Today's Progress

Henry continues to amaze us each day.  The doctors talk a lot about how no two babies are alike and that none of them have read the textbooks on what their post-surgical course should look like....well, except for Henry :)  He seems to be following a textbook recovery so far (... I am nervous to say things like this, as we never take anything for granted and wouldn't want to jinx anything!).  Henry's progress today included removal of his CVC (central venous catheter) and they moved him from a full-sized stretcher (that you see in all the previous pictures) to a Giraffe bed (a baby-specific bed - more appropriate to his size). They put the babies on stretchers post-surgery so there is plenty of room for many people to access from all sides should that be needed.  Below is Henry and his nurse, Megan, as she settles him in his new Giraffe bed.

In the afternoon, Henry was transferred back to the NICU... Prior to leaving PICU, he needed another echo (to make sure his heart function and the surgical repairs continue to be as they should) and an ECG.  It was pretty hectic and he was pretty tired at the end of it.  This was a much smaller move (only 2 nurses) than any of the previous. We are making progress!!

Below is a clip of the hand-off from the PICU nurse to the NICU nurse.

Our new NICU nurse, Anne, thought it might be nice for us to get a picture together with Henry in Henry's new digs.... Owen was present, but chose to sleep through this photo-op.

Admittedly, Hal and I are pretty tired out.  We are relieved at the end of each day with Henry's good progress. We are blessed to have our boys, who are so good and such bright lights in our days.  

Sadly, while we were able to celebrate Henry's progress, our fellow parents had made their decision a few days ago regarding letting their daughter go. Sadly, there was not much choice for them to make. We felt deeply empathic for them, as they waited in the family room. It has been 4 days since they made their decision. Life is fragile and cruel.