Increasing strength...

Ryder has been a relatively busy little warrior the last 48 hrs...his 2 chest drains and pacer wires were taken out yesterday - this went ok (he was off his anticoagulation for the day) but he still had some bleeding overnight in this area on his chest.  He was transfused blood this morning and his hemoglobin is back up to normal.  He was started back on his blood thinner so just watching for any more bleeding.  He was kept on about the same settings on the ventilator - can't really start the weaning process again until his infection is improving.  He was on some feeds temporarily but he has a little more bloating in his little belly today so those are being held temporarily just to make sure his gut is ok. 

4/12 Sleeping peacefully with sugarbear keeping his little head warm.  Look at those sweet little fingers!!

The unfortunate news today is that Ryder's blood cultures as of yesterday are still positive (growing bacteria).  TWO kinds.  Again for the medical folks: he has amp-susceptible enterococcus and coag negative staph...in ALL the cultures from 4/9 - 4/12.  Was hoping the staph was a contaminant but very worrisome that it's not...still waiting on the sensitivity patterns...Ryder now is being followed by the infectious disease team - he is on amp/gent/vanc and now rifampin as well until the rest of the culture info comes back...and probably until he clears the bacteremia.  We are worried about the foreign bodies I mentioned yesterday in and around his heart getting seeded w/bacteria so probably going to get 6 wks of antibiotics -- better safe than sorry.  His infected IVs are all now out too.  Poor little warrior, he is not making much progress on the battlefield with this new enemy.  He isn't losing too much ground though - good blood pressures and heart rate and no fever today...

4/13 bright eyed (trying to keep those jewels open with the giant monitor across his forehead)

For now, this little warrior just needs to stay strong and stay brave.  He needs to be courageous and keep fighting.  "Courage, above all things, is the first quality of a warrior" - Karl von Clausewitz

That's a lot to ask for a teeny tiny guy who has no idea what courage is...a teeny tiny guy who has been through so much already that he hasn't had enough energy left to grow even a centimeter.  But he is not alone in his battle...“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.”  Isaiah 40:29

Praying for increased strength for you baby boy...that you will fight your way through this infection and add it to your list of successful battles!  Praying that you have no more bleeding problems and that your little tummy settles down so you can get in some more calories.  Above all, praying that your perfect little heart stays strong.  It would be great to have one of those priceless first smiles by now...but gazing at those piercing blue eyes reminds me just as much how much we have to be thankful for!