Mama's Boy

Ayden is really a Daddy's Boy, but when it comes to being consoled, Ayden has begun to nestle into my chest. Before his Glenn procedure, Ayden had gotten to the point where he didn't really like to be held; instead, he wanted to be sitting up like the rest of us. Once Ayden had surgery, he started to find retreat in Mommy's arms. I have mixed emotions about his new habit. I love holding my little boy, but I want him to feel secure in the comfort of his home. We don't wear yellow isolation robes; we haven't come to take blood pressures and temperatures; no one wakes him up at 5AM to do x-rays or draw labs.

Dr. Kavanaugh reminded me at his cardiac clinic appointment last week that it may take weeks for our little boy to recover from hospital life. His restless nights appear to have gotten better, but he is still crying/gagging over coughs, spitting up at the morning feed, experiencing stranger anxiety, getting upset when sedatives are due, refusing to suck on a bottle... all things that take time to overcome. In the meantime (or anytime he wants), I will cradle Ayden close.

_____

Ayden went to the pediatrician this morning. They say he weighs 14 lbs. 14 oz. (10th percentile) and measures 25 1/2 inches (50th-65th percentile). (He is in a size 2 diaper!) He got his second round of immunizations and passed his hearing test. His pediatrician, Dr. Hood, says he is doing exceptionally well. She believes removing medications will help Ayden feel more like himself. (Four of the remaining ten medications will drop off by November 9th, and one more will be decreased.)

Dr. Kavanugh and Dr. Bichell agree that Ayden does not need to return to Vanderbilt this week for a followup surgical visit. They do not wish to expose him to the hospital.

_____

Ayden had a visitor this morning... He already loves Aunt Lisey.