy9wdOwNQaCfm-Ffg1yknLM9DqV0naExiS0pY7wYLxIpy20eK/s320/max+10-31,5+-+Copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400464948850982850" border="0" /></a>This is Max in the morning...I will prop him up in the corner of the couch, and he just thinks it is SO cool to be sitting up on his own. We have a smiling party every morning. He gives a good strong, "ha", but no real giggles yet. I can't WAIT for that!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXj7ImRWJTMv6Bq4q3GyyUDB2nQJz4ApLTFYK3PWgobzVCSyOeDtptV1LqvQV2Eks072eIKT-eIqo8PfGzDEytwu-Mui6GISLAg-hwbQDKk9nptwdoQ_ERo1ImFbRdPAiBG1JhYsliGJj/s1600-h/max+10-31,+9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXj7ImRWJTMv6Bq4q3GyyUDB2nQJz4ApLTFYK3PWgobzVCSyOeDtptV1LqvQV2Eks072eIKT-eIqo8PfGzDEytwu-Mui6GISLAg-hwbQDKk9nptwdoQ_ERo1ImFbRdPAiBG1JhYsliGJj/s320/max+10-31,+9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400464954677877042" border="0" /></a>Here he is in his little sling chair thingy while I clean up our room. Just an easy kid.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-UNBGmCgPyE8Hv8XowyOMr2mnZpk6SIpdi7VHjVr14ofdZK4d3-9QX5kcTVIOQOHlyQ6UqUMdlnDSoPLCAO2d2VS6aL3Ggmqk7SxwOotjhQILbBSCm-Lm_9sS13ciolRav5pLJl81dnM/s1600-h/max+10-31,+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-UNBGmCgPyE8Hv8XowyOMr2mnZpk6SIpdi7VHjVr14ofdZK4d3-9QX5kcTVIOQOHlyQ6UqUMdlnDSoPLCAO2d2VS6aL3Ggmqk7SxwOotjhQILbBSCm-Lm_9sS13ciolRav5pLJl81dnM/s320/max+10-31,+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400464953763192738" border="0" /></a>This is kinda funny to me, because Max really isn't sure he likes baths yet. He screamed his way through them in the hospital, and now he doesn't yell, but just sort of stares at me. You can see his G-tube button there, and his scar right above that from his repair and later the Nissen surgery (went through the same spot). He still has a sort of bulging tummy and NO waist at the hips...a side effect of reorganizing all of his organs! It has already smoothed out some, and when he bears down he no longer has huge lumps that look like hernias pushing out! I think that's because his side muscles are buffing up from lots of play time.<br /><br />Max is twelve weeks old as of this past Monday, and he'll be three months on the 10th! :) He is almost to ten pounds, which is still only in the 5th percentile, but we feel like he's looking "chubby"! I guess it's all relative. Max is also quickly catching up motor skills-wise. I felt like he was pretty stiff, favored his right side mostly, and was a little "out of it" with his surroundings. He is now SO into faces, reaches up to things, is having funny spazzy muscle control issues as he tries to get things, etc. The home environment has of course been good medicine for him, and he seems to be thriving. I'd say he's probably still a few weeks behind normal, but heck, he was immobile for about a month, and then development is a grey area anyways from kid to kid. Either way he is daily better.<br /><br />Our pulmonologist said he is okay without the oxygen now, but wants him to stay on it through he holiday/winter/sick season just to keep stress off of his body. Of course I want whatever is conservative and best, but I will NOT shed a tear the day I don't have to fight Max over his canulas, move tank regulators around, reorder O2, blah blah blah!! He doesn't know any better luckily, and only yanks at it when he's sleepy- kinda like kids rub their faces when theyre tired.<br /><br />We are so blessed to have gotten to this place. I still look at him with relief, and it's all still so fresh in our minds. We don't take Max out much except to family's homes; no sense in pushing our luck, right??<br /><br />So, that's the scoop! :)<br />ClaireThe Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-66738150662896556782009-10-19T22:05:00.002-07:002009-10-19T22:15:36.775-07:00Psh, he's fine!I'm so glad, the ultrasound on Max's spine was nice and BORING. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">woopeee</span>!!!! So far in his life, all my "routine" tests have ended in the bad news nobody wants or thinks they'll get. SO, I'm happy to report nothing. No <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Spina</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bifida</span> or "tethering" (where one leg or the other wont work) to worry about. Just thought I'd get back on the blog to report that quickly.<br /><br />Max has been feeling kinda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sicky</span> the last couple days, and I was so bummed because he was kind of faltering on his eating and acting really out of sorts. But tonight he "chomped" down his whole bottle and was smiling up a storm, so I hope he's feeling better! It's so weird when Max isn't quite himself, because I start worrying about the worst! I suppose any new mom does this, except I have some legitimate reason to freak out, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">haha</span>! I'm just learning...<br /><br />Random side note...hehe...I had gained 35 lbs during the pregnancy. The first 15 literally just fell off in the first 2 weeks, and then, nothing! I truly didn't lose even a half of a pound in the last 2 months, so I started to really worry! I know I've been stressed...BLAH BLAH BLAH!!! :) All I know is, I joined Weight Watchers, and I LOOOVE it. I already lost 4 lbs, and I'm eating really well. I like having a focused plan. It's kinda a game for my mind, and I'm so motivated now. I can't wait to be at least close to my previous weight. :) Gotta be a hot mom! Just kidding!!! (Mostly.)<br /><br />Alrighty...<br />Claire :)The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-56970033653963496842009-10-18T15:09:00.003-07:002009-10-18T15:33:16.415-07:00Don't hold it against us...We've been so busy!!<br /><br /><br />We got home two weeks ago from this last Friday, and it's been a blur since then. In fact, every day I've said, "I'll blog tonight!"...ok yeah right. I have had a crash course in mommyhood. Whew, what a life! I've always admired mothers, but NOW i GET IT!! :)<br /><br />Max is still just doing great. When we got home, we met all our new doctors; a pediatrician, a pulmonologist, and a Gastroentinologist. We still have Max on oxygen, and maybe at our pulmonologist appointment on the 22nd, we can be free of it! No rush if he needs it, but I am excited to be free of the 7 foot tether called Max's oxygen tank! :)<br /><br />Some kinda neat stuff: when we can home, Max was eating about 30 of his 70 mL's of milk by himself...and it was tough! When we went to the GI doc appointment right after coming home, he switched Max to a higher calorie formula. The next morning I started him on it, and he literally gulped the WHOLE bottle down. And then I proceeded to cry for a while! :) (Out of excitement) Since then, Max eats his whole 70mL's by mouth about 80% of the time! HOORAY! I am so happy...I wonder if it's because the formula is a bit thicker, or if it tastes better, or both. Either way, it's a victory for Mr. Max!<br /><br />We've only taken him out a few times...I run errands with him if I have to, but not really any "group" things like church (just once but I was having an anxiety attack the whole time...maybe a bit later we can try again!). It's funny how ready I felt, but the second we were in a group of people paying attention to Max, my stomach was in total knots. For now, we'll stick to family visits!<br /><br />I have an ultrasound appointment with Max tomorrow (for him), to check a dimple he has at the top of his behind-crack. The pediatrician said it's overly cautious, but could be a sign of spinabifida. We don't need to take any chances! I'll post how that goes.<br /><br />Mr. Skinny got weighed at the pediatrician...5th percentile for height and weight! But, he's rapidly gained weight since we switched formulas, and earlier last week he was 8lbs, 15 oz. So, we are making progress! It's hard to remember he's already 2 months old...it feels like I've always had him!<br /><br />Max is the nicest baby ever...he has such a happy disposition, never really fusses, just smiles and toots. ;)<br /><br />I'm going back to work Saturday the 24th, part time; I'm excited and not! Pretty normal response I think. I feel a little crazy sometimes just in my house with Max all day, but I don't actually think I want to leave him either.<br /><br />Here's a couple cute pics!<br />Max and Dad...chillin' on Sunday morning! (today!)...check out his "wild things" tattoo peeking at Max!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgge1aUfd7YcSsZj15voeuNuohDmicLjXXwuMx5_8H9XCi6bFQkUzh9BufqKbxSC6oHfz4h9r9k6AD-TlxVcTOeo2phWwVZmNWOkD2wJi1UVQyVANR64lxdDuN7T9860QeZFlcaeio3VK6e/s1600-h/max+10-18-09,+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgge1aUfd7YcSsZj15voeuNuohDmicLjXXwuMx5_8H9XCi6bFQkUzh9BufqKbxSC6oHfz4h9r9k6AD-TlxVcTOeo2phWwVZmNWOkD2wJi1UVQyVANR64lxdDuN7T9860QeZFlcaeio3VK6e/s320/max+10-18-09,+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394070055952086210" border="0" /></a>And, here's Max all hyped up for the Gators Game with Dad! He is a Floridian, ya know, so he has to represent!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA164nkmI4I30BKGrLtUaesKrlCI60T7yLTi82Elh9JDVpS-ubzUDMn9CyLS3poEL82ommdv35Fi5Sd3uPwuI4I6PgaJiyoMmT2ShCEZ08S2hzIfX8bEpgJ8XXRXPppXj7OAtjgHdvele/s1600-h/max+10-18-09,+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA164nkmI4I30BKGrLtUaesKrlCI60T7yLTi82Elh9JDVpS-ubzUDMn9CyLS3poEL82ommdv35Fi5Sd3uPwuI4I6PgaJiyoMmT2ShCEZ08S2hzIfX8bEpgJ8XXRXPppXj7OAtjgHdvele/s320/max+10-18-09,+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394070073910860738" border="0" /></a>And...Max discussing the serious things in life with his friend the blue elephant...he loves looking at him!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tbaQEg3NRXbaK5mrwNuTPAmMkn_ME8nJmYSJvrvh073_jNusgb9QNiWV-E__nSVsR0x_oL819eTQNTs1E2DsezSredFT-6l2tZAeUPZUl-8xrOjvdAyyCY0djM6CJDY9p9kVrK6hMmpT/s1600-h/max+10-18-09,+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tbaQEg3NRXbaK5mrwNuTPAmMkn_ME8nJmYSJvrvh073_jNusgb9QNiWV-E__nSVsR0x_oL819eTQNTs1E2DsezSredFT-6l2tZAeUPZUl-8xrOjvdAyyCY0djM6CJDY9p9kVrK6hMmpT/s320/max+10-18-09,+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394070067147725730" border="0" /></a>And...another cute one of Father and Son! I LOOOOVE this picture..do you all see the resemblance now? It's too bad Max doesn''t look more like his dad. ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zimcakvKrvG6LYsaNTU3vmaFI7dQlsrilQaO0qJ0kkKsRQpNgf0YQ45_sQjjC7GpJelpSx3CH2JIvsNUge1WdCET8EUKaoHjSrOydZxtZZxHvUZO0LRBVPY8LsTWuADjueyz5LwlUe9u/s1600-h/max+10-18-09,2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zimcakvKrvG6LYsaNTU3vmaFI7dQlsrilQaO0qJ0kkKsRQpNgf0YQ45_sQjjC7GpJelpSx3CH2JIvsNUge1WdCET8EUKaoHjSrOydZxtZZxHvUZO0LRBVPY8LsTWuADjueyz5LwlUe9u/s320/max+10-18-09,2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394070053211984770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well, I think that's really it?? Max is great, we are good, Thank You God For You are Good!<br />Thanks for all the support folks!<br />Love ya,<br />Claire<br /><br />Ps, never got to thank everyone for the "circ-support"...Max is looking great. We've had more highly opinionated but poorly educated (on this topic) people commenting...but oh well I have the delete button right?? :)The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-23693863678561794102009-10-03T20:46:00.003-07:002009-10-03T20:54:25.946-07:00Home Sweet Home<o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Can you believe it!? 2 months (more for Claire), 5 surgeries, 5,000+ miles, and over 65 hours of travel time later, we are finally HOME. I really cannot express the joy that Claire and I feel about being here right now. We got home at about 1:30am yesterday morning and when I went upstairs to Maxs room, I just broke down. All of the stress that we have been carrying with us for the past 7 months was now gone. My perfect, beautiful baby boy was where he belonged.