Friday, August 17

Today was a lot easier; Collin's catheter was taken out, as well as his nasal cannula. (Did I mention he pulled the drainage tube out of his mouth...the one that went down past his esophagus, into his stomach? Yeah, that one. That was late Wednesday night.) All I can think is, "His poor mother if he ever has to get braces!"

He was moved from the PICU into the Pediatric unit today. The nurse packed all of Collin's things onto his crib because he wasn't in it, he was being held at the time; it also made sense to move everything at once, in that big rolling bed. It was a little scary at first, but the surgeons wanted him to be held and carried. Apparently it helps the patient heal faster to get the blood flow moving, it is also not good for him to just lay in one place. Also, being the snuggler that Collin is, it is calming and comforting for him to be held when he isn't feeling well.

It was awesome and amazing to watch his daddy pick him up from grandma's arms and carry him to the new room on the next floor; mostly because no one wants to hurt Collin, but also because his dad did it with such confidence and care. Collin did not let out a peep the entire way.

Due to the highly contagious nature of his c. diff, he is in "isolation", which is the silver lining to the dark cloud of having a serious infection. He always gets his own room; his current room is a "double", so there is his crib AND a single hospital bed, plus the chair that pulls into a bed (the one his mom lived on the first month or two they were in Omaha). Now mommy and daddy can BOTH have a place to rest rather than having to "sneak" quick naps in the waiting room, in shifts.

The rooms all have clouds painted on the ceilings; Collin got a bunch of balloons from his Great Grandma R., (Grandma N's mom), and with the toys his mama brought from home, his room is very cheery and very colorful. He has Saint cards, from various family members, standing guard at the head of his crib and a unit of stuffed animals (from aunties, nanas and grandmas) guarding the low end.

Mommy brought a small (10 books strong) sampling from his home library and she even brought a cd of music from home. Everything is in it's place and mommy has made sure the room is clean, neat and cozy in their new, temporary little home.

It was wonderful to see bits and pieces of "the real Collin" shine through, finally, today. For instance, after being held for a short time, he was being laid down and he turned red with anger and howled. As soon as he was picked up again he settled down and begin to nonchalantly investigate his surroundings.

He would also spit out his pacifier and wail until it was dipped into water and placed back into his mouth, where he would suck the water off then spit it out again for a repeat.

The light reflecting off his Mylar balloons caught his eye and he turned his head, looked at them and grunted loudly as if giving his approval!

An image of his parents, both physically & personality wise; Collin is so full of "vim and vigor" that we miss it when he is lethargic and silent. Today we were able to glimpse the personality we all know and love!

I will never be adequately able to express our love and gratefulness for all of the prayers and caring you all give baby Collin and our family. Thank you; thank you; thank you!!! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!