August was switched to a less-intense ventilator/respirator, and he seems to be doing well with the change. I believe this ventilator allows for the possibility of him breathing on his own without the threat of rupturing a lung. They are also suctioning some goop out of his lungs, which is improving his carbon dioxide output.

This is a great present for Janet.

Happy Birthday Mama!

Love,

Papa and Porter

August continues to be in stable condition, with little improvements here and there.

The doctor’s thought they might have to give him a blood transfusion today but the level of something they were measuring improved. Janet donated blood today earmarked for August. It takes a couple of days to be screened and will hopefully be available should he need it.

Thanks to everyone for your support of our family during this current hospital visit. We really appreciate the meals and Porter is enjoying the increase in playdates. (He is also enjoying the increased amount of TV/computer screen time.)

 -Johnny

Oh my sweet Baby August,

You are so strong and beautiful.  Paralytics.  Eye goop.  Catheter.  IV.  Main line.  Meds.  Drugs.  Food.  Fluids.  Enzymes.  Potassium.  This is what they are pumping into you.  Stay strong little man.  The oscillating oxygen machine makes your whole body shake.  Sometimes you wake up a little bit and suck on the tube that is sending oxygen down your throat.  When I lean in and talk you to, say your name, sing you a song, or touch your leg, you stir.  You open your eyes.  You move your head searching for your mama.  I’m right here.  I’ll always be right here.  You move your arm.  The masked and gowned ones come in and bolus more sedatives into your body.  Your face turns red as you feel this tube down your throat.  You want to choke it out.  You can’t.  Soon you stop moving.  They put goop in your eyes and close them.  Back to sleep.  Don’t move.  Don’t breathe.  The machines do it for you.

I took August to Legacy Emmanuel Hospital last night, at 4:00 a.m. because he was breathing rapidly, looked pale, and his congestion had been building for a couple of days. He is currently in the Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit on a respirator.

The good news is that he is doing better then when I took him in. His oxygen saturation has increased with the current respirator, he looks better, and his blood tests have good results.

Janet is there now through the night and I will relieve her in the morning.

I’ll post more information when I can. You can subscribe to this feed through this RSS link and receive and email when we post news.

-Johnny

9:30 p.m. update from Janet: August’s fever is down. He might move to a less-intense(?) respirator tomorrow, Yeh!

My dearest August,

It has been one whole year since you were born! That was the single most amazing thing I have ever seen. You and your Mama were so strong.

It is unbelievable that a year has just passed. So many exciting and wonderful events have been packed into the last 12 months.

I’m glad you are feeling better now that your bronchitis and ear infection have cleared up. Your teeth are really pushing through and I’m sorry they hurt you.

I am glad you are getting more sleep lately. It has been exhausting for us all, but your smile and laughter make all the tiredness go away.

We’ll eat a cupcake and think of your sweetness.

I Love You!

Papa