"I Got To HOLD Him!"

This is the first time I have held him since running him into the ER over a month ago!

Matt and I headed to the hospital today like usual, but this was to be no "normal" day. First, we were told that his blood culture had come back negative for MRSA, which meant that we didn't have to wear the hot yellow gowns anymore. Thank you Jesus! Then, when we got close to the room I noticed that Asher had a blanket over him, which I didn't think much about it, until I got right up next to his bed and realized that he was dressed and swaddled. This was a first since arriving at the CICU. Usually he is kept undressed except for a diaper and warmed by a heating unit above him. The nurse explained to me that he had been having a difficult time regulating his body temperature...it was common among babies with his heart defect...and needed the heating lamp. But, today he had started regulating his temperature all by himself which meant he could wear clothes now. It was wonderful to see him looking like a normal baby again...all swaddled and cozy. Then the big surprise....she said I could hold him!!! It felt so good to have him back in my arms again. I was nervous to move around too much because he still has a bunch of tubes and wires that follow him around and I didn't want to make his sternum hurt. But, just sitting still and looking down into his precious little face was enough to make me forget about all those inhibitions. An hour and a half just flew by in no time at all and we had to leave so I could pump again. I think the only thing that made me even want to put him down was that his breathing grew more labored and I wanted him to rest comfortably. So, this was a mile marker day!

Take a look at some more pics:

Trying to get things situated

Getting comfy back in bed

He was so alert after we put him back in bed. I've noticed that his eyes are looking more mature now than the little newborn's I brought in here.

Even though today was a good day, I did get a bit more information regarding his condition which needs to be covered in prayer. The nurse said that 95% of babies with his heart condition and repair have feeding problems...most of them require to be fed by an exterior port in their stomach called a G-tube. It isn't permanent, but it isn't God's best either! I'm standing in faith that he will be part of the remaining 5% that wow's doctors with his amazing recovery and ability to eat without aspirating his food. I believe he will drink breast milk and will be able to nurse shortly. I believe that his immune system will function at peak condition and that he has all of the T-cells he is suppose to have to work properly. I believe that he isn't going to have any speech delays, especially caused by a defective soft palate. He is going to be made whole in the name of Jesus and by the blood of the lamb that was slain for him! Please continue to join your faith with ours for this little warrior to receive a miracle healing!

God Bless!
~Erika~