August long weekend

Henry is settled in to his room on the cardiac unit at Alberta Children's Hospital.  On Saturday, Hal, Magnus, Owen, and I spent a few hours visiting.  Magnus enjoys the long hallways with the many playing areas... though he does pretty well, it isn't the best place for a busy 17-month-old.  He seems to realize more and more that these 2 little grunters are somehow associated with him.

Henry continues to look and sound a little better each day.  After intubation, babies (and most adults for that matter) tend to be quite hoarse-sounding for a few days. Henry was initially very hoarse...sounds like he has a very sore throat.  Today, nurse Fareen said it was the first time she was able to hear Henry crying from the hall.  A little progress each day...just what we like to see.  Henry has had a few alarms for 'extra heart beats'.  This can be quite normal post-op and also with non-surgical preemies, but because of Henry's history, this is something they will watch just to be sure everything is ok. They will do this, by having him wear a monitor (a Holter) for 24 hours. They can then download the information and see if it is anything to be concerned about.  There are 2 primary issues that keep Henry in hospital at this point. I believe I've mentioned these previously: fluid balance and feeding.  They continue to tinker with the diuretics, but seem to be getting close to what works for Henry. He still has a little 'wetness' in his lungs.  Henry is now bottling every 3 hours (more like a healthy baby). He is getting 46 mls at this point- he bottles what he will take and is given the rest into his NG tube.  Sometimes overnight, the nurses simply put it down the tube rather than waking him.  During the day, though, Henry has taken anything from only a small amount by mouth right up to the full 46 mls.  Tomorrow we will start working on the breastfeeding and see how his energy is for that.

Here is a look at Henry in his big boy bed. He is doing so well. Henry went outside with daddy today. It was the first time that he was allowed to see the light of day, off the monitors,  after over 7 weeks. He seemed to really enjoy the outdoors, which makes him a Kuntze for sure :)

Henry also had a very nice visit today from Ans. Ans was one of the boys primary nurses at NICU foothills. I think it is safe to say that they might have worked their way into Ans heart too, and Ans into ours. She continues to care about their well being long after her shift ended a few weeks ago. We have been so lucky to have so many wonderful people enter our lives, under such dire circumstances, all fully willing to help Henry get better in such an unconditional way. There are many things that need to be addressed in universal health care, but it stands as a testament, that these wonderful ladies and gentlemen have gone above and beyond in the care of our boys - no one more than Ans. :)

We have so many people to thank for so much support. At times it is overwhelming to know we have so many loving and caring people in our lives. We don't know what we would do with out you all.

best for tonight

Hal and Jill