Another Big Day

Friday, Feb. 24-

Isaac has been doing really well and making good progress. Not amazingly fast improvements but not without progress either. When we got to his bedside early this morning, Dr. Gruber, the surgeon who fixed his heart, scheduled his chest closure surgery at 3 PM this afternoon. AMAZING! He isn't 3 days old and he was going to be looking back at some of the biggest obstacles in his path.

In comparison with his bypass surgery, this closure surgery is pretty simple. But it also comes with worries and concerns, too. It is still surgery and he will be coming off medication that immobilizes and puts him out. There is also the need to adjust all the machines and medicines again with the changes with a closed chest now. Post-operation, no matter the operation, is always a sticky situation.

Mom and Dad by Isaac's beside, waiting for surgery

Grandma and Grandpa Norman and Gilmore were able to come see Isaac before surgery, and they also brought mom and dad a treat--- Emily and Eli. How great it was to see them and be with them. How grateful we are to have 2 healthy kids and that Lisa's family is so willing to take care of them while we are here.

We spent some great time with them. We had lunch together in the cafeteria and went to Primary's Forever Young Zone to let the kids experience the positives of being in the hospital. The best part was just being together. The 3 days apart have felt like weeks with everything that has already taken place.

At 3:42 we got the call that Isaac was out of surgery and things went well. He didn't miss a beat as they closed chest. They actually bring the OR right to his bedside in the CICU, so we waited in Lisa's room. By 4:15 we were able to go in and see and check on him.

Isaac looking good with his chest closed.

It wasn't the end. He got his feeding tube to begin the process of getting back to normal. He will start with tiny amounts to get his stomach to wake up and work their way to a normal size feeding for a newborn.

Feeding tube in place

Isaac also had 2 x-rays today. One to check the surgery and make sure things were looking okay. The second one was to check the placement of his feeding tube, to ensure it was were it needed to be.

He had a big day again, but has responded well and is doing his part in helping with his recovery. How thankful we are for those involved with his care, they do amazing things!