<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was a little crazy with getting unpacked and all of our families that wanted to come see him. I think at one point there were 9 people here. It was totally overwhelming, but great to see. Our parents and brothers and sisters all got the chance to see him or hold him. Claire has one sister that lives in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oregon</st1:place></st1:state> that will be able to meet him in a few months. She and her husband were not able to make it down, so we miss them. :)</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">One of the friends that came over yesterday to see him was our friend Misty Dunn. Misty is am AMAZING photographer and we wanted the first pictures of him home to be taken by her. She has a website (<a href="http://www.mistymichellephotography.com/">www.mistymichellephotography.com</a>) that you can check out if you would like. She is super talented and we just wanted to share a few pictures of Max in his NEW place! </p><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGUNeBV_Ln31jJkRmKng61nF5mj8QJxEfr1VvJimct7xuS76nMmG_V8gGsNXU49dGeqoyigEoelIlxotNsOexC-ownBQVo6_8qDWoSi_BJRY21DbZlk7tPc5GYoSzclLxLqS2-wmciUMe/s1600-h/IMG_8151.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGUNeBV_Ln31jJkRmKng61nF5mj8QJxEfr1VvJimct7xuS76nMmG_V8gGsNXU49dGeqoyigEoelIlxotNsOexC-ownBQVo6_8qDWoSi_BJRY21DbZlk7tPc5GYoSzclLxLqS2-wmciUMe/s320/IMG_8151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388586428936116082" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7Qw7Kt5W99NjOPagGxWCk6nRp40ZRImWXSgKF0-V3O5BEfWRdsMs6vGPeNk-vHr9e_TF9gUmjlt0HcTaBQGGva_aAOC7BQ71ScJQI_Wh7uj_lWBo_f5-8yp1ItsF2BJuzTsLvY8enWOn/s1600-h/IMG_8117.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7Qw7Kt5W99NjOPagGxWCk6nRp40ZRImWXSgKF0-V3O5BEfWRdsMs6vGPeNk-vHr9e_TF9gUmjlt0HcTaBQGGva_aAOC7BQ71ScJQI_Wh7uj_lWBo_f5-8yp1ItsF2BJuzTsLvY8enWOn/s320/IMG_8117.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388586418069659826" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07TkWXkiwN7ODE_xDoJZ_ka3L4IfsqxGafgkG2YZ9dK7cEICLRu32FfblI9rtlfeIxpL4PJQgKGlfc0b4JlWn1421tOEAyWql7yZnnLY-Uhmhhn9L5P1cXcnapI-qHOtEyWg0dSRSL0ee/s1600-h/IMG_8019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07TkWXkiwN7ODE_xDoJZ_ka3L4IfsqxGafgkG2YZ9dK7cEICLRu32FfblI9rtlfeIxpL4PJQgKGlfc0b4JlWn1421tOEAyWql7yZnnLY-Uhmhhn9L5P1cXcnapI-qHOtEyWg0dSRSL0ee/s320/IMG_8019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388586412387883122" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHHhuBxaeGFOn9GN5ect0mYjroLmIC1r451BB1kjjhQTs6Wbob_-ByJ2vWx-Cri-8M5n6MmgPZMxAJjtOmCIltOO1Zhjec7mYwYzNEZnA14Y0QT4CswKhYdxhiggJyqFE2VxBonRXrkMi/s1600-h/IMG_8151.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHHhuBxaeGFOn9GN5ect0mYjroLmIC1r451BB1kjjhQTs6Wbob_-ByJ2vWx-Cri-8M5n6MmgPZMxAJjtOmCIltOO1Zhjec7mYwYzNEZnA14Y0QT4CswKhYdxhiggJyqFE2VxBonRXrkMi/s320/IMG_8151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388586402402100754" border="0" /></a><br /><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Thank you all again SO much for the prayers and thoughts. We really could not have done this without it. You have all been such a blessing for our little family as we went through this.<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">So, this ends that volume of our lives, and so we begin on a new journey with having our baby home. We will continue to post things as they happen, but it may not be as often as before. We will still be keeping you all updated though. :)</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"> Make sure (if you have not already) that you fill in your information on the “subscribe” box on the left side of the page, and the blog will e-mail you whenever we update, so you don’t have to be checking all the time.</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Again, we appreciate and love you all. Except for “Anonymous.” You know who you are.</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">From <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:state>. From Home.<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">The <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Griffin</st1:place></st1:city> Family</p>The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-8708323283180376642009-09-26T20:36:00.011-07:002009-09-26T21:59:19.734-07:00BOIL, watched pot, BOIL!!!!Well, we are ALMOST done here in Gainesville...or Gator Nation, as the college football worshipping folks call it (which is everyone). Woopee!<br /><br />Max...let's see:<br />He is doing good! Max has fully recovered from his Nissen fundo/Gtube/circ surgery marathon, and has been working on getting to "full feeds". This would be about 60-70mL's, or 3 ounces of milk. He has not been very into eating, so that was a surprise. Oral aversion is fairly typical for these kids, but for some reason I didn't think he'd go there. Loving your pacifier is one thing, having to drink from one is another. Max gets an average of 20mL/1oz down before a few things happen. He pushes his tongue out so you can't get the nipple back into his mouth, or he purses his lips and bears down. Both are very funny because he has the grrrumpiest baby face I think I've ever seen. It's a glare, in fact. If those ploys don't work, and Mom and Dad or the Nurse are still forcing that bottle on him he "plays possum", as one of our nurses said. The boy just goes limp and pretends to be asleep. BUT. He will peek at you, just to check. Also, if you put him in his crib, he's wide awake again. It's kinda adorable, but we can't let that win over. It's a balance between not forcing so much that he gets exhausted, or starts gagging (which is easy to do because of his surgery). That could cause more oral aversion. So, as of now, Max eats his one ounce or so, and the rest goes through his G-tube. I tell you what...without that tube we would be here <span style="font-style: italic;">several</span> more months. Whew... Here's a few cute pics from tonight. However, I apologize because it's dark in the NI sometimes, and he was out cold! Didn't make for much of a GQ Baby photo op.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTuDRiqgRFV3ISId0og0E-KddC5_gs4XtRjtbhIY1TymA2NpnmxD3iQnmmw2MDjmLHd1BGSUiR7JzAbz0SCqNYQsQgbtMkg_xOAwoKu2Mdi8ORvHLUdzYGkZMbrFQb7bYETK7QFAA0Dum/s1600-h/max+9-26-09,+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTuDRiqgRFV3ISId0og0E-KddC5_gs4XtRjtbhIY1TymA2NpnmxD3iQnmmw2MDjmLHd1BGSUiR7JzAbz0SCqNYQsQgbtMkg_xOAwoKu2Mdi8ORvHLUdzYGkZMbrFQb7bYETK7QFAA0Dum/s320/max+9-26-09,+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385990582154005682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Even though Max is not eating all on his own, he has been gaining a little bit of weight every night, so he is meeting requirements for discharge. :) We will do some occupational therapy at home, and just work with him! The sides of his canulas are sort of "super taped", because he yanks those puppies off any chance he gets. I would too!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8LE7y3_zcwknTU4HAn_WZTWzEY9HUrE1kFp7eQ-qy-kAXt7pHDHvIhWUJ3_FZwG5n2-lFfKTfjisWRAFWXw4VAPmm3dCfChMhYpJuVLsGYDDC-RReoHsdw2C3CZIiQPbE8gbbneTO5NI/s1600-h/max+9-26-09,+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8LE7y3_zcwknTU4HAn_WZTWzEY9HUrE1kFp7eQ-qy-kAXt7pHDHvIhWUJ3_FZwG5n2-lFfKTfjisWRAFWXw4VAPmm3dCfChMhYpJuVLsGYDDC-RReoHsdw2C3CZIiQPbE8gbbneTO5NI/s320/max+9-26-09,+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385990568937839794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Otherwise...we are all set! Max has to get his Synagis shots, which protect from RSV. They're usually only prescribed for kids with congenital heart disease, but Max is "weak" enough to warrant them. Also, Max will go home on oxygen, just so he doesn't have to work hard for air while he transitions. So the shots, and that's all folks! We should be getting discharged Tuesday or Wednesday...which is SOON. I'm so glad it's finally here.<br /><br />Today, we got to do the coolest thing! One of our nurses, who's on the flight crew, stopped by to chat with us for a minute. She took care of Max a bunch when he was in NI3. Anyways, she offered to take us to the ROOF of Shands, to see the heli-pad!! Suhhh-weet!!<br />(Jordan's going to HATE me for accidentally left justifying these pics...haha)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyRm7EV97BP9A1MiKJQtSUSSY9W7NS-IjbBqsSaHWRe2RVXvpxA0glvcPxg28_icxBlQMlhTMFNFOGhbEiCsCLlEVc9LJ627pGT9baKHax8zTh6-5GRkqI_qT4s3ZJLZVacPH9eV-YgZc/s1600-h/max+9-26-09,+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyRm7EV97BP9A1MiKJQtSUSSY9W7NS-IjbBqsSaHWRe2RVXvpxA0glvcPxg28_icxBlQMlhTMFNFOGhbEiCsCLlEVc9LJ627pGT9baKHax8zTh6-5GRkqI_qT4s3ZJLZVacPH9eV-YgZc/s320/max+9-26-09,+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385990051449992770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jordan is definitely standing on the edge of the roof...with a ledge under him that goes MAYBE another five feet. Sandy the nurse doesn't seem to mind, either! But I very humbly sacrificed going close to the edge of a 12 story building to be the photography. I'm a giver, what can I say.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlDkSGwKy6z9UHszxzAJF8P-4xYrsUHPXuKsoIP6UodU9Vh5iqLFXwfgRW0lRBnJMTm9FWfpVCrt4Vay8NMIwzElQCCjF64FgA_FiSLnvsYgfU6Qu8AN663Lbt4PSG1ILZCBIJtwKRo-p/s1600-h/max+9-26-09,+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlDkSGwKy6z9UHszxzAJF8P-4xYrsUHPXuKsoIP6UodU9Vh5iqLFXwfgRW0lRBnJMTm9FWfpVCrt4Vay8NMIwzElQCCjF64FgA_FiSLnvsYgfU6Qu8AN663Lbt4PSG1ILZCBIJtwKRo-p/s320/max+9-26-09,+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385990039447951570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here's me! Again, safely in the center of the heli-pad! :) You can see all the way to The Swamp (Griffin Stadium-really!) behind that red brick building. It was a WAY cool experience for us, we really appreciated the treat! I don't think I'll be joining flight crew soon...but I think Jordan is going to be sneaking back up there soon.<br /><br />Tonight we went to a friend's house to watch the game, and the Gators kicked booty! :)<br />Here's the guys, deep in football world...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtN7TTyaZ3wOePgyOBGIQfy5RHmU30XvbzbYWnuzwGrPz_eiJi5DsuP9Oz1vnqU92hH0t87e3a6ztaK0wWIiCjCY24hp2FrTT7_61r62PjSNnQDGcsGUtONiVmrFaMTXbA4Gkwh5Ia60O/s1600-h/max+9-26-09,+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtN7TTyaZ3wOePgyOBGIQfy5RHmU30XvbzbYWnuzwGrPz_eiJi5DsuP9Oz1vnqU92hH0t87e3a6ztaK0wWIiCjCY24hp2FrTT7_61r62PjSNnQDGcsGUtONiVmrFaMTXbA4Gkwh5Ia60O/s320/max+9-26-09,+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385990048434357746" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And here's me...apparently encroaching upon Jesse the dog's couch...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B234xgI1TyQXtYAyeaOzYqvDcmcw01SsEbYxBPJgTZQRlTxDpLQXRaf3HRdgBcrarFolfSL1tEGxriIJnCm3jOKsXRYA2WaASoeNkfkSduT-4Us_b7TVQAbQjjsQeSCAckQTFfUzYOXu/s1600-h/max+9-26-09,+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B234xgI1TyQXtYAyeaOzYqvDcmcw01SsEbYxBPJgTZQRlTxDpLQXRaf3HRdgBcrarFolfSL1tEGxriIJnCm3jOKsXRYA2WaASoeNkfkSduT-4Us_b7TVQAbQjjsQeSCAckQTFfUzYOXu/s320/max+9-26-09,+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385990035694258946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Actually she is such a sweet dog; she just had her eight birthday! Really, I was sitting in "her" spot though, so she just leaped right up and snuggled onto me right away. It was pretty cute.<br />I don't have much more interesting to say...other than two glasses of wine after NO alcohol since December makes a certain girl headachy! I wont name any names...<br /><br />Here's Max's crib in the NI, with a sheet over it to block lighting changes, etc. (the lights are always fading up and down when the nurses are working/writing or not.) It's his fort!