My sister was in from Hawaii for Christmas, so we got to spend it with my family, and then saw Dave's parents a few days later. Everyone has been so great about being flexible and doing what works for us best. I kept mentioning that I really needed to get out of the house. (Christmas shopping was actually something I looked forward to doing -- I had to be alone and I was getting something big done!) Dave has been great about letting me get out as much as possible, but it's been a long couple of months as the kids have had lots of colds.
So anyway, we planned one evening at my Mom's, one at our house, and one at my Dad's. Well, as you may have read already, I spent most of Christmas Eve at the hospital with Jack, so that threw all of our plans out of whack. We didn't even open any presents until the 26th! I have to say it was kind of nice not to have the focus be on presents, though. We had some nice family gatherings squeezed in with some good food, and that was great for me. Somehow I don't think next year Alyssa will wait to see what we got her until the night of the 27th, though!
So now I find myself at the hospital once again. This time I am here with Drew, and we are next door to the room where Jack was. At least Drew was nice enough to get sick during the day instead at night! He also has RSV and a couple of small places with pneumonia on his lungs. He's actually been on antibiotics since Thursday, so he should be getting better soon. He wouldn't eat very well for us this morning, and it seems he got dehydrated. He had a scalp IV put into his head (not fun for baby or Mom!), but it fell out. But now he is doing so much better that they are letting him keep it out, yeah! He still has electrodes on his chest and his toe (also known as the ET phone home light). He's had some breathing treatments that seem to help, and so far he hasn't needed oxygen. He definitely looks better than when we got here, so I am so grateful to see my little boy doing better!
I never thought I would use my NICU knowledge again, but it's just like riding a bike, I guess. Drew is on all the same monitors he was as a newborn. But I have learned a lot, too (like double check what the ER doc says with the pediatric hospitaltician). I think the boys have learned a lot, also. It didn't take them long with all the poking and prodding to look at everyone who came into the room with distrust. It's like their little faces were saying: “What are you going to do to me?” But it seems that most of that is over now - thank goodness!
I have to say that it's much quieter here than at home, but when I dreamed of peace and quiet, this is not what I had in mind!!!!! We are at a new hospital, though, that is more like a hotel than anything. So if you have to be in, this is the way to do it! That will teach me to wish away my life or want other things, huh? Hopefully, we'll get some rest and be home soon. I am fighting a sinus infection, too, so I need some shut eye myself.
As for Jack, he is doing much better. Yesterday, he really smiled a lot and seemed like his old self. He is still wheezing a little bit, but the RSV lasts around 2 weeks, so that's expected. Lauren is hanging in there so far. She is starting to wheeze and cough, too, though. She is also cutting her first two teeth, so that is making her nice and cranky!
So we could really use your prayers for our family to get healthy and stay there. 2006 has been quite a tough year, and I have to say I'm kind of glad to see it go. I'm looking forward to 2007 and the fresh start (and hopefully sleep!) it will bring.
God bless you all and Happy New Year!
Amanda
