From the Hospital #2

Day three of Cade in the hospital is almost over (Oh, thank you, thank you). I sit here typing, listening to his labored breathing while he's curled up in the crib, and I remind myself to focus on the positives - that he is improving (however minimally). I think back on today, and smile as I remember that he had 1/3 of a popsicle today and ten M&M's, the most food he's had in four days. I smile when I think that he grabbed the remote from me today and was entralled watching the TV turn on and off, or when he almost smiled when Alana and I made a tower for him out of blocks and he knocked them over and watched them tumble to the ground. I think back and realize he was actually awake for an hour or two today, and that he spoke a little, asking for both his mama and his dada. All of these are drastic improvements over this past week, and I work very hard to remain positive and faithful that his little body will heal and that he will soon regain his strength and health. For such a vital, active little boy, seeing him so weak and sick has been heart-wrenching, and I cannot wait for the return of my old and familiar baby boy.

Cade has officially been diagnosed with an extreme case of RSV. After a chest X-ray done this morning, it has also been found that he has contracted Pneumonia from a viral infection. He is being treated with antibiotics for the Pneumonia, and is otherwise being fed a couple of different kinds of fluids through his IV, because he is extremely dehydrated. He still cannot breathe on his own without the oxygen tubes in his nose, but the pediatrician has been able to slow the amount of oxygen being given him, so he is able to get by with just a little less, which is hopeful. We are hoping for a discharge day of either Saturday or Sunday. Our doctor told us to not get our hopes up that he could leave by Friday, but they are anyway. He is improving a little everyday, so I am praying like crazy that by Friday or Saturday he'll be able to come back home, where I feel confident that he can recover more quickly in an environment that is both familiar and comfortable to him.

I want to thank you all for your love and support and prayers. I have had so many calls and visits and to know you are thinking of our little family at this time and are keeping us in your prayers truly brings tears to my eyes (I can't help it, I'm such a hot mess right now). I have never had to deal with anything like this, especially as a mother, and I have to tell you that it might be the scariest, most emotionally and physically taxing thing I've ever had to go through. It has just made me rediscover how grateful I am for Cade, and what a joy and blessing he is in my life. Again, thank you all.

Here are a few pictures I thought you might like to see.

This was taken last night, we were both sooooo sleepy.

Playing blocks with Daddy.

Yay for popsicles! Fashion and makeup are not priorities here, people, so do not judge my appearance. :)