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwqk25hu6TCquv3NgZtjn0QlK7wu1WEN6iKwiL3CXygFvDIeucePti3L-Y-EhelWMtI0v_-oRNh5Fw5N5aW49CV7d-Nw7nWjfGNCK61k0wHyyiBs8XHf7lOEH2GV3Wahst3L8fR_NSQNX/s1600-h/max+9-26-09,+7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwqk25hu6TCquv3NgZtjn0QlK7wu1WEN6iKwiL3CXygFvDIeucePti3L-Y-EhelWMtI0v_-oRNh5Fw5N5aW49CV7d-Nw7nWjfGNCK61k0wHyyiBs8XHf7lOEH2GV3Wahst3L8fR_NSQNX/s320/max+9-26-09,+7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385990570214606594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguK27Z3F6M9ql3iKTAQzzqy8VCNZeMtXdlKBI3MngVSv_kJRiUvzsw4cL8_Swft15ZVORFzMlT5_aGwru6KPwLFGreQCchvT1kuGIJPClIdKvHJSvq022FkzklETH9MqFV1aMitWIWws5m/s1600-h/max+9-26-09,+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguK27Z3F6M9ql3iKTAQzzqy8VCNZeMtXdlKBI3MngVSv_kJRiUvzsw4cL8_Swft15ZVORFzMlT5_aGwru6KPwLFGreQCchvT1kuGIJPClIdKvHJSvq022FkzklETH9MqFV1aMitWIWws5m/s320/max+9-26-09,+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385990056758105794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Love you all! We are quickly approaching normalcy!! :)<br />Claire<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguK27Z3F6M9ql3iKTAQzzqy8VCNZeMtXdlKBI3MngVSv_kJRiUvzsw4cL8_Swft15ZVORFzMlT5_aGwru6KPwLFGreQCchvT1kuGIJPClIdKvHJSvq022FkzklETH9MqFV1aMitWIWws5m/s1600-h/max+9-26-09,+5.jpg"><br /></a>The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-51938734972464506612009-09-25T21:24:00.000-07:002009-09-25T21:32:16.194-07:00CountdownHey all! Sorry for not blogging for a few days...things have been pretty crazy out here on the east coast. I know that isn't an excuse for not keeping you all in the loop, so please just forgive us. :)<br /><br />Well, Max has been doing well the past few days. I think the main reason that we have not blogged in a bit is because there really wasn't anything crazy or new to talk about. We have been feeding Max every 3 hours by a mix of bottle and feeding tube. We try to see how much he is able to take through a bottle and then get the rest into the tube. He needs to be gaining weight for the drs. and nurses to let us go home. Speaking of going home...<br /><br />Max HAS been gaining enough weight that we were told today that we should be discharged NEXT WEEK!!! They are thinking either Tuesday or Wednesday for us to be discharged, and they we will leave the following day. Here is the twist though...Dr. Kays doesn't think that it is really safe for Mr. Max to be getting on a plane right now. With his condition and the widespread pandemic of that Mexican Pig Fever or whatever it is, they don't want to risk it. SO...Claire and Max will be driving with ME home!<br /><br />Please be praying for us as we get things settled here and start that 2000+ mile drive back home. We were hoping that Claire and Max would be able to fly and I would pick them up at the airport, but that isn't going to work. Now we have to stop every 2-3 hours for 30-45 minutes to feed, change diapers, stretch, ect. I am not complaining, but it is DEFINITELY going to make the trip a LOT longer than it was coming out here. Oh well...God knows best and if this is best for Max...I will take it.<br /><br />That is really all for now. I will try and not let too many days go by without a new posting again. :) Thanks for being awesome! You all rock my face clean off!<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXN9gsE_V_up1Hp_r5QzOq9yXRg3Hwfo7Lbs2-EjKCkhw-eu5pgKELV9sSZ34adGlA2oKUdc4KJtDTXW41Qmr0pXFzqTtDuhyMZFoCcHG4K_4aR6Bjo9aiOuMLsNx4s8eDh3kpt5SeBm1F/s1600-h/Jordan+Signature.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXN9gsE_V_up1Hp_r5QzOq9yXRg3Hwfo7Lbs2-EjKCkhw-eu5pgKELV9sSZ34adGlA2oKUdc4KJtDTXW41Qmr0pXFzqTtDuhyMZFoCcHG4K_4aR6Bjo9aiOuMLsNx4s8eDh3kpt5SeBm1F/s320/Jordan+Signature.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385627423939623234" border="0" /></a>The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-84057511955044403182009-09-21T19:18:00.003-07:002009-09-21T19:33:30.187-07:00This is AWESOME!!<div>Hey guys!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Woah</span>...there is SO much cool stuff on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">internet</span>!! My mom and dad told me that if I was going to be playing online all day, I at least needed to update the blog or whatever and tell you guys how things are going. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the low down: </div><div><br /></div><div>I am eating a lot more since that bald doctor cut me open again. I am not really sure what he did in there, but I feel sort of like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Humpty</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dumpty</span>, but with a better ending. My mom told me that story. How horrible IS that??!?! Poor guy is just dead at the end?! He apparently needs to see that doctor too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Basically, the nice nurses have been giving me 6ml an hour of milk through my stomach tube, and then either Mom, Dad, or one of my servants gives me 20 ml of milk through a bottle every three hours or so. I feel like I am ready for more, but apparently they are going to wait until tomorrow. Oh well, I will just pee or something. That will show them! I am feeling really good, I don't know why they don't just trust me! Oh well...</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than that, I heard Mom and Dad saying something about possibly being able to go home next week if I am able to handle a whole bottle. Like I said...I am ready for it, but they apparently just don't trust me! Mom and Dad keep telling me all about Arizona and how cool it will be when we go there. They are saying how excited they are for me to meet all of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all the other family and friends that have been praying for me and love me. I wish I could tell them how much I appreciate you all, but I guess my speaking isn't that great yet...something ELSE to work on. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, my cell is going off...probably my girlfriend from the other nursery. She calls ALL the time! Anyways, I will have a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Facebook</span> or a Twitter account set up soon, so all you nice people can continue to follow me if you want. Thanks again for praying. I appreciate it, and I look forward to seeing you all soon! </div><div><br /></div><div>PS: Will SOMEONE come change my diaper?? I feel I am sitting in a sponge over here!!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LbHqYxl9T0L4HSxN6FNCaQ0iLNDEYNc0SLdYUGsCMSL9pnvqDmM1WuuT9UQUcOdPI61M1_77BwNUnyd4YP8jqhMNXVjl4DZt2SgndglFUBu0KI3fQYMuR_rCbOBonoVIZZrgp9GSOkvk/s1600-h/Maximus+Signature.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LbHqYxl9T0L4HSxN6FNCaQ0iLNDEYNc0SLdYUGsCMSL9pnvqDmM1WuuT9UQUcOdPI61M1_77BwNUnyd4YP8jqhMNXVjl4DZt2SgndglFUBu0KI3fQYMuR_rCbOBonoVIZZrgp9GSOkvk/s320/Maximus+Signature.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384110588170370978" /></a>The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-39835394858605546522009-09-19T19:44:00.009-07:002009-09-19T20:32:35.139-07:00Hungy Hungry Hipp-- er, MAX!!Hola Amigos...<br /><br />Tonight was Jordan's turn to post, but a moment ago he mysteriously disappeared from our room. All his X-Box things are gone too...I better do it myself.<br /><br />We didn't think that Max would get to start his eating up again until tomorrow morning, but this afternoon when I came back after lunch, Max had milk! Hooray! I should've taken a picture...sorry I have failed you. They are doing continuous feeding right now through the G-tube, 3mL/hour. This is to take it nice and slow, "prime" his stomach again in a way. The practitioner said that once Max shows he can tolerate any little bit, they pretty quickly ramp up the amounts of milk every day. So now we are on a roll...<br />Max seemed SO much more alert and happy today, whether it was because of the food or that he's just a few days out of his operation. Either way, it makes it easier for me to sleep!<br /><br />In his other areas, Max is still doing just great! We (the nurse and I) weighed him tonight, and he is still right about 7 1/2 lbs. He should start gaining now that he will be eating consistently! He had only been eating for a week before he got cut off again last week.<br /><br />A really funny thing happened tonight that I really hope Jordan expands on next time he posts-I don't do it justice. Tonight when I had Max in my lap playing, I noticed that one oh his "breasts" was very swollen and rock hard. Probably the size of half of a golf ball. His chest has always looked a little weird because of the very deep pectus (a congenital deformity in which the sternum is depressed/ pigeon chest), but this was totally different. We were waiting a moment to ask the nurse because she had her hands full with a fussy baby (not OUR Max!), so Jordan starts googling "breast tissue, baby boys, etc". I told him that boys can get female hormones from breastmilk and form little boobies for a period of time. Especially since Max didn't get breastmilk for a month, it's a little delayed. Ya'll shoulda seen Jordan when the practitioner confirmed that it was breast tissue that would go away....but she squeezed him and MILK came out....HAHAHAH!!! Okay I'm immature, but Jordan was SOOO freaked about this. It was hysterical. Anyways, he can tell his version another time. And, FYI, Max's little engorged boobie will be just fine after a warm compress and a few weeks...hehe.<br /><br />Okay! That's the events of the day. Now, I owe my friend Ryann some pictures of Max. She is spoiled and expects new pictures ALL the time. So, I decided to walk you through a day in the life of Max Evan, super baby...in Max's words of course.<br /><br />First, I have a morning visit with Dad. Today was game day, so we went over the current stats, and who would be starting in the big rivalry game between Florida and Tennessee...Go Gators! Dad always helps me stretch my buff arms and legs, to make sure I am developing okay in this crazy time. What a cool Dad, I hope I'm just like him. Then, just before he goes, he always holds my hands and prays with me that I will heal up fast and be nice to the nurses. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9DB2BArRXS0e2Ft8lp2_7Rzlb93KI5deJNBt05_jTH-VFqZNZc5Rv5Bt4J0hBEyZ14PWpa9pG1oV6jwOD8nb_5s40qa2MGGnJ5tNcIaSDBJkCXQkszIUxbXoH_4NEHCVh8ucWY1y_doe/s1600-h/max+9-19,+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9DB2BArRXS0e2Ft8lp2_7Rzlb93KI5deJNBt05_jTH-VFqZNZc5Rv5Bt4J0hBEyZ14PWpa9pG1oV6jwOD8nb_5s40qa2MGGnJ5tNcIaSDBJkCXQkszIUxbXoH_4NEHCVh8ucWY1y_doe/s320/max+9-19,+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383380311454700978" border="0" /></a>It's hard work being as awesome as me, so I try not to stay awake for too long at once, usually 30 minutes to an hour at a time. Otherwise, I find that I draw a crowd with my cuteness and amiable disposition.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv8a9eB29D_mbSF0vlw_qr8Vx3wnVmckwmSshvnroRGoG7yk5j020cDcHFMQYe53Zd2hRCABd9nO6pGWgFKAQ83RAT9WyW2UzV53_lqPUrOluN3JPNyM8sNZbssIQ6oZbUEHUjfWlJW2j/s1600-h/max+9-19,+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqv8a9eB29D_mbSF0vlw_qr8Vx3wnVmckwmSshvnroRGoG7yk5j020cDcHFMQYe53Zd2hRCABd9nO6pGWgFKAQ83RAT9WyW2UzV53_lqPUrOluN3JPNyM8sNZbssIQ6oZbUEHUjfWlJW2j/s320/max+9-19,+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383380220453660930" border="0" /></a>Next, Mom comes back in the afternoon to snuggle some more. She is a little photo obsessed, so here he are snuggling like buddies should. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwy5cQj-3CBSeF4Fm17zhyphenhyphen_XQYc8KRgeYLXqpw9tm-DzBD7nDznTPYp26VsxYDOiYsadLrggmXKuszuMvP1VqlBAslwApJ6CQ9FKsA7oE7_y9MmVcEYUPPMwuafA2j8OwHfU6eRdBvq1h/s1600-h/max+9-19,+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwy5cQj-3CBSeF4Fm17zhyphenhyphen_XQYc8KRgeYLXqpw9tm-DzBD7nDznTPYp26VsxYDOiYsadLrggmXKuszuMvP1VqlBAslwApJ6CQ9FKsA7oE7_y9MmVcEYUPPMwuafA2j8OwHfU6eRdBvq1h/s320/max+9-19,+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383380229341266386" border="0" /></a>I slept through that picture too, but hey! I wasn't asleep ALL day...<br />Dad got me my first cell phone...it was easy to convince him that I totally needed it to call for rides, etc. All the cool babies have phones! So, here is Dad and I, just chillin, updating my Facebook status and texting my family back in AZ! Don't worry, the screen is supposed to be as big as my head. It's the cool new thing to have.