Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Hold him in our arms

Eli was extubated again today. I think we're going to stick with it, this time. He still has an IV in his left foot, but there's nothing tied into it right now. He still has the feeding tube, and an oxygen feed to his nostrils.

The only drugs still being pumped into him are methadone and valium. These drugs are used for weening him off the Fentanyl and Ketamine he's been on for the last 5 weeks. The latter drugs are opiates, and create a dependency. Without a gentle ween from them, he will go through severe withdrawals. Because he was on those drugs for such a long time, the weening process will take a little longer than usual. We've not been given any timelines, but my understanding is that we should expect roughly a week of diminshing doses before they're gone. The potential upside is that we might have the opportunity to begin teaching Eli how to eat while we go through this, rather than wait for him to head down into regular care. Today, he had good control over sucking on a pacifier, already.

We held him today, finally. He stayed in Tanya's arms for a couple hours while I made the drive from work in Bakersfield today. Then, he slept for over an hour in my arms. We finally have a little baby. A real, live, red-blooded (ok, purple blooded at this stage in his life) human being. More than ever, now we want to take him home and begin showing him the world.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been waiting for this moment...my heart is bursting with joy, love and PRAISE. To see Eli in your arms is, oh, no words can express it. I am so proud. I can't wait to hold him, but more than that for you to share him with the WORLD. WE LOVE YOU...

Anonymous said...

Praise God!

Bonnie said...

Your words "We finally have a little baby . . . and now we want to take him home" brought tears to my eyes as I realize the long five weeks we have had to "just watch."

So thankful for the little steps, day by day. So thankful for His provision of grace and peace in the midst of this trying time.

Continuing to pray for strength for each day and bright hope for tomorrow.

Bonnie

Tamara B said...

I know its not the same, but you have been sharing him and showing him off to all of us. I guarantee you that I see this precious little one more than my own nephews and nieces. Thanks for sharing Eli with us and I'm so glad you got to hold him today!

Steph D said...

Praise the Lord!!! The pictures that you shared are so precious and I'm sure they don't even completely capture the special moments you got to have with him.

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! It is such a joy to see you both holding Eli. My heart rejoices with you. Just to see Jason holding Eli with that proud smile on his face is priceless. You both have been such a blessing to all of us in these last five weeks. Hang in there! It won't be long until you have him home. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful son with all of us. Love you guys, Linda Ransom

The Favelos said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! Such precious pictures... priceless. So happy for you guys. Praising God with you guys for this big step forward!

Christina said...

It's so touching to finally see you hold your sweet baby boy. You continue to be in our hearts and prayers. Hang in there!

The Reich Family

shalee said...

how wonderful that must have felt to finally hold him. I am so glad that he is progressing so well. thank you for keeping us all updated. I still have your family in my prayers.