Max's first day post op

Max has had a good day. He has nursed well and has rested well. Kelly said that when he nursed this morning he was the most aggressive he has ever been. Hopefully having that pressure relieved will help in this area. He has become a little agitated at times, as most newborns do. He has found that at that time, he is most comforted by laying on Kelly's chest! What a precious bond between mommy and son!

His shunt seems to be working well. Kelly said that she can tell a difference when she feels his fontanels. Both doctors, the neonatologist and the neurosurgeon, were in this morning before Kelly & John got there. (They both slept in, Thank you God, they needed it) So we don't have any updates or feelings from them today.

Kelly & John checked out of the hotel today. Tonight will be their first night to stay at home. Please pray that they will have peace and rest and that Max will have a good night. Thank you so much to everyone that has assisted with the cost of the hotel. We want to specifically thank Kelly & John's Sunday school class as Sylvan Hills church of Christ. You all have been such a support for Kelly & John through your comments on the blog, care packages that you put together, covering the cost of the hotel & meal tickets for the hospital, and most importantly through your prayers. Thank You.

They are going to be doing an ultrasound on Thursday. I assume this is to mainly look at the shunt to make sure it is working as it should. They will also be evaluating Max's brain and the blood that was there. Please pray that the blood is dissipating and that the shunt is working well. Please also pray diligently that they will see healthy brain tissue.

Prayers of Thanksgiving
~Max's life and the strength that he is gaining every day
~They turned Max's IV off last night around midnight and his blood sugar has been holding steady (it was 71 around 1pm today)
~Max's surgery went well yesterday, he didn't have any complications with the anesthesia and he was able to be weaned off of the ventilator immediately
~Max is tolerating his feeding and is nursing better than he ever has
~Max is gaining weight (6lbs 14oz last night, he may loose a little now that the IV has been turned off)
~Max's muscles seem stronger and the occupational therapist, nurses, and doctors are encouraged when they evaluate him
~Kelly & John are getting rest and feeling peace

Prayer Request
~That Max will continue nursing well & that his NG tube will be able to be removed soon
~That Max will continue to gain weight
~That Max's blood sugar will remain steady, above 50
~That Max will not suffer any complications from surgery (infection, etc)
~That the ultrasound on Thursday will show that the shunt is working as it should and that the blood is dissipating, leaving healthy brain tissue
~That Max will continue to get stronger and that he will suffer minimal to no deficits from this experience
~That Max will remain seizure free and that he will be able to be weaned off of his phenobarbitol with no complications or seizures
~That Kelly & John will continue to feel peace. That they will be excited and not scared to look toward Max's future. That Satan will stay far away from them and will not put the "what if's" in their brains. That they will be reminded every day that Max is a gift from God and that no one loves him more than God and HE is taking care of him.
~That through Max's life someone will come to know Christ and the power of prayer

We keep praying,
Karie