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF1Lr31WCBMywKJ0KrslU6zpaYr_I_O_eP9_66ltwyt_yr6ygwCemVTN9NgpLpKKeVfvPjMySkD_8tVDWNTzz0LBHUtFLyEXf9h5BT_a8_1ksn-DabJKge6EV67TUjWRoBTTfDDuIzX1Z/s1600-h/max+9-19,+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF1Lr31WCBMywKJ0KrslU6zpaYr_I_O_eP9_66ltwyt_yr6ygwCemVTN9NgpLpKKeVfvPjMySkD_8tVDWNTzz0LBHUtFLyEXf9h5BT_a8_1ksn-DabJKge6EV67TUjWRoBTTfDDuIzX1Z/s320/max+9-19,+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383380216520687538" border="0" /></a>Then, yep, you guessed it, more sleeping. Although, I've gotten really tricky. When I'm sleeping in Mom or Dad's lap/arms, I am so happy! It's better than the crib. So, just when they think I'm sleeping, I peek one little eye out to double check that they've not relocated me. If not, we are good...if they move me, they'll hear from me! :) They snapped a photo of me sneakin' and peekin' this afternoon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfBetotcIe4iC7eSgFTaiPcyA1mFIginjV8Hne2jZRzH2JyEw9t43bv7X_qLAd8A-50f2u3lSzmbCvm0KVHVj6bt-BQV9D0FMyymnWh7TusJFUdqtF8m4-eR4wrEAirrcVihZP_mE6jfE/s1600-h/max+9-19,+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfBetotcIe4iC7eSgFTaiPcyA1mFIginjV8Hne2jZRzH2JyEw9t43bv7X_qLAd8A-50f2u3lSzmbCvm0KVHVj6bt-BQV9D0FMyymnWh7TusJFUdqtF8m4-eR4wrEAirrcVihZP_mE6jfE/s320/max+9-19,+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383380202021861186" border="0" /></a>Lastly, something that drives Mommy crazy. Dad likes to "play" with me, and he reassures Mom that I LOVE it. Mommy thinks it's kinda like being the first kid to fall asleep at a Jr. High sleepover...but who's arguing right?? So, here I am, totally unaware, zonked out, grinning like an idio--crazy kid. SO cute, but my tough reputation is being challenged.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZiNZqR9vWf7cxiuhwW2o7_3XHWORclUGxzjRSEAxiwdFpFaBuoMPTA8IjPiiST6DcCvELhphBklA0HfTCp3K4r-9g_o2CB1VtYKI9ZuSWR1CRuSVdJjxcANgiwk99RZLJsx36QqSw7z0/s1600-h/max+9-19,+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZiNZqR9vWf7cxiuhwW2o7_3XHWORclUGxzjRSEAxiwdFpFaBuoMPTA8IjPiiST6DcCvELhphBklA0HfTCp3K4r-9g_o2CB1VtYKI9ZuSWR1CRuSVdJjxcANgiwk99RZLJsx36QqSw7z0/s320/max+9-19,+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383380208459811986" border="0" /></a>So that's it Maximus Nation...a day in my life. Very busy, very high profile, very happy.<br /><br />* Sorry, Max is long-winded like mom. Jordan messes with lil Max's face ALL the time, ahh! But I just keep remembering that a Dad and his son is a relationship I may NEVER "get". :)<br /><br />Thanks for the prayers, please send up another one tonight for continued quick recovery! :)<br /><br /><br />Good Night Vietnam!<br /><br /><br /><script>dorland()</script>The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-56450733545176932942009-09-18T19:28:00.002-07:002009-09-18T19:47:24.137-07:00No news is good news!Hey all!<br /><br />Just thought I'd jump on really quickly and give you an update...<br />Max is doing just great! He has mostly just slept, slept, slept this last two days, recovering from his surgery. I was wondering today...what must it have felt like to have the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CDH</span> repair! I mean, all the organs in your body relocated? And then, a patch of fabric stitched into your chest wall to close up the hole, whew! Not drumming up old drama, it just kinda blows my mind. I cannot believe what Max has made it through so far. The repair, then tapping in to his heart with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ECMO</span>, trying for a week every three hours to eat, only to vomit, and then the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fundo</span>, g-tube, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">circ</span>. Seriously, what adult could handle that!? Babies are TOUGH as NAILS. :)<br /><br />I'm anxious for the next 24 hrs to fly by, so that Max can start feeding again, he seems agitated...and I think he's hungry! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">That'll</span> be three days just on the IV, but this time he knows what he's missing! Once he starts feedings, we should be here maybe 10 more days (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ish</span>). Getting to full feedings (60<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">mL</span>) is the final frontier, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hoorahhh</span>!<br /><br />So, Stinky pants super-Max is doing well, thanks for caring!<br /><br />On a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">FUUUNNNY</span> note, I'm trying to lose 20 pounds, which would put me back at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">pre</span>-baby. Why did weight loss come to a screeching halt after 3.5 weeks?? I don't even eat badly!! Everyone warned me this would happen, I just thought people weren't trying hard enough. I was lucky to get a two week trial gym membership from Teresa the house manager...but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">haha</span> guess where? Curves. NOTHING wrong with Curves, but the branch here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Gainesville</span> is...um, a more "mature" crowd. No exaggeration, everyone there but me definitely gets special rates at the movies, and restaurants...and gets the front spots in any parking lot. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Gettin</span> my drift? Curves is sort of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">circut</span> training workout, so it's all in a friendly circle so we can all watch each other suffer, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">yay</span>! Also, for the CHATTY exercisers (my personal fave...), we can even make uncomfortable eye contact the entire time we are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">workin</span>' it! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Haha</span>, it's a experience I've not had before, but "mature" folks love me, so heck let's burn some calories, Granny! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">OOHH</span>! I almost forgot the BEST, BEST, part...you probably wont believe me. If this doesn't solidify it...there's a knitting club, complete with a corner with a table and chairs just for KNITTING after a work out. Seriously, while I do squats, there's someone whipping up hats and scarves 10ft. behind me... Okay I'll give you a moment to soak up the awesomeness... Okay!<br /><br />Good night all, I am praying for YOU!<br />ClaireThe Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-13480482097975587072009-09-17T18:52:00.003-07:002009-09-17T19:19:49.562-07:00There Is An End In Sight!!<div>There is a HUGE mix of emotions that I have been dealing with the past couple of days. As we talked about in the last posting, Max had to have surgery to fix his reflux issue, and things went really well. The surgery was a success and they were about to get things fixed so he should not have any issues in the future. Currently, Max is not eating milk right now and is hooked to an IV for the next couple of days. They said that he will be able to start trying to eat again on Sunday. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is really where we will need your thoughts and prayers for the next little bit because this is what is going to determine how quickly we will be able to come home. If Max is able to tolerate his feedings this time around (using both the bottle and his G-Tube) we will be able to take off back to Arizona. Don't get me wrong...we really have appreciated Florida and everyone here, but we are MORE than ready to get back to the dry air. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other than that, the only issue that we ran into after surgery was an issue with his circumcision. YIKES! I guess that there was some skin that was being pulled by the sutures and he was having some bad bleeding from his "tinkie". They had to put in three extra stitches to get him all fixed up. Poor guy!!! We felt bad enough for him that he had to go through three separate procedures, but that is NOT fun. We did have a little laugh afterwards as we were thinking that we have one of the best surgical teams in the country and the issue that Max had was with his circumcision!! They have repaired a hole in his diaphragm, put him on ECMO, wrapped his stomach around his esophagus, put in a feeding tube, and we had NO issues. They cut his little penis, and THAT is what he decided to make difficult. No worries though...they said that everything is fine, and that everything will be good in the future for him. :) (Daddy is happy.)</div><div><br /></div><div>That is really it for the Max update. Things are looking good. We hope to be heading home in about 2 weeks if things go well. </div><div><br /></div><div>We never get tired of how amazing you all are that read our blog. There are so many of you that follow our sons story and have never even met us. The fact that you care enough to read and to pray with us truly floors us. I just want to say a HUGE thank you to YOU. We are very grateful for the prayers and everything you all have done for us. We wish that there was something we could do to show you all how much we care. That being said...no plans are set in stone just now, but I know that we are planning to have a "Welcome Home" party for Max when we get back to Arizona. As we get details, we will share them, but we would like to invite anybody that has followed to story of our son or prayed for us to come and celebrate with us his Arizona homecoming!! Thank you all again, and we love you all <i>sooooooo </i>much!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Live, Laugh, Love, </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzm62bOkRIG_IRNrxPbed9d1fW-JjzHRW0UX0ELGjo2z0QgEiUV7YYJYrzgmcokMCGqRQJzsQzFkt4qpInT7MbMFrFxMNkUTOxpUjb02eMdkvm1e5sSAr4-Pi0UYBi4vjFQ-QhKANo9V5/s1600-h/Jordan+Signature.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzm62bOkRIG_IRNrxPbed9d1fW-JjzHRW0UX0ELGjo2z0QgEiUV7YYJYrzgmcokMCGqRQJzsQzFkt4qpInT7MbMFrFxMNkUTOxpUjb02eMdkvm1e5sSAr4-Pi0UYBi4vjFQ-QhKANo9V5/s320/Jordan+Signature.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382619562655855314" /></a>The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-62809959298128778472009-09-15T12:54:00.003-07:002009-09-15T13:26:37.148-07:00No WONDER!No WONDER he couldn't keep anything down, he didn't have the proper <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">equipment</span>!<br /><br />Max had an Upper GI yesterday. The had him drink Barium, and did X-rays to watch the contrast and see where the fluid went. They easily realized that Max has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gastroesophageal</span> reflux disease (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">GERD</span>). Not your run of the mill reflux...Max doesn't do anything halfheartedly. Show off.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gastroesophageal</span> reflux (GER) occurs when stomach contents reflux, or back up, into the esophagus during or after a meal. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. A ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus opens and closes to allow food to enter the stomach. This ring of muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES normally opens to release gas after meals. With infants, when the LES opens, stomach contents often reflux into the esophagus and out the mouth, resulting in regurgitation, or spitting up, and vomiting. GER can also occur when babies cough, cry, or strain. (http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerdinfant/)<br /><br />In Max's case, his LES is totally loose, so anytime he lays or reclines back the stomach contents run back into his esophagus. This explains everything! The big lumps of mucous in the back of his throat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">every time</span> we'd pick him up, and the panting when he'd try to burp. Also, the huge amounts of air he gathered in the stomach.