Tuesday, April 3

Update: There are few things in the world that tug our heartstrings more than seeing a daddy hold his son, lovingly. When we arrived at the NICU tonight, we were greeted with that wonderful sight. It is adorable how intently Baby Collin watches his dad's face and listens when his dad speaks. It's a little different than how he is with his mommy...Collin's look and demeanor show that there is nowhere he'd rather be than snuggled in him mommy's arms when she holds him and he wears a look of pure adoration when she talks to him. We could sit and watch our little family for hours it seems. Tonight we captured several of Collin's plethora of facial expressions. Enjoy!

We have received so many private emails and phone calls asking questions about things written in the entries or inquiring about more detail, that we set up a special email account for you to use to contact us about the blog: collinshope@mail.com. Feel free to email us anytime!

Collin is still doing well. The doctors gave him a barium enema today and the preliminary results showed everything as it should be in his lower (or large) intestines. Tomorrow (Wednesday), they will do the procedure again, but instead of an enema, they will send the barium through his g-tube. This will allow them to view his small intestines on an x-ray. The surgeon had warned us previously that babies with gastroschisis always have swollen intestines, Collin's have been just a little more swollen than usual which is probably what has caused him to throw up. We think it's good that the doctors continue to be cautious with his care, and hold off on the feedings for a day or two.

His parents started the "ball rolling" as far as applying for the transplant program at UNMC. Once they receive his medical records, a board of surgeons will look them over and make a determination of whether they can accommodate Collin's needs, whether they currently have space for him and some other criteria including references from his current doctors. We pray that Collin's application is expedited and accepted. (Collin may NOT need a small intestine or liver transplant, however they are being proactive in seeking a space at the transplant center in the event he does need one.)

The next step for Collin's parents will be to have Collin's dad's military orders changed to the Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. This will be achieved through what is called a "Humanitarian PCS" (permanent change of station). After Collin's dad applies for the humanitarian pcs, which is given due to medical hardships of family members of service people, a board of commanders will decide whether or not to grant it. If it is granted, the application moves up to a human resource level in San Antonio, TX. If (and when) they approve it, and if Offutt Air Force Base has room for Collin's dad in their Firefighter ranks, he will be transferred very quickly. The Air Force will pack up and move his parents to their new home.

This is very overwhelming from the perspective of someone on the outside looking in, but Collin's Mom and Dad just take each moment day by day and each step one at a time. We are proud and inspired by their strength and resolve. We(all of their parents)are lucky to have such a wonderful and capable son and daughter; Collin is lucky to have such dedicated and loving parents.

An interesting aside is that Collin's Grandpa N received a humanitarian pcs about 9 years ago and was transferred from Sheppard AFB in Texas to Offutt. (So we know it CAN be done!)

We have said, from before we were blessed with Collin's birth, that we are so grateful that Collin's Dad is in the military. The medical coverage for the heroes who defend our nation is wonderful and the paid leave that military "new dads" get is generous. Collin's care in the NICU is about $3000 a day (and that doesn't include visits from specialists like the wound specialist, the pediatric orthopedist or the pediatric surgeons who visit every day.) That is all covered by the military medical insurance, thank goodness!

Later this evening we'll visit with Collin and his parents and promise to bring you some more photos. We are so blessed and gifted in so many ways and have so much for which to be thankful; your prayers and words of encouragement carry ALL of us when things get tough or scary and we are so grateful for them. THANK YOU!