Feb 16, 2009

Look ma, no tube!



Yay! Today Davis was extubated! He no longer has a breathing tube and is breathing on his own. (The tube you can see in the first photo is not a breathing tube, but a replogel, which removes air, bile, etc. from his stomach until his intestines can process things on his own). His nitric oxide (minimal dose) is delivered through nasal cannulas. I have never seen the bottom half of his face until tonight, and Michael only saw it for a couple of minutes right after he was born. He is so freaking cute! 

The plan is to remove the replogel in the next few days, which is great, because he hates it and constantly tries to spit it out. Then we'll start feeds. His surgeon thinks he'll be eating cheeseburgers by the end of the week... not really, but we hope he continues to make the kind of progress he's shown so far. Feeding can be a big challenge for CDH kids (check out Carter's blog for proof of this), so we are constantly being told to have patience. 

We feel so lucky to have Davis. Tonight in the hallway outside the NICU a family was gathered, crying together. Everyday we feel so much gratitude for Davis' life and strength. 

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh I am so proud and happy for Davis and you guys!!!!! I continue to pray for the three of you every day. I love you guys soooooooooo much, and plan to see you soon. I love that little man, he is truly an inspiration!!!!
Hugs and Many Kisses,
*Noelle

Anonymous said...

You sure got it right!! His is the cutest little face in the whole world:) And what great news about his progress...breathing on his own and eating cheeseburgers...what more could we ask for?? He has made such amazing progress with just these few days post op! You know you are forever in my thoughts...I can hardly wait for my next hug.
XOXOXOXOXOX to my little man and XOXOXOOXOXO to both of you!
'Aunt' Catherine

Anonymous said...

Go Davis! Look at you!! You are the cutest thing in the whole world!. We are thinking about you guys everyday and can't wait you meet you. Keep on fighting, you have lots of love here.
Love and Kisses

Jen and Wes (soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Jameson) hehe

Unknown said...

Well he sure is a handsome young man!! Prayers of Gratitude for ALL the Good that's been coming your way...

So - when you all coming out to Arizona?? They've got some pretty good cheeseburgers out here!!!

GIGANTIC Hugs to you ALL,
love,
michael

*super dude and super dog* said...

Look at that beautiful bare face! We are thrilled for you guys and hope you don't have the feeding difficulties we've had. I hope it's just smooth sailing from now until you're hearing the "H" word.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS!!!!

He is absolutely adorable! We are so proud of the progress he continues to make and as always we are faithfully praying!

Burt and Christy Michel said...

Davis is just adorable !!! Great news that he is doing so well. Prayers that he continues. He is truely a miracle.
~Christy Michel~

Anonymous said...

What a blessing to see this! Continued love and prayers....

CDHi Admin said...

Oh, that's wonderful news!!!!! WTG Davis on coming off the vent!!! Love the photos, he's absolutely adorable!

Dawn

CDH Mom of Shane (1/28/93-9/11/99)
President of CHERUBS - The Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research, Awareness and Support

Anonymous said...

Look at that cute little boy. I better get in line now for my hugs.Much love to everyone,Gee

The Vierig's said...

Freakin Cute!!! I remember the emotions of seeing Bodee's entire face for the first time. It's amazing how just the littlest things can bring such joy. Congrats you guys! Three words on feeding...patience, perseverance and presence :)...you guys will kick butt just like the Myers did. He'll be outta there in no time!

Anonymous said...

WTG davis!!!!! keep up the good fight! prayers for all of you!!!!

Anonymous said...

We have been following Davis, and we are so happy he is breathing on his own. What great news - and what an adorable boy!!!

We are sending love from Colorado. Please know that you all remain in our prayers. We look forward to updates.

You are such a beautiful family.

With our Love and Prayers,
Vince, Carol, Chris, and Nathan

Tracy Meats said...

Well done Davis!!! You have the most beautiful eyes and are so darn cute!! Many prayers when you start with feeding, there will be no obstacles in your way and you do great. You have made such wonderful progress and I hope to see only good days in the weeks to come.

Sending you positive thoughts for the week, Tracy Meats, mom to Ian, born with a LCDH on 4/3/04 and WY and CO State Rep. for CHERUBS

Fer said...

WTG Davis!!!!!! I am so happy that he is extubated now!

Anonymous said...

Wow he's gonna be an amazing little miracle... Hang in there Laura your a good woman!!!!Hope things continue to go well Best wishes and thoughts to u all

Anonymous said...

I'm so delighted for you guys. Your little man is doing great.

By the way, did you get Ever's kisses? I babysat him on Valentine's Day so that mama and daddy could go out to a fancy four-course meal at the Grove Park Inn with Nonie and Papa. I thought you guys might enjoy hearing Ever say hello to you. But all he wanted to do was give you kisses. So he kissed the phone a couple of times.

Davis! Oh my word, he's cute! But then, I always say that about Michael as well - and since Davis looks so much like his daddy... well...

Doug

Anonymous said...

Harkness and I just oohed and aahed over the last week of pix! Davis has the most beautiful eyes! We so wish we could have a real glimpse of him and a moment in time to hug you all. After keeping him to ourselves ( well,almost!) for nine months, it's hard to share! You cannot imagine how thrilled we are to see his continued successes. Peace to all. Dr. C

Irvin family said...

Way to go Davis!! Keep up the fight. You have done great!

Brian and Sheree Irvin