<br /><br />This actually came as such a relief knowing there's a solution. We sort of felt like we were just flapping in the wind, not knowing how long it would take Max to "figure it out" with eating, and I could just TELL there was something more than your average reflux happening. This isn't an out of the ordinary thing, many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CDH</span> babies have this issue, because the intestines and other organs didn't have the placement and space to develop properly above the diaphragm.<br /><br />To repair Max, Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kays</span> will do a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nissen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">fundoplication</span>.<br /><p>In a <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">fundoplication</span></i>, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastric_fundus" title="Gastric fundus" class="mw-redirect">gastric <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">fundus</span></a> (upper part) of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stomach" title="Stomach">stomach</a> is wrapped, or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">plicated</span>, around the lower end of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagus" title="Esophagus">esophagus</a> and stitched in place, reinforcing the closing function of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_esophageal_sphincter" title="Lower esophageal sphincter" class="mw-redirect">lower esophageal sphincter</a>: Whenever the stomach contracts, it also closes off the esophagus instead of squeezing stomach acids into it. This prevents the reflux of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastric_acid" title="Gastric acid">gastric acid</a> (in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">GERD</span>). The esophageal hiatus is also narrowed down by sutures to prevent or treat concurrent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">hiatal</span> hernia, in which the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">fundus</span> slides up through the enlarged <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophageal_hiatus" title="Esophageal hiatus">esophageal hiatus</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphragm_%28anatomy%29" title="Diaphragm (anatomy)" class="mw-redirect">diaphragm</a>.</p> In a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Nissen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">fundoplication</span>, also called a complete <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">fundoplication</span>, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">fundus</span> is wrapped all the way 360 degrees around the esophagus.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8Zg57bNfgD760TG4IvIDXPxWeQNC9RJa5eNZrEVzq5xInVwx9mOnu8kniFSJxrdLqxjv04Yqa9_GJpsUSBZQZnTSD5AM4vlS4S0ZWgEIvp9teAA7xZBTEhGx1_SApNFeHWp0-2a30f7g/s1600-h/NISSEN_FUNDOPLICATION.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8Zg57bNfgD760TG4IvIDXPxWeQNC9RJa5eNZrEVzq5xInVwx9mOnu8kniFSJxrdLqxjv04Yqa9_GJpsUSBZQZnTSD5AM4vlS4S0ZWgEIvp9teAA7xZBTEhGx1_SApNFeHWp0-2a30f7g/s320/NISSEN_FUNDOPLICATION.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381788804816310610" border="0" /></a>So, whenever his stomach contracts, it will act as the LES or sphincter and tighten around the esophagus.<br /><br />ANSWERS. whew.<br />Jordan and I honest to goodness were weirdly excited about the news. I guess it just felt like poor Max will be so much better off! It's been emotional watching him struggle so badly to swallow a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">mL's</span> of milk! He can't eat more than a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">capfuls</span> before he vomits!<br /><br />Because of all this, Max will also get a feeding tube during the surgery, because he will still have some major training to do with his eating. It sounds okay to me, not too hard to live with or manage. He could have that feeding tube for a month or a year, but I wont let him get lazy with the bottle feeding! :)<br /><br />One of the cool parts of all this- and TOTALLY not the important part- is that we can come home once he recovers from that surgery. So, we now are fairly solid on the fact that we will be coming home within two weeks. THANK. YOU. GOD. (really, thanks God.) Max just needs to recover from surgery, and show Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Kays</span> and Dr. Dickie that he can take his full 60<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">mL</span> feeding through the tube at least (if not with a bottle combo). We were just over the moon on that part. I know we have a ways to go, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Jor</span> and I would sure love to go that extra mile at HOME.<br /><br />The surgery is tomorrow, and they are not doing it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">laparoscopic</span> because they want to explore his stomach a bit to just check for anything else as a precaution. They will use his scar from his hernia repair. Surgery number three, here we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">gooooo</span>!<br /><br />What a tough little boy, huh? :) We will let <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">ya'll</span> know how it all goes.<br />ClaireThe Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-20476855557458423702009-09-14T20:38:00.005-07:002009-09-14T21:28:33.086-07:00The night Max wore his wolf suit...And made mischief of one kind...and another...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgxcAJuiKZP9A2CcCqU7GBhHeEEr66nmSCI59aURavo9Pq6NIX_UHAovSXi6zsxUeUXdS7_UiMsgoN0cDhMoMviWpzkYcbIW2S6PVRsggmdwMVuXaNvA2wjcvOfrs-VjyZEBoLBD8Ni3Z/s1600-h/max+9-14,+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgxcAJuiKZP9A2CcCqU7GBhHeEEr66nmSCI59aURavo9Pq6NIX_UHAovSXi6zsxUeUXdS7_UiMsgoN0cDhMoMviWpzkYcbIW2S6PVRsggmdwMVuXaNvA2wjcvOfrs-VjyZEBoLBD8Ni3Z/s320/max+9-14,+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381536783089268898" border="0" /></a>Doesn't he just look like he's dreaming of trouble? Okay maybe not but I'm pretty sure that is in our near future! Like always, sorry my pictures are not always the best quality, I use my blackberry's camera. <br /><br />Update!! Update!! Nothing has changed!! :)<br />Well, that's mostly true. Max is, and will be, just working on the eating. The nurses and us have decided cautiously that Max really doesn't seem to have terrible reflux as we were warned to expect. What seems to be happening is, he doesn't swallow/process his "spit" and mucous. It collects in the back of his throat, where you and I would normally clear our throats. So he starts sucking some milk in, and gags on all that. Then we get a golf ball sized present along with whatever milk he had gotten in, which is usually not much. After that, we tend to have a fairly successful feeding. We are working on things like continuing to burp him before and during his meal, and we've added little "binky breaks" inbetween as well. This seems to clear his throat a little before he eats and during. Whatever helps, huh? So, the eating process takes about 20 minutes for 1oz, but if he keeps it down we won! (He doesn't always keep it down though!)<br /><br />I would say Max is about 50/50 so far. That is still considered good progress, because a lot of CDH kids even need occupational therapy just to learn to overcome an oral aversion. So, we take a deep breath, and work patiently with little Max as he learns. I try to remember that he is a tiny new human being, and everyone is asking a lot of him...and he is doing his best! I'm sure NObody would enjoy barfing halfway through every meal. Lovely visual, I know.<br /><br />The docs ordered an upper GI today, where they make him drink Barium so they can see where things go on a screen when he swallows. We'll get those results tomorrow, and see if it gave them any useful information. Otherwise, he is growing and adorable! He's at 7lbs, 60z now. That's still small, but since I watch him change it seems big to me. Here's a couple cute pics!<br /><br />Max looks grumpy here(yesterday), but that's just his normal look when he's watching us make stupid faces at him...he's thinking "you guys are so weird...none of the other parents here do that!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaoHq32JXYpn6WlOCQ8pQ02fEZ6i2i00ppzmyvulpkvneRV1lCHHLf-q7nCo9BIxM_xI_Z4GBC2KrUh94noswzlVy91QXFFeQ7CcURE1N1nFuAmbYzW_lpMRG1P0o8Vapc26mawc4lTmU/s1600-h/max+9-14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaoHq32JXYpn6WlOCQ8pQ02fEZ6i2i00ppzmyvulpkvneRV1lCHHLf-q7nCo9BIxM_xI_Z4GBC2KrUh94noswzlVy91QXFFeQ7CcURE1N1nFuAmbYzW_lpMRG1P0o8Vapc26mawc4lTmU/s320/max+9-14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381535541274938850" border="0" /></a>And here he is being fed by super dad of the year, Jordan! I like this pic because you can see how little he still is in comparison to Dad's hand. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR1esqD9vmVcctCIQgC5luc97ScLfiHukNIuwCE-Q2jcUM1_gFl5vaxdFVf5e5_olTjAXEAmwW2TnOGxd3NtX3_aHe2uVKWQuZH6P3xCzmS7_BtBiKLg86iiibNYpb0wr-hsYRVhPCTms/s1600-h/max+9-14,+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR1esqD9vmVcctCIQgC5luc97ScLfiHukNIuwCE-Q2jcUM1_gFl5vaxdFVf5e5_olTjAXEAmwW2TnOGxd3NtX3_aHe2uVKWQuZH6P3xCzmS7_BtBiKLg86iiibNYpb0wr-hsYRVhPCTms/s320/max+9-14,+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381535516365020354" border="0" /></a>And here's Max's favorite pastime, inbetween eating and making mischief:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8z2ndJ1Q09vQ7pc5H1XyG7E45IqRL3pglfhdIEl0TXGRDiMDMgd7k9yA_SwUREblM9Tq10XGu-CU5Yl1zkjdbxHK38I_ljGc755Ds_-_If4KL4zIgncbK2zvjTDXGWf9TcpNnwOHzPRz/s1600-h/9-14,3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8z2ndJ1Q09vQ7pc5H1XyG7E45IqRL3pglfhdIEl0TXGRDiMDMgd7k9yA_SwUREblM9Tq10XGu-CU5Yl1zkjdbxHK38I_ljGc755Ds_-_If4KL4zIgncbK2zvjTDXGWf9TcpNnwOHzPRz/s320/9-14,3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381535521915324066" border="0" /></a>Jordan says it's his favorite feeling just having Max lay on his chest like this and rock in the chair. I have to agree! Oh! This last one is today right before transport picked him up for his GI test. They can get chilly so I put his hat on and his puppy slippers...hehe!! (He normally has toys in there too but they hafta be out for transport.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72lgqXdajbJIDD2Nb1VcZ6brRKDzylPgoE7O01HloKmlstHYhOmB3j73DHSdVtaOx_VtELGuS1ZA7luLWKQ7f2pBU0cYdlCvWPqxbBvK9eJEiTq9N2CtCw2Vis-eP30o1EmfhFhOaE_B3/s1600-h/max+9-14,+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72lgqXdajbJIDD2Nb1VcZ6brRKDzylPgoE7O01HloKmlstHYhOmB3j73DHSdVtaOx_VtELGuS1ZA7luLWKQ7f2pBU0cYdlCvWPqxbBvK9eJEiTq9N2CtCw2Vis-eP30o1EmfhFhOaE_B3/s320/max+9-14,+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381535530958122082" border="0" /></a>The shoes have a big soft puppy face with big floppy ears on the sides. I guess that's more for Mom that for Max.<br /><br />Thank you ladies for all of your support and advice about the breastfeeding. I get emails and Facebook messages in addition to the blog comments, and reading everyone's experiences really did make me feel better. It's nice to know other women struggle in this way and got through it. So, when/if I don't respond, please know that I'm reading and appreciating. It's just so much to respond to over and over. I love your advice and encouragement on all these different topics though, so don't give up on me! :)<br /><br />I decided Sunday night to stop pumping. I had a big meltdown, a really great cry (hehe), and I'm fairly okay with things now. Not totally, but I'll get there maybe. I have done EVERY. THING. A couple different LC's, a doctor appt at the Lactation clinic to consult about possible issues, every health precaution possible, EVERY nasty herb and tea possible (oh yes friends I've been smelling of Fenugreek and maple syrup for weeks now), and pumped faithfully every 2.5-3hrs for five weeks now. Short of taking medication, which the doctor advised me against for a few different reasons. I make MAX( no pun intended) 10ml, which is half what he eats at one sitting. So, he out-eats me already. Also, latching on hasn't worked because the nurses don't want to upset him and make the bottle feed unsuccessful afterward. I don't want that either, so the breastfeeding itself really isn't functional like I'd hoped. <br /><br />Altogether it's working against me, and God just has other plans for Max's nutrition. So, I have done awesome research and asked advice of trusted friends about formula, and when we get home I feel okay with what we'll do. The hospital said I can't provide my choice now because of sanitation laws, and I'm cool with that for now.