Just before midnight tonight on Day 2 in the ICU, Tom and I got to hold Julian for the first time after his surgery! I was so elated. It felt amazing to feel the weight of my baby again in my arms.
Other major milestones Julian reached today include getting off his breathing tube and removing a bunch of other wires including his bile tube, catheter, blood sugar monitor, arterial IV, etc. because he is doing so well. He only has two IV lines left, a drainage tube and oxygen tubes to his nose. He is eating formula every three hours since his stomach did well on some pedialyte.
So Julian is getting back to more of his normal self and I got to see those big blue eyes I missed! He also has to do some “chest therapy” which involves banging on his back to loosen things up. He has a pretty bad sounding cough because of the breathing tube but the nurses call those “good coughs” because they help in the process of recovery inside his chest cavity.
Here is today in pictures:
Awww, such sweet pictures. Look at that little face! Thanks so much for sharing. It must’ve been amazing to hold your little Julian again. So glad to hear he is recovering well
You all with continue to be in my prayers. Lots of love! Muah!
I know that you don’t know me, but your friend, Laura Sanders, shared your blog with me because it sounds like Julian’s journey is very similar to our son Jacob’s journey. Jacob was born in March, 2008 with Down syndrome and a number of heart complications. He had two surgeries at Children’s and is doing very, very well now. His heart repairs have gone great, and we are now enjoying every minute we have to spend with him. He is, really, a delight.
I know the days, weeks, surgeries, etc. can take its toll though. We had our ups and downs. I’d be happy to share more of Jacob’s story with you, and suggest some resources that we found helpful, if that’s something that would be helpful to you now. I know everything is probably overwhelming for you all, but just know that the offer stands. You can email me off the blog and I’d be happy to talk more with you.
In the meantime, know that my prayers are with you all. Julian looks like a joy, and I have no doubt that he will bring you lots more joy in the days, weeks, and years to come. Hang in there. As the old cliche says, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Yay! So good to see Julian in your arms again, and I’m sure he loves it, too! He keeps looking better and better. Have a good day. Love you all!
PRECIOUS!
Congratulations! I’m happy to hear Julian’s mending so quickly. All that time in your arms helps him, I’m sure. (And snuggling a baby’s pretty therapeutic for adults, too
) Thanks for your pictures and updates. We think of your family often and send our very best wishes. May you all be home soon!
Holding your baby for the first time after heart surgery is one of the biggest miracles. I will never forget that moment. I felt like it was the first day of the rest of our lives. Congratulations, hugs and kisses.
Melanie, Gracie and Family
Laura Tuck Dietz So glad to hear that Julian is doing so well!! We’ve been watching along with your blog and have been enjoying the photos. Hope you guys are getting some sleep too when you can. Take care!
January 6 at 2:55am · Like
Pam Cesen Gretchen- I just wanted you to know that we’re all thinking of you and are sending loads of positive thoughts your way from all over the world! I’m 8 hrs ahead of the East Coast, so if you ever just need to know that someone out there is listening, I’m at pamela.alley@iraq.centcom.mil. Thinking of you and praying for a strong and healthy recovery for Julian!
January 6 at 6:19am · Like
Kathy Kew Lee So glad to see so much progress so quickly!
January 6 at 7:56am · Like
Jessica Russo Revand He looks like he’s doing great, Gretchen!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you….