Whew - we are finally getting better here at the Graves house.  Cody's wobbly newborn deer legs have strengthened to about 80% of their former stability.  The pain from his G-tube site has gone down and he is moving around - checking out his toys - even wanting to go outside and swing on the swingset.  He's eating and drinking a bit more.  Seems like everything is on the upswing finally. 

As for Don and I, we feel like we've been hit by a Truck - and are so happy for a 3 day weekend to try to catch up on some sleep and let go of some stress.

Today we took Cody to the hospital for his post-surgery exam and first tube feeding.  YIKES!  They said the site looks great - clean - and healing well.  The incision next to it has a steri-strip on it and it's ready to come off.  Don and I got our lesson in all the mechanics of tube feedings and boy is there a lot!  Different tubes for venting, feeding, giving meds.  We learned about flushing, cleaning, formulas......it is overwhelming but I think I'm understanding it all at least.  We're signed up with Home Health Care through the hospital which delivers the supplies and formula and helps us with equipment like pumps and syringes.  It's a whole new world!  A new world to become an expert on. 

I'm still trying to decide what formula to give him - and am hoping for the one least likely to increase gas or gastro issues. 

Then he got his first mini tube feeding at the hospital and I DID IT!  The nurse tested it out with a bit of water, then I 'primed' the tubes so there were no air bubbles, loaded the formula into the syringe, and then it got scary.  I had to reach down and pull the little 'lid' off the G-tube button on his tummy.  I almost got sick - it is just so hard to see a little hole into your child's tummy.  But I did it - and inserted the feed tube and slowly emptied the formula into his tummy via the tube.  Then a little of the formula burps back out when you remove the tube so I wiped it off and put the 'lid' back on.  Poor Cody - Don had to hold his arms down and my friend Jennifer held his legs down - so that part is no fun.  But we got it in him at least.  Don and I are going to try it tonight once he's asleep. 

But for now, we're popping popcorn cuz both kids are asleep and we need to ESCAPE!  So popcorn and ice cream it is!  We will celebrate making it through one of the toughest weeks of our lives...and we'll celebrate Cody's tenacity and amazing spirit....and Casey being a trooper while mom and dad were stressed out.  And we will hope that this feeding tonight is tolerated and that eventually we don't have to restrain his arms and legs to get these feedings done cuz that won't work for Cody or us. 

But I feel I can say the worst is over and shades of the Cody I knew are coming back.  thank you for your prayers and wonderful emails of support.  We do not feel alone and that makes such a difference.  Okay - off to relax!

with love,

shawna