<br /><br />(As a side note...this may sound weird. I love and appreciate all of you, but since I've come to this decision, I would respectfully request no advice or encouragement to continue. I really struggled badly with keeping out of a bit of a depression about it, and I'm feeling okay with my choice. I feel like continued advice in that direction would make me feel crummy. Thanks so much for understanding!!)<br /><br />Jordan and I are going nutso, but we have some great friends here that get us out of the house, and we still have a blast together. Thank Goodness! I think our marriage is really set up for success if we come out of this happy and healthy. I'm exercising now, which feels just amazing. Life lately is such a "sit on you butt" activity...hanging out with your baby in the hospital.<br />If you consider rocking in a chair an Olympic sport, call me Micheal Phelps!!<br /><br />Please pray for Max's tummy to learn how to eat/process his food (and fast, hehe!), and for all his staff watching over him, to help us and the docs make good decisions for Max based on their observations. Also for Jordan and I to just handle all of it, and for me to have PEACE about the BF stuff. :) Thank you everyone. I don't grow tired of being grateful to all of you, even if I've never met or talked to you.<br /><br />Love,<br />ClaireThe Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-21665715442380427082009-09-12T15:57:00.004-07:002009-09-12T16:24:41.664-07:00I think Max is bulemic!!He keeps throwing up after he eats!! Is there baby eating disorders? Did the other babies tease him, call him fat? Just because he was a term baby at 39 weeks and full size? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Geez</span>, those one-pound babies can be harsh!! (Sorry that's terrible...)<br /><br />So let's talk about feeding shall we?<br /><br />We are up and down. Well, Max I mean. Yesterday the docs upped him to 15 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mL</span> because he was very successful with 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mL</span> the day before. He spit up (and by that I mean threw all of it up) nearly every time yesterday, but today we are making a little progress. 9am, not good; noon, not good; 3pm Good! just a little bit of mucous stuff, and his 6pm was perfect so far (it's 7pm now). So, it's kind of the expected trend that it takes a bit of time for him to cope with the increased amount of milk. I really would love him to have a successful night. I don't want them to up his amount if he can't handle it, but for the sake of progress it's always in the back of our minds of course.<br /><br />So we continue on with his training! The miracle working occupational therapist and lactation Consultant Elaine with be working with us soon, so we can't wait to see how she may help Max. Several other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CDH</span> moms have raved to us about her. The trick so far with Max is totally taking it slowly. We have to start about 30 minutes ahead of his feeding time, and start burping him. He gets lots of air stuck down there somehow, and when you start patting him he gets very fidgety and uncomfortable until "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BLARP</span>!" and he's ready to eat! Then we stop once or twice in the 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mL</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">SOO</span> small amt) to let him process it and maybe burp again. After that, another burping, and he's usually okay! So if we rush him, we pay!<br /><br />I gave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Maximus</span> a bath today with our nurse Marla (awesome lady) because all that spit up catches up to a stinker. The funniest thing happened...I let my GUARD DOWN. Max was laying there, and I'm wiping out his armpits with the soapy rag when I realized I was spilling something on the floor! I quickly look down, and NO!!! HE IS PEEING ON MY LEG. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Haha</span>! OOPS! Mama's fault! Gotta cover that little cannon up! :) Hey, it's sterile, right? Oh well. It was too funny though, he almost got the mother nursing next to us. I should have known, he got very relaxed before I realized the sprinkles on my flip flops weren't soapy water. Stinker.<br /><br />I'm trying to come to terms with formula feeding. Don't get me wrong, I have NO crazy stance against it, I just personally would REALLY prefer to stay with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">breastmilk</span>...for many reasons. However, he is already eating 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mL</span>, and I produce about 6-10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">mL</span> every 3 hrs. And, we can't have him trying to latch on much now because it puts so much more air in his stomach that he can't do the bottle afterwards. So my supply doesn't have that opportunity to increase...if it would have anyways? I'm pretty sad about it, I really wish that part was different. I'm genuinely jealous (I admit it...not even the cute funny jealous) of all the moms breastfeeding their preemies, and the huge bottles of milk the moms turn in to the nurses for storage. UGH. I'm trying to come to peace with it. I was for a while, but now I'm sad because it's actually happening now...he's not on the tube anymore. So, once he literally eats through my supply frozen from this last 4 weeks, (should last him another 2 maybe) we have to go to formula. I just hope his tummy can handle it, since his stomach has so many troubles already. Like I said, bummer...<br /><br />I don't mean to end on a grumpy note!! Max is doing amazing, and we are NOT missing that part. My little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">whiny</span> gripes are NOTHING in comparison to his successes. :)<br /><br />Jordan got to go to another Gator's game this afternoon, and had a blast. He really thrives from "getting out"...and I'm glad for that!<br /><br />Sorry I don't have a picture! We will work on that. LOVE YOU!!<br /><br />ClaireThe Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-59091374097490836862009-09-09T19:16:00.007-07:002009-09-09T20:36:27.076-07:00A Day of Firsts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB7l8YMv7OFtpeX_CA5v0RXhLl7aDAsAiThJwaYpzv3929zjoE6B7vIbfpq0SF6L6Wkezm1Wt9lpNXVh9xVlviXI85lkmu9440pP7gxATI3YHNtybUTIzv5apQx6Pa2TXMIMVYEme0RPX/s1600-h/Right+before+move.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB7l8YMv7OFtpeX_CA5v0RXhLl7aDAsAiThJwaYpzv3929zjoE6B7vIbfpq0SF6L6Wkezm1Wt9lpNXVh9xVlviXI85lkmu9440pP7gxATI3YHNtybUTIzv5apQx6Pa2TXMIMVYEme0RPX/s320/Right+before+move.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379670587703932850" border="0" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If Claire and I had to sum today up in one word, I think that it would be "<b>HALLELUJAH!!!!</b>"</span></a><div><br /></div><div>Today was probably one of the most overwhelming (in a good way) and positive days that we have had here. Today was a just a day of firsts for Mr. Max! Today he got his first bottle, bath, boobie, burp, and big boy bed!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's start with the bed...Max graduated this evening down to the NICU 2. He was changed from the tall platform-ish bed to a crib! We have spent every day since he was born in the NICU 3, which is reserved for the babies that are the most critical cases. As they get better they get moved to NICU 2 and finally, discharged. This has put a light at the end of the tunnel for Claire and I, and has made us even more anxious to get out of here and get HOME. The NICU 2 is a lot smaller than his previous room, as well as a LOT louder. Ha Ha...This is probably a good thing because it means that the babies in there are getting better and getting ready to leave. We were just moved this evening and have not had any real experiences with people in there yet, so stay tuned. </div><div><br /></div><div>First Bath: Our morning nurse, Tony, let Claire and I give Max a bath this afternoon, and it could NOT have come at a better time. He was getting a little "ripe" and was more than ready. Claire and I have been given permission to take a more hands on approach with him from here forward, and so we decided to change his diaper and get the water ready. It was more like a sponge bath, and he didn't enjoy it at all. He pretty much cried through the majority of it, but that's probably because he was a little cold! It was like opening a new present...because new healthy clean Max was hiding under a few layers of old sick stinky Max! After we cleaned the many layers of grime off of him and wrapped him back up with a clean diaper, he was pretty much ready to pass out for the rest of the day. That was hard work for the little man! SO cute. </div><div><br /></div><div>First Bottle: ( Hi it's Claire now!!) So, here's where some medical update stuff comes in. Since Max is in NI2, that means Dr. Kays feels very confident that Max is over the hump. His new hurdle is feeding. That's where his first bottle comes in! We missed the first feed, and the nurse said he spit it up. The second feed I got to do, and he only spit a little bit up! Third feed, no spit up!! Fourth feed at 9pm, no spit up!! Yay Max! He was only taking 4cc, which is just about 3 sucks for a normal kid. But Max took his time getting used to the sensation of something being "behind" that nipple and swallowing rather than just a binky. He did just grrreat, and if he keeps that up, they will increase his amounts as he tolerates it. This led to the next first..the BOOBIE. Haha how embarrassing...thanks for that heading Jordan. At Max's 3pm feeding, we tried to have him latch on first. We knew I wouldn't drown him...since I DONT MAKE ANYTHING!! :) haha...it has a positive spin for ONCE. I had such a laugh over it...Max just sorta...explored and looked at me like "why are you doing this?" and "whats going on? why am I sideways down here!?" so I only tortured him for about 15 minutes before moving on to the bottle. We will continue to practice latching until he does or it's time to move forward...hopefully this may cause my hormones to kick in. <br /><br />We kinda discovered (Tony the nurse discovered which I am taking undeserving credit for) that Max's problem is probably heavily some air in his tummy. So, we burp him before he eats, and that seems to help him not urp it up. Reflux is such an ugly issue with DH babies because his intestines and stomach were all tied up and misplaced, not all smooth and ready for action.<br /><br />It's crazy to think that Max had to wait an entire 4 weeks to eat. Can you imagine?? I think he will be very excited about food once he figures it out! Also, I cannot DESCRIBE what I feel being able to cuddle with him now. Putting him up on my shoulder and listening to him grunt and breath just melts my heart...even just watching Jordan hold him is amazing! I am so blessed to have Jordan, and Max pulled through such a hairy situation. It's easy to get used to all this and forget where he was just two weeks ago, on life support! Well, that's my two cents! Breastfeeding is weird!<br /><br /></div><div>(Back to Jordan!) So yes, today was incredible and we are very happy with things. Max has been kicking butt and doing so much better every single day. We are thrilled with the progress that he has been making and look forward to every new day here until we are home. Thank you all for taking the time to read our blog and pray for our baby! We are blessed by each and every one of you!