Seth is much better!

I know lots of churches and hundreds of people were praying for Seth today. I am thrilled to report, to the glory of God, that he is MUCH better. His X-ray is vastly improved, and He is back on nasal cannula rather than the high pressure Vapotherm, on 1.5 liters/minute and satting 99%. He still sounds kind of gunky - the resident just listened with her stethoscope - but he has good movement of air nonetheless. We praise and thank God for all He has done in just one day.

One disappointing and concerning thing I found out was that the respiratory therapist was deep-suctioning him, one of the causes of his oral aversion in the first place from the NICU. I am very unhappy about that because I had specifically asked that he not be suctioned into the back of his throat. When I heard him gagging and dry-heaving I realized what they were doing, much to my dismay. (I was staying away so he wouldn't associate me with the distressing nasal suctioning.) I think they understand now how strongly I feel about NOT suctioning his throat and trachea! It's not worth months of additional oral therapy to overcome. Please pray that his eating and drinking will not be set back by this, Lord willing. He has yet to take anything by mouth since this latest illness.

I had a lovely afternoon with the babies at home, just hanging out and playing with them while Gavin was at the hospital. Then I switched out with him, and my dad and sister-in-law were here for a few hours too. How nice! Seth had a great day. Aunt Sam stayed with him this morning while Gavin and I went to church. That's the first time in 6 weeks I've been able to get to church, the kids have been sick for so long!

Hopefully Seth will settle down soon so his old mom can get some rest too. All the breathing treatments really amp him up! He's pretty hilarious and rambunctious. Oh, and he's been walking across his crib! So right now he's the only other baby besides David to really take steps, and he's not even 10.5 months adjusted age yet (when Isaac took his first steps). So much for being the "delayed" baby! He also initiated a game of peekaboo with me, covering and uncovering his own face with his hospital gown and laughing throughout. The funniest part was when he put the hospital gown above his head and then below his head, but never actually covered his eyes. He still wanted me to say "Where's Seth?!" even though I could see him the whole time. :) Adorable!

Thanks for praying for Gavin, who is still definitely fighting the jet lag and reverse culture-shock on top of it. They say to allow one day for each hour of time change, so that puts Gavin at two weeks recovery time! That's hard to do when you have five babies and an active nine-year-old, not to mention one baby in the hospital. :} Gavin is frustrated at not being in better "form" for his family, but we're so glad he's home! David and Marcie could not stop grinning at him, and both Marcie and Seth had to climb into his arms as soon as they saw him. Gracie laughed and grinned like her silly little self as always, and Will had to feel his face and beard as though to re-familiarize himself with his daddy's features. Isaac was HAPPY and planned a little celebration for us as a family. We are SO blessed!

Love and gratitude, with thanks to The Father for His mercy and powerful healing yet again!

Carrie

This is such a funny face he keeps making!