morning news

Please read the previous post if you haven't already.

A couple of things I didn't know this morning until after the post were, (1) Shawn's pacemaker is nearby but disconnected. This is GOOD. His heart is still not beating in the regular sinus rhythm, but it is better than the junctional rhythm. I'll keep you posted on that. Also, he has not been urinating since the catheter was removed yesterday, so they did re-cath him in the night.

Earlier this morning, Shawn got a new chest tube to drain the air that was forming around his left lung. This has already made great progress. The awful mask that he was wearing has been removed and now he just has something very simple and less annoying attached.

Shawn looks very good. We have been told he will most likely be moved out of the PCCU today and onto the PICU floor. He will be able to have more visitors there, including Asher. We're not holding our breath on this one, but the possibility is encouraging. I feel much much better! Oh, and they have already removed one of the lines that was for blood draws, which was connected to his left hand. This is wonderful because it was really bothering him.

We're looking up.

I have received tons of emails and facebook comments about Shawn and all the prayers. I am so very grateful. It is nearly impossible to get emotionally prepared to see your sweet baby go through something like this. I know there are far worse situations, right here in this very hospital. A planned open heart surgical repair seems like nothing compared to any child having cancer or another debilitating disease. This is no fun, but it's a hayride compared to what many of the other families here are going through.

God bless all the children.