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3f6S54lc3g0UASfbcCbPIwCRxrKOhK1lI5Oe6Xa_0aCFx9Q1uycua3_1FkqtUyIbBJ8TEYETYL9TA4-q6Ecy1TsS2qweSlUdgkx7GxRIO29bRyXtdDumY_eBzvEE3XzWpKImk5H0vSed/s320/Right+before+move+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379670578347568178" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> (Daddy and Max...snuggle buddies...)<br /></div><div>Jordan and Claire Griffin</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-39721367699711792292009-09-08T19:28:00.004-07:002009-09-08T20:36:37.881-07:00Throw Up Your Rock Fist...<div><b>Rock fist</b>: <i>Noun</i> - Hand gesture signifying supreme <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">awesomness</span>. Ex. "Max is doing SO well! (Throws up rock fist)" </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2qCbaejLE3otElEgpWEL2jwkZLmzY2diAWQnWvp_Rz7jktxnHwZcSRS6QOFlNJRxQSAN89xFx7ow3YjlcK9JSs8EJzFIgcMODVKukuK5oEVVBij0seLwJ12KvsVHMqDGjHIdlCeMkKxL/s1600-h/Max+and+Family+041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2qCbaejLE3otElEgpWEL2jwkZLmzY2diAWQnWvp_Rz7jktxnHwZcSRS6QOFlNJRxQSAN89xFx7ow3YjlcK9JSs8EJzFIgcMODVKukuK5oEVVBij0seLwJ12KvsVHMqDGjHIdlCeMkKxL/s320/Max+and+Family+041.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379295236088688434" /></a><br /><div>Alright...this post isn't going to be a really big one. Things have been pretty steady with Max since he got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">extubated</span>. Probably the biggest thing that has happened is that he is already off of his C-Pap! They only left it on him for about 24 hours and now he just has his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nasal</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">canula</span> (just giving him a little O2). </div><div><br /></div><div>I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">seriously</span> blown away at the feelings that I have developed for this little guy. Being a dad is seriously the greatest feeling in the world. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Every time</span> I get to hold my son, my heart seriously feels like it is about to explode. How God was able to give up His Son for us, just blows my mind. It really has given me perspective on how much He loves us. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, here is the plan...Max needs to start eating soon, and they are going to start his feeds from a bottle. They will start him at just 1 ML every 3 hours and work up until they reach 60 ML every 3 hours. Once we reach that point...we are en route back to the desert!! I really cannot believe that I am about to say this, but I really am missing the 110+ degree heat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well...honestly, there isn't that much to update you all on...so here are some (a LOT of) cute pictures of Max: </div><div><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w835.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w835.photobucket.com/albums/zz272/JahJahsson/627b595b.pbw" height="360" width="480"></embed></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRYCShguSrsE9cg0P1-0LhHlwBpAiqtjLzwVF7L4WEDZGBUDa1x0ZdFylp6F2cZ-ugCk-TVt4DkiQ5aATfb5_TXuVy7G3e90LleSpLcloRJa1ksLOUTHTphzbSAfsDPe_r3ZG4IDwGNc1/s1600-h/Jordan+Signature.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRYCShguSrsE9cg0P1-0LhHlwBpAiqtjLzwVF7L4WEDZGBUDa1x0ZdFylp6F2cZ-ugCk-TVt4DkiQ5aATfb5_TXuVy7G3e90LleSpLcloRJa1ksLOUTHTphzbSAfsDPe_r3ZG4IDwGNc1/s320/Jordan+Signature.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379289384601413538" /></a>The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-84846665074436388252009-09-07T19:51:00.004-07:002009-09-07T20:17:05.473-07:00No words...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ahhhhhh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sweeeet</span> relief...we are over the hump people.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6C3j-Al0AGmqPS5zVtG_YsKzz1FgO7R5jvDsJh97fG469te6MSeTPqM6OA-AC-6iFfuor4N8JysfJL96gioogP0z5GiNG05xYVBeZGRpAxNQWFom6lXoErXOw-zV7AmjcQWe7RU2mq0O/s1600-h/max+9-7,+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6C3j-Al0AGmqPS5zVtG_YsKzz1FgO7R5jvDsJh97fG469te6MSeTPqM6OA-AC-6iFfuor4N8JysfJL96gioogP0z5GiNG05xYVBeZGRpAxNQWFom6lXoErXOw-zV7AmjcQWe7RU2mq0O/s320/max+9-7,+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378927729949685298" border="0" /></a>This. Feeling. Is. HEAVEN. I think I waffled between smiles and tears over this! Max only spent 24 hours on C-PAP! This morning we came in to Max on the regular <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cannulas</span> in his nose. He now has no breathing assistance at all, just a little oxygen supplement. When we got in, I obnoxiously asked all the wrong people if we could hold him until our nurse was freed up and I jumped on her for it. She graciously took the time to get us all set up, because there were so many things attached to him still, you have to be careful! Jordan got first dibs (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hehe</span>) because the poor guy didn't really get more than five difficult minutes before Max crashed almost three weeks ago. We both held him for a couple hours almost! Why in the world would we OFFER to put him down anyways?!? Max loved cuddling with us, he just watched Jordan, and slept on my for most of it. He seemed really happy! Here's Dad below with his new best friend. Jordan kept saying today, "I'm so in love...ah I've so in love with him". I guess it's true what they say about dads truly bonding once they hold the baby?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SmdOnzJSj-ZX-w-RW_gULn9im7ohnABklEkoEKVjXvS3sdg-9fa80abJWcHexXUeCIU17O976ywD8jS9n_V7h8LIr7wesisi-YGjFaieF4KrugBmkqtLGpNZzeDFHW_5UzR0L2kKuwGw/s1600-h/max+9-7+HOLDING.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SmdOnzJSj-ZX-w-RW_gULn9im7ohnABklEkoEKVjXvS3sdg-9fa80abJWcHexXUeCIU17O976ywD8jS9n_V7h8LIr7wesisi-YGjFaieF4KrugBmkqtLGpNZzeDFHW_5UzR0L2kKuwGw/s320/max+9-7+HOLDING.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378927711544750978" border="0" /></a>Max also had his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">UAC</span> taken out of his belly button today also, which was where they drew blood for gasses, and any other needs as far as getting things in and out of him! They have a PIC line still in his foot, and that will stay for a while. That way they can administer any medications <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">necessary</span>. (Not gonna need it! ;)<br /><br />Lil Man moved over to some new digs today, and they were going to put him in a crib- but there were none available, so maybe tomorrow. They had to make room for another more serious patient...we are assuming it's the new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CDH</span> mom in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">RMHouse</span> because she's delivering tomorrow. Jordan put up that sheet to block a draft...they built their first fort together! :)<br />Don't worry Max, your planes are still flying! He watches those planes like a hawk. So cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85WwlDJ-6ZVFFtbcE3O4uu3pgMz7-K-uCPBgziQ_BqyGPYV4u4PBsJU0GFbDnsTHz0aFNLrFe-WsEMVP_OuQi0HjtxReVgD_vE6n466flpw-sSajBGFJd5YOfBjza3ecHlFt-yhbwvn7K/s1600-h/max+9-7,+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85WwlDJ-6ZVFFtbcE3O4uu3pgMz7-K-uCPBgziQ_BqyGPYV4u4PBsJU0GFbDnsTHz0aFNLrFe-WsEMVP_OuQi0HjtxReVgD_vE6n466flpw-sSajBGFJd5YOfBjza3ecHlFt-yhbwvn7K/s320/max+9-7,+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378927719865033090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyjm-qCCxsfVcFXOSHSwkyXK67INNWojvwp6248a4SUGFnjnToBBX5D1Fmd2SEmN3h9Wu7-Z-MZ9ukkvIrUSMN53l8RwECz3A2sZ_xbQDSctEjnfCcXuBRHH9LEW8WkCfU83mIka3ZZkP/s1600-h/max+9-7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyjm-qCCxsfVcFXOSHSwkyXK67INNWojvwp6248a4SUGFnjnToBBX5D1Fmd2SEmN3h9Wu7-Z-MZ9ukkvIrUSMN53l8RwECz3A2sZ_xbQDSctEjnfCcXuBRHH9LEW8WkCfU83mIka3ZZkP/s320/max+9-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378927735213103522" border="0" /></a>One last thing...for all my loving friends. Although it is so kind and flattering, I have to throw in the towel and admit...THIS KID LOOKS NOTHING LIKE ME. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">haha</span>! He is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">allllll</span> Griffin. I bragged for a bit that he had big lips like me. However, Jordan also has a big mouth (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">hehe</span>), and this baby's lips look much more like his did than mine at infancy. This picture above settles it! For the Griffin family that will "get it", look at that skull! That is Dave and Jordan all the way...the sloped <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">forehead</span>, the ridge above the brow, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">geez</span>! And, I'm fairly certain Max will be a giant, and outgrow dad. Look at those hands. Buddy here is NOT going to be small...he has huge feet too. All the nurses comment on his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">honkin</span>' feet every shift, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">haha</span>! (But he's so pretty so who cares.)<br /><br />Next hurdle is feeding. Nurses say it can take two weeks or two months...PRAY FOR THE FIRST ONE! No reflux, no nothing, amen! :)<br /><br />Love ya!<br />Claire<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ps</span> Jordan will post more pics tomorrow of all of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">todays</span> fun...but I'm tired! :)The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-88742176762998507152009-09-06T19:44:00.004-07:002009-09-06T20:07:55.090-07:00Breathing Tube? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Breathing Tube!!Ladies and gentlemen...Let me introduce to you...Max and his upper lip!!<div><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w835.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w835.photobucket.com/albums/zz272/JahJahsson/6d805edb.pbw" height="360" width="480"></embed></div><div><br /></div><div>That's right! Max was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">extubated</span> today and he looks SO good! As you can see in the above <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">slideshow</span>, he did really well and is now on what is known as C-Pap. This is similar to the ventilator, but Max is now doing all of the work on his own. The C-Pap just keeps his airway open so when he takes his breaths in, it isn't as hard for him. It is also giving him a little extra oxygen! </div><div><br /></div><div>We are seriously just praising God SO HARD for today. We have been waiting so long for this day to come, and it really could not feel better. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>The plan is now to get Max some milk and see how his stomach will handle that. We will probably be able to start him with his feeds in the next day or so. He still has a tube going into his stomach pulling all the junk out of there. They need to get that out before they can start putting milk into it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The nurses have told us that this is essentially the longest part of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CDH</span> journey, but we are praying and hoping that Max can take the milk without any problems. The main issue is that most <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CDH</span> babies develop acid reflux from having his organs all out of place. Some of these babies gave to have a feeding tube installed (a G-Tube) if the reflux is severe. We are really believing that Max won't have to much of an issue, but there is still a chance. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other than Max stuff, Claire and I are SO ready to be home. We really miss our family and friends. We were very blessed last night to be given 2 tickets to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Florida</span> Gators opening game. It wasn't really a "game" per say as the Gators CRUSHED <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Charlston</span> Southern with a 62-3 win. