Change is good...

Change came in as a tidal wave for us nearly three weeks ago when Channing was born.  It was a change we were able to slightly prepare for, but still had difficulties understanding how our lives would actually change or how we would react. Then boom, November 21st blessed us with our next chanllenge that would change us forever. I have to say I am proud of how we have handled this emotionally charged circumstance we have been blessed with.  We have learned that patience is actually a virtue, Channing has done a wonderful job at showing us (me) that every letter forming that statement is true.  We have learned that beyond his care team and our wonderful family that love and support is found in many places.  We were greeted by Delta Airline pilots as they represented the "Pilots for Kids" foundation.  This foundation founded in 1983 by crew members who wanted to help with the needs of hospitalized children. It is an international nonprofit organization that just so happened to have respresentatives stop by the NICU the other day, two pilots paid a tribute to Channing.  It was one happy moment for us as we discussed Channing’s struggles and gratefully received a few handmade items for him.
Though, coupled with his daily treatments we live moment to moment with Channing.  However, with the the past week, we have since been a bit more relaxed and have taken small doses of time for ourselves.  We have successfully completed normal tasks that after three weeks of having a baby, at home parents would be dying to do. We have gone to a movie, gone our to dinner with family, and took some time to be with each other outside of the house... all without finding and hiring a babysitter. We have taken the time to have good ole’ flippant conversations to ease our moods and of course dance in the kitchen.
Channing’s care team constantly changes the concentration of his dialysate solution.  Change is a constant with this type of dialysis. Today a change to a mix equal parts of 1.5% and 2.5 dextrose to quantify a 2% solution was made.  This pulls off "filters" less than the 4.25 % i mentioned that they were using a few days ago.   Additionally, he is given more fluids during the day and.. and... is getting fed!  His care team has agreed to give him more nutrition in the form of breast milk.  He is handling this change very will and has not gotten sick, we think his peritonitis and questionable infection in his gut is mostly resolved.  They, however, are treating him still (9 of 14 days) with antibiotics in his dialysis fluid, but are feeling good that he is feeling good.  He is getting less fentanyl, every 8 hours now, with hopes to ween him off possibly by the end of this week. He is still receiving Tylenol as needed.  Wheew.. Hmmm.. anything else.....?  Oh yeah, I go back to work tomorrow... I will do my best to keep it together, however, if I can’t, the girls I work with will get me through.  I am thankful for them and all other coworkers for helping me before Channing and continue to be there for me now that Channing is here. They are an amazing group to work with...
We continue to be thankful for all that have reached out to support us, we are so grateful!
We were excited to see our little man outside his hospatil grade bassinet today... the swing looked so good on him :)