Better Every Day

Since coming home from the hospital Wednesday night, we have seen so much improvement in Colby!! On Thursday and Friday, I was so worried. Colby was just absolutely pitiful. The only places he was happy on those days were in his stroller, in the car, or in his bed. We have been told that babies have a very bad headache after the Glenn, and I think that is what was going on with Colby. Poor little guy!! It is very hard to see him in pain and not be able to do anything for him. I hate that helpless feeling!!!

On Saturday morning, we finally saw smiles from Colby, and by Saturday afternoon, he was acting more like his old self. He was clapping his hands, dancing to music, waving, interacting with Brody, and giggling. I didn't realize how much I missed all of these things until he did them again. Jason and I thought that we were excited to see these milestones the first time, but I think we are even more excited to see them for the first time after this surgery.

We are hoping that since Colby is acting more like himself that his body is adjusting to the new blood flow and maybe his headaches are less painful. It is still so hard for us to believe that he just had open heart surgery a little over a week ago, and he is doing so well. God is good!!

Colby is on several medications right now...some that he was on before and a couple of new ones. It has taken me a few days to get adjusted to the new dosages, the new medications, and the new schedule of giving these medications. For now, he is taking Lasix (diuretic) three times a day, Spironalactone (diuretic) twice a day, Enalapril (blood pressure) twice a day, Aspirin once a day, and Axid (acid reflux) twice a day. On top of all of these, we also have to give him a shot in his leg twice day for his blood clot. The shot is by far the worst and the most unexpected for me and Jason. Of all the things we imagined when finding out about Colby's heart defect, this is not one of them!

Colby's diet has also been a big adjustment, because he has to be on a low sodium diet for several months. Sodium has never been something I have looked at on packages, and I am shocked at how much sodium is in certain foods. This is making meals very difficult, because Colby is a picky eater as it is. Before surgery, he loved eating refried beans, black beans, hot dogs, mac and cheese, and sliced cheese. All of these foods are unfortunately out now because of their high sodium content. Right now, he is living on yogurt and Gerber cheetos...not exactly a balanced diet! If anyone has any suggestions on low sodium toddler friendly foods for us, I would love to hear them!!!

Many of you have asked us how Brody has done through all of this, and as usual, he has done unbelievably well. While we were in the hospital, he stayed with my parents (Gacky and Granna) for the first few days, and he stayed with Jason's mom (Nana) the last few days. Basically, he was spoiled rotten the entire time!! We wouldn't have it any other way, though! Thank you Gacky, Granna, and Nana for taking such good care of our little man. He had a great time as always! Now that he is home, he is taking good care of Colby. He is always there to comfort Colby when he cries, and he is constantly asking him if he feels better now. I love it!

Colby will have several doctors' appointments in the next few weeks. His first appointment is on Tuesday with his cardiologist, Dr. Doyle. Then, on Wednesday, we will go see his pediatrician. I will keep you posted on how these appointments go.

Once again, thank you so much for the continued prayers and support. Jason and I have been blessed with some amazing friends and family! We will never be able to properly thank all of you for the encouragement and love you have provided us and continue to provide us daily. We love you all!!!!!!