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ok</span>, let me just tell Arizona something...we do NOT do football the right way!! Seriously, yesterday was SO much more than a football game. We experienced the "Gator Nation" first hand and I think that it is safe to say that we are lifelong Gators fans. Before the game, Claire and I decided that we didn't have the proper attire for the game so we went into the school store to get dressed properly. We ended up with stuff for mom, dad, AND Max!! No joke...I saw this 3 pack of Florida <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">onesies</span> that I just HAD to get for Max....and some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">UF</span> pacifiers. Oh man...we are hooked. Here are a few pictures from yesterday: </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w835.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w835.photobucket.com/albums/zz272/JahJahsson/91a79612.pbw" height="360" width="480"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" /></a><a href="http://s835.photobucket.com/albums/zz272/JahJahsson/?action=view&current=91a79612.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway...that was pretty much the update from yesterday and today. We couldn't be happier and more thankful. We truly are blessed and do NOT take it for granted. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Labor Day weekend! Be safe and we will talk to you soon!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Jordan and Claire</div>The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-8734470889411464992009-09-04T15:45:00.005-07:002009-09-04T16:18:05.938-07:00My Kid's the Smelly Kid in Class??<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hee</span>! Okay first of all, another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CDH</span> 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!<br /><br />Max had a bath after two weeks of life, and just in time because he was put on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ECMO</span> that night! Then, since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ECMO</span> is a pretty big procedure, and they can't move him much, the next two weeks produced a greasy, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">goopy</span> 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">extubation</span> day because a side benefit of that is A BATH! :) Stinky pants is aptly named, but who cares when you're this cute?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuxhIzKflOXCxfnlqpdncA_PtzMbp4cZ7egK5cYLt8JKQB5h1y2Wk0br5pfA0bGLyCJvP_8E3Okzi6RDyoP89rZ549cxyQhezJs_zu6s05SMCaSTFyVY_zeVLhRgqFoZWJWeK6dJaLWya/s1600-h/9-4-09+max.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuxhIzKflOXCxfnlqpdncA_PtzMbp4cZ7egK5cYLt8JKQB5h1y2Wk0br5pfA0bGLyCJvP_8E3Okzi6RDyoP89rZ549cxyQhezJs_zu6s05SMCaSTFyVY_zeVLhRgqFoZWJWeK6dJaLWya/s320/9-4-09+max.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377749514904813618" border="0" /></a>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!<br /><br />Dr. Dickie came by this afternoon (as always), and said that Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kays</span> was again very happy this morning with Max's progress. They lowered his Oxygen to 34%, and breaths/minute to 30. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Extubation</span> 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.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Anywho</span>, 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, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">puhhlleeaassee</span>??!<br /><br />I have been <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">texting</span> with my family, so they know, but Jordan and I are officially <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">SICKKK</span> 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 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">yuuum</span>!!) , Edible Arrangements from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Brinton</span> 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.<br /><br />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...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd-kBgfqc2v7Ln8VWoNwRG6LEh9RBVkLjLDllqIGF306xqsof-UYvYzWJlachIMzl8_QpraFguXJX6Vjwf2t-d56REjapoaNHjKFqhxjjfFfqEKzJE7ywI1mbPEaQl3cH1jvtc8KWpel8/s1600-h/9-4+jordan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd-kBgfqc2v7Ln8VWoNwRG6LEh9RBVkLjLDllqIGF306xqsof-UYvYzWJlachIMzl8_QpraFguXJX6Vjwf2t-d56REjapoaNHjKFqhxjjfFfqEKzJE7ywI1mbPEaQl3cH1jvtc8KWpel8/s320/9-4+jordan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377749515977135394" border="0" /></a>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! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Haha</span> who knows what they were thinking, although I think a hefty group of locals from Waldo, FL thought it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">perdy</span> 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.<br /><br />Max doing amazing, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">stache</span>, and thank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">you's</span>...got it!<br />Love ya!<br />Claire<br /><br />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...The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508512940642018037.post-65544371956451750452009-09-02T18:12:00.005-07:002009-09-02T18:47:12.116-07:00Let's not do ECMO again, okay?Hooray!! Maximus is OFF ECMO!! HE PULLED THROUGH!!<br />This is the face of one very sleepy, very cute (very drugged), overwhelmed baby boy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZCUCqA4C4mC3G7PMtLsPcbWHqF66zunungL3UMcboi7UCtkDyRcPdTKUIHdMGjoo6MER5iKQhUWeoUlzyOU0pZ5vtpKRQYSqEZk-7y2VAGoosRHNbhqqkmq9jDRHtXjF_L9yYgv60BYW/s1600-h/max+9-2+off+ecmo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZCUCqA4C4mC3G7PMtLsPcbWHqF66zunungL3UMcboi7UCtkDyRcPdTKUIHdMGjoo6MER5iKQhUWeoUlzyOU0pZ5vtpKRQYSqEZk-7y2VAGoosRHNbhqqkmq9jDRHtXjF_L9yYgv60BYW/s320/max+9-2+off+ecmo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377043521496357602" border="0" /></a>However, it is also the face of a tough little kid! Max's blood gas numbers and other stats have been doing just great this last week, and his lungs continued to clear out day by day. Yesterday, we had no idea how far or near we were to being off, but then last night the evening nurse tipped us off. When we walked in late this morning, we caught the ECMO team cleaning up the last of the machine and getting Maxi-pants comfortable. Dr. Kays was there, and was in a great mood! He stayed and chatted for a bit, and said everything looked "great" (HUGE statement from him). He feels so confident about Max's stability that he didn't leave the canulas (big huge tube that was in his jugular going down into his heart) in for 24 hrs, the usual test run. That's a precaution in case they have to be re attached to ECMO; the docs don't have to disturb the heart more than once. In our case Dr. Kays was feeling confident about Max's progress.<br /><br />I asked "What are our steps now, and what are our worries now?". Kays said that Max just has to clear a little more junk out of his lungs; not necessarily all blood, just mucous, etc. That's not a worry though. In three to five days Max should be extubated, so that would be Mon-Wed next week. Cool huh? A "little" two week ECMO detour and we are back on track! After extubation, he'll take a day or two to adjust, then on to feeding. This can take some time, since babies who've had many procedures and tubes can struggle learning to nurse/take a bottle. Also, they can have a real struggle with reflux and other tummy issues. However, that part is very non-threatening, just frustrating for Mommy and baby usually. :) I'll take it! :)<br /><br />So, HOORAY! Prayers answered. Max just slept all zonked out today...can't blame him. You can see in the picture above how he still likes his head to that side since it was stuck that way for some time! He'll loosen up.<br /><br />SOOOO...Jordan has been "playing" with his facial hair, just goofing around with different looks, since we are away and boredom can be an issue. He got a little silly because we see so many, um, different walks of life, here. He decided a proper father has a nice hearty mustache. Trust me. I tried fervently to deter this nasty thought, but there was no stopping him. He was even polling the NICU staff AND Dr. Kays (Pediatric Surgeon and Professor at UF, come ON!!? lol) to see if they'd support his idea to shave the beard and just have a (gross) mustache. I tried to explain that he will (and does) look like a sex offender...to no avail. So... here you go.<br /><br />This is the before...look at him trying to keep a straight face.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BphHjKRC4opsPD14AepOuCdNukEzkYSZCet0wy8eOhIJ09fAuyUFODZXZcHnYRxFuNCin-zB_Td5nC4QTTNOWwtUZ_-iGCQyEzsPmdxzK3311XpRhRLrXpbJ229EXteyqIrVMET4I5sy/s1600-h/9-2+jordan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BphHjKRC4opsPD14AepOuCdNukEzkYSZCet0wy8eOhIJ09fAuyUFODZXZcHnYRxFuNCin-zB_Td5nC4QTTNOWwtUZ_-iGCQyEzsPmdxzK3311XpRhRLrXpbJ229EXteyqIrVMET4I5sy/s320/9-2+jordan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377043108366795362" border="0" /></a>Now, I REFUSED to waste money on this project, so I told Jordan he had to buy whatever color was on clearance, halfway hoping that would discourage him also. NOPE.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_ztD8TVRGC59-39ZnJLf_wdA6IIGz4j-LVCtNhK_tprqvzYX9LFfePF3O-PBl81QdX09BU-qVzvNh_bcFj79W5xcALvKlVzaKCUpbOpZO7hzcQtjWL-BUYrF3ZntUybLRtqjo44lrrZy/s1600-h/9-2+jordans+stach.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_ztD8TVRGC59-39ZnJLf_wdA6IIGz4j-LVCtNhK_tprqvzYX9LFfePF3O-PBl81QdX09BU-qVzvNh_bcFj79W5xcALvKlVzaKCUpbOpZO7hzcQtjWL-BUYrF3ZntUybLRtqjo44lrrZy/s320/9-2+jordans+stach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377043121365492082" border="0" /></a>I think the excited Latin man on the cover only got Jordan more excited. ew.<br />Here is the color processing...I tried to take a picture but we were both laughing so hard it kept coming out blurry!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_29Hv04vaMuMCccoszMwhk1YOw9rNnO40lSBgct1LuVS3tsF8b3WSoyXW24gaOFHag9ma6W96vbtR1Pui57ptVw0Mc91IMyzBmYvcwk8hUy59wiuOaYY9tgSWlr4Bqph6MsKjl0mHiWs/s1600-h/9-2+jordan+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_29Hv04vaMuMCccoszMwhk1YOw9rNnO40lSBgct1LuVS3tsF8b3WSoyXW24gaOFHag9ma6W96vbtR1Pui57ptVw0Mc91IMyzBmYvcwk8hUy59wiuOaYY9tgSWlr4Bqph6MsKjl0mHiWs/s320/9-2+jordan+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377043116213649634" border="0" /></a>I think this picture is so funny actually. If you could only see that his upper lip is all dark and slimy...blehhh! (I hope I'm successfully painting a picture of a mortified wife???)<br />Finished product, Heaven help us:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9KRMfzHqGmI_yJ6kMLu1VrGcVMAV3tfGhtacYUyUV_VZWWGIxrBIgYgvoJyAQaUsFEMgOZPavOKGDsYKFkhz5UOpQiyQrBcBrWauQkkM7wn43jJ6jgqC_LsCcyNE4uX0CyS7PmJUM1U9/s1600-h/jordans+ridiculous+look.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9KRMfzHqGmI_yJ6kMLu1VrGcVMAV3tfGhtacYUyUV_VZWWGIxrBIgYgvoJyAQaUsFEMgOZPavOKGDsYKFkhz5UOpQiyQrBcBrWauQkkM7wn43jJ6jgqC_LsCcyNE4uX0CyS7PmJUM1U9/s320/jordans+ridiculous+look.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377049423645193970" border="0" /></a>You can see the pride in his eyes...while I tried not to look like I was with him at the hospital tonight. I don't know what to do! Shave it off in his sleep? I guarantee our friends and family are not terribly surprised. But, to all my clients reading this...welcome to my weird world, and sorry. ;)<br /><br />I love Jordan dearly. Laughing together is our glue. :)<br /><br />Anyways, Max is kicking BOOTY, he's resting well. Let's just keep praying for no hiccups along the way, no infections, quick healing and recover from here forward!!<br /><br />Thanks, love,<br />Claire (Now a white-trash-wife by association.)The Griffin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03348567588582280994noreply@blogger.com20