Two steps forward, one step back

Yesterday Quinn had a tube snaked through his stomach, past the swollen duodenum, and into his intestine so the nurses can start trying to give him milk. He was given morphine and a breathing tube for this procedure. He now has a tube going up his nose and directly into his intestine for feeding purposes. So good news is he gets to eat, bad news is he only gets milk up the nose. Sorry little buddy. I thought about complaining about the tape job on his face, but I know that is the least of Quinns problems.

They also took the opportunity under sedation to put another line into his arm.

I've decided to show a video that I had previously decided against. It's not any fun to watch, but it is a glimpse of what he is going through. I took this one back before his heart surgery and it shows him trying to cry with a breathing tube in. He was less than two weeks old. If only he was just acting.

I want friends and family to know that we will not be coming home for the holidays, in case anyone was praying for that. Last night at about 2am, Quinns heart rate dropped pretty significantly and started skipping beats more frequently. It went from about 140-160 beats per minute, to between 70 and 80 and has stayed there. Doctors are concerned of course, but the plan is to give him time in this controlled environment, and hope for improvement. Remaining indifferent about having another operation is a challenge. I flat out don't want him to have one. But if he does, I know it will be because that's what is best.

The doctors agree that exhausting all other options before surgery is the way to go, and they talk to us frequently about his situation. They are not setting a time limit on his recovery, so he will be hospitalized for quite a while to come. There will always be another holiday season, and I'm happy he won't remember his first one. Baby's first Christmas is usually over rated anyway and it's more for the parents.

I will say that this setback takes nothing away from how far he has come. He's already been through worse, as this concern is not life threatening. Doctors kept the leads in place from a pacemaker going into his heart that will keep it pumping should it stop. He's still a handsome and tenacious little man. Like so many of you, I really enjoy rooting for him. Thank you to everyone who is behind us. There are many blessings for us to count and Steph and I remain conscious of that.