Wednesday, February 6, 2008

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. :)

9 comments:

Laur said...

I am so sorry you guys are having to deal with this. Poor little guy. I have always heard about RSV but never really understood how bad it could be! Let me know how he is doing.

Larvin and Ashley said...

I am so sorry for Cade. I hope all goes well. Our thoughts and prayers are with your little guy.

Emily said...

This must be so difficult. You are in my thoughts...

alriggells said...

Brie, I am so proud of you. I want you to know I am here for you ALWAYS, I will come sit with him while you sleep, go out for a little while, get you a diet coke, whatever you need I am here. Cade is such a strong little boy that I know he will get through this. I am thinking of the three of you constantly and am hoping your wishes of going home come true. I love you guys so much.

Alisa

Anonymous said...

brie and family,
I'm so happy that things are looking on the up and up :) I can't even begin to imagine how hard this is for you, and i just want you to know that i love you tons and have been praying a lot since i found out. keep your hopes up because the Lord works his magic in times like these. love you lots and remember that we are all here for you.

Marissa said...

Oh my gosh, Brie! I hadn't checked your blog in a few days, and when I do poor sweet Caden is sick! I'm so sorry that I haven't commented before, and I'm so sorry that Cade is sick! That's awful, but at least they do know what it is and at least they can treat him. I am praying for him (and for you and Brandon).

I love you and I love Cade. He's got to get better soon because I miss playing with him!

Heather Lindquist said...

Oh hun...I'm soooo sorry Cade got so sick. How awful for all of you. I admire your perseverance and courage through all this. Times like these are so sad and scary,but they can also be very important b/c they remind us of how fragile life is and how much we should show our love to others constantly! Hold that baby of yours tight and I know he'll be get better. The love of a mom and dad can often do so much more even then medicine! Hang in there and please, please don't neglect yourself during this time. Allow others to help out and support YOU as well. My prayers are with all of you.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you all. Please let me know what we can do to help.

Tanya said...

Oh brie, I just read this. It breaks my heart that your little man is so sick. My prayers are with you and your family that he makes a speedy and full recovery from this. Hugs...you are so strong, I know he is a strong little boy and he has to have your fighter instincts in him. Hugs...please let me know if there is anything, anything at all that I can do for you.