Just Another Holiday in the Hospital

Well, we were in the hospital for a week over Thanksgiving, in the ER Christmas Eve, and back at UNC for Easter. At least we get a little free parking... right? Matt and I watched an Easter service online yesterday and worshiped right along while Graham napped. It was really refreshing to praise the Lord. If it were not for our RISEN Savior, we would have no hope. God watched His Son suffer much more than I am watching Graham suffer.

Graham started eating better yesterday. He didn't have a tube feeding after 10:30am. After that he ate barely enough to skip tube feedings. Today they took the feeding tube out. They thought he might eat better without the aggravation of the tube in his nose. He ate poorly for several hours after they took it out and then at 5:30pm he ate for 7 mins. He is eating about half of what he was eating at home before surgery. They also took the IV out of his foot today b/c it stopped working. So he only has the monitors on his chest remaining!

Since the feeding tube came out, Graham has to take his medicines by mouth which is going to be a challenge. He gets lasix at night and acid reflux medicine in the morning and Tylenol as needed. I am suspecting if things continue or improve they will be sending us home soon, but they haven't really said anything about it. I am ready to go home but I am nervous about taking home a baby that won't eat.

Graham continues to have some stomach pain and frequent green poops. The cardiologists don't seem concerned and just want to give it time. The lactation consultants offer some suggestions for getting Graham to eat. I am unsure whether to push for more measures, like consulting GI docs, or whether to keep trying to feed and praying. Please continue to pray that Graham will eat and that he will take his medicines without a fight.

My parents came for a visit today. My dad, Matt and I went for walk around campus, my first time leaving the hospital in 6 days. The weather was beautiful. We also found a Chick-fil-a in a student cafe. Why have I been here for 12 days and did not know there was a Chick-fil-a within walking distance? Some friends brought us a delicious home cooked meal for dinner! My parents left and Matt went home for the night so he can work tomorrow.

Sorry for the long post. Here's a few pics to make it worth reading:

If you look closely you can see that his paci is missing the upper right corner. 

My mom cut it so it wouldn't nudge the feeding tube and make him gag.

Graham's first Easter basket! The Easter Bunny found him in the hospital!

Graham got a bunny and blanket from some volunteers.

"Dude, this bouncy seat ain't big enough for the both of us."