Sunday, December 03, 2006

Visitors

Well said Grandpa Dan. Making me excited to become a grandpa Dan.



Quinn started eating yesterday. Breast feeding. Doctors and nurses weren't sure if he'd be able to, but it took him only a few moments to figure out what to do. Then he was eating through his mouth like it was no big deal. Quick lesson for dad, don't make jokes when mom's trying to feed him. Steph shakes when she laughs and the baby's head gets a good jarring. Mom got stern with me after my milk shake comment. Quinn has his fill and burps like a pro. These are some of the faces I have to laugh at. Little old man.


The nurse took Steph and I to see another older baby who had undergone heart surgery to explain some of the equipment and meds that he will be on. The doctors will make a decision during the operation on whether to leave his chest open for a few days during recovery. Having his rib cage spread open will prevent pressure on his heart when he starts swelling from the alterations made. It's unsettling to think about, but Grandpa Dan made an excellent point about him being in the best place for this time in his life. After tomorrow, he'll be back to eating through tubes and IV's. We just signed the consent forms to have him operated on. I know prayers are answered in a million different ways but I wish this kid a smooth operation in the worst way. Since he's been born, so much seems out of our hands as parents, and for me, thinking about that gets sickening pretty quick, so I just pray like everyone else. Good luck on this one little man. I wish he knew how many people are behind him.

There's a TV in the room we're in, so Quinn and I are watching our first Pats football game together. Again, not how I'd imagined, but I'll take it. Mom is sleeping after a long night. He cried pretty heavily from about midnight to 5am. His blood oxygen levels go down when he strains, so the nurses gave him a few doses of morphine. I'll do my best to keep everyone up on how it goes tomorrow.

9 comments:

Kelly said...

Yay! Your 1st family photo! So very beautiful. :)

Steph, I can't tell you how happy I am that you were able to nurse your little man. I know you must have been anxious for that one...

We will be thinking of you all day tomorrow. Hang in there.

Love,
Kel & Shawn

Anonymous said...

It brought tears to my eyes to know that you could finally nurse your baby, Steph. What a gift to be doing something so natural and "normal". More tears as I saw the beautiful picture of the three of you. These are tears of thanksgiving, and I am sure I will shed more tomorrow when Quinn's successful surgery is over. I will be praying, as always, with love,
Mrs. Cherry

Anonymous said...

Hi Steph! You go, girl! I'm so happy and relieved that Quinn figured out how to latch on and suck!!! I think it may have been easier for him that your milk is in, and you're over the initial engorgement. Not that you planned it this way, but we can be thankful that he figured it out pretty quickly. We are praying so hard for the three of you! It's one day at a time. We wish we could be with you tomorrow! Feel our arms around you, okay? Love, Robin & Steve

Anonymous said...

Hey Steph,

Thanks for calling and letting me know how things are gowing...I love seeing all the pics!!! Especially the one of you and Quinn looking at each other. What a special moment. I am so glad to hear that you've done some bonding with your little guy with some feeding time. If there's anything you need as I say just call or email. I am going to be seeing Clay sometime next week in Boston at work - just let me know.

Love you lots - Suzanne

P.S. Dan I love all that you add to the blog and hearing a Dad's perspective. You both are amazing people.

Anonymous said...

GO LUCK QUINN!!

I will be praying for him all day tomorrow.

Erin

Anonymous said...

Dan and Steph,
We just wanted to let you know we are praying for your little trooper. And will continue to pray for complete healing and restored health. Quinn looks like an angel and he is very blessed to have such wonderful parents. We have all our loved ones and friends praying for him as well. Peace and a multitude of blessings for you and your precious baby! Brett and Maria Rosado

Anonymous said...

Wow! You guys are so remarkable. I cannot even imagine being in your position but if I had to be, I'd want to be as strong as you two seem while also having the whole support that ya'll have. Because we've known ya'll for so long, it's so hard being so far away now and feeling so helpless (which I'm sure most of your family is feeling too). It brings tears to my eyes the difficulities that Quinn is experiencing in his young life but mostly how happy I am to see his cute little adorable face, unswollen finally. He is definitely in the top 3 of the cutest babies I've ever seen (the other 2 being my own). I'm so elated that you got to nurse him Steph, what a wonderful moment that had to have been. In reading these posts I've seen a different side of you, Marshall. One that I knew could have exsisted but only in a circumstance like this. And I'm so happy that Steph gets to experience this side of you as well. It's always nice to see that side of our husbands right? You guys are amazing. I feel like I couldn't handle it myself but then when I look into the eyes of that precious little boy of yours, I'd do it in your place. Stay strong for him and He will stay strong for ya'll. ~Tiffani

Anonymous said...

Your students and I are all sending our best wishes to your family!
-Hilary B.

Anonymous said...

Steph,

If I could have wished for one thing for you (besides a healthy baby, which you will have, it's just going to take a bit longer than I wanted) it was for breastfeeding to go smoothly for you and Quinn.

I am so happy to read that the two of you had a good first experience nursing. I know firsthand how time-consuming and difficult pumping can be, and I give you so much credit for sticking with it all this time. You are such a wonderful mother.

Congratulations Steph on this milestone! Here's to many more months of wonderful breastfeeding for you and your son!

Love,
Kristin