Feeling optimistic

Well, we are still here at Penrose. We had hoped Ryan would be well enough to go home today, but the pediatrician wants to keep him another night. He slept a good chunk of yesterday and last night, which is a huge improvement from last week's sleeping pattern. He also ate for a good 30 minutes today - also a step in the right direction.

Ryan's cough sounded worse than ever last night and this morning, but according to the pediatrician this is a good sign that the virus is finally making its way out of his system. After listening to his lungs this morning, she told me the wheezing had moved from the lungs up closer to his throat (another sign it's working its way out). They removed the IV and turned his o2 levels down to 50. He's doing great. A couple times during his feeding the oxygen tube came out of his nose but his levels remained above 90. So we are definitely seeing significant improvements.

One nurse told me that since Ryan was admitted Friday, three other babies (all about 3 months old) have been admitted for RSV. 'Tis the season, right?

I am bored and ready to be home! Aside from doing what I can to make Ryan's life easier, I've kept myself occupied with 'New Moon' (the second of the Twilight books), which I got about 180 pages into last July but never finished. I've also had a few friends stop by, which has been the highlight of our time here (other than Ryan getting better, of course). Hmmm... what else. Oh yes. Lots and LOTS of pumping! It's amazing how a week of poor feedings can decrease your milk supply so incredibly! The freezer here is accumulating quite the collection of Valeri's milk. :)

I miss my Chloebug. The poor thing has been tossed around so much these last few days. Neil took her to church today and said she hardly let him put her down. The excitement and stress of the last few days has definitely caught up with her. I think he is planning to bring her by later, which I'm excited about. I miss my girl. Hopefully when we are all home again, she and I can sneak away for a little date and leave the boys at home.

All in all, we're doing well. We are just hangin' out in our room, getting ready to watch the Superbowl. We appreciate all the visits, phone calls, meals, and most of all your prayers. They have certainly been heard! Let's keep our fingers crossed that we can get our little guy home tomorrow!