A Brand New Day

Last night, Emmett made huge strides. He woke up (lucky Daddy was here to witness that) and wanted something to drink. When the nurse tried to hold a wet sponge up to his mouth, Emmett uttered his first words "Emmy do it". He wanted to do it himself...of course. That's my boy!

I was so relieved and proud to walk into the room this morning and see those big, beautiful, brown eyes looking back at me. He looks amazing today! He's still a bit sedative drunk, but he's talking a little and tugging at this lines a lot :) They just removed his left atrium line, and they will be removing another chest tube tube this afternoon. Sometime today, I WILL hold him :)

Unfortunately, Mom and Dad had to leave early this morning, so they didn't get to see him awake. We are just happy that they got to spend so much time with us. Safe travels, Grandma Cookie and Papa Mike...we love you!

With Grandma Cookie and Papa Mike, Day of Surgery



With his animals and books, Post-op Day 4

The Picture of Health

Well...almost :) Emmett has had another good day. His chest x-ray looked good, his oxygen mask came off, and one of his chest tubes was removed. He has spiked a fairly significant fever this afternoon. His CBC and diff looked good, so they don't think it's an infection, but that's always a concern, so they're keeping an eye on him. He hasn't opened his eyes yet, but he has "woken up" a few times...just long enough to say "Momma" in the most pathetic voice you've ever heard...and attempt to pull out some of his tubes. Luckily he runs out of energy pretty quickly so the wrestling matches don't last too long. They are planning to take out his left atrium line tomorrow, and once that is gone, I can hold my baby--yay!!!

Here is a picture of him today (before the oxygen mask was removed). He is looking more and more like himself with each passing moment.

Extubated and It Feels So Good!

E is going to be one happy camper when he wakes up without that breathing tube in--woo hoo!

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye

This morning, Papa Joe, Grandma Judy, and Aunt Melissa had to go back home. Unfortunately, Emmett wasn't awake yet, so they didn't get to see his beautiful brown eyes. They did, however, get to spend another hour or so holding his hand, rubbing his back, and watching his little chest rise at fall at the beat of his amazing, improved heart.

As sad as it was to see them go, we are just so happy they could be here with us. We love you guys!

Day 2

Sorry that I haven't updated today...I have been posting on Facebook mostly. Emmett is doing great! He had a peaceful night, his vitals are good, and his pain seems to be under control. He had a chest x-ray and echo done today, and they both look good. There is a slight leak in his mitral valve, but they don't seem concerned at this point--they will just keep monitoring him. Of course, Emmett being Emmett, he has already tried to escape a few times. One second, he is completely out of it, the next moment, he is thrashing about like a wild man. Joe and I told the nurses that he goes from zero to sixty in no time, but they didn't heed our warnings. NOW they know :) They upped his sedative, putting him on a continuous drip, and he's doing better now. Though his little fights keep us busy and a little panicked, I am happy that he is so darn feisty...what a little fighter!

His surgeon came by to see him today, and he is very happy with E's progress, as are we. It's been a GOOD day!

Trying to get comfortable...


Our hero, Emmett, with his hero, Dr. Hanley

In the Homestretch...

We got word almost two hours ago that Emmett was off bypass and his heart was beating on its own...sweeter words have never been spoken. They aren't quite finished yet, but the hardest part is over. Dr. Hanley should be around to speak with Joe and I soon. After that, it's just a matter of closing him up, and then we get to see our baby!

I am in awe of my son's strength and resiliency. I don't even know what else to say right now...I am just so proud to be his Mommy. We will update again once we see him...thank you for all of the prayers and well wishes!

Here We Go...

About an hour and a half ago, Joe and I handed our sweet little boy over to the doctors. He is ready for surgery and waiting, perhaps they've even started by now. This is going to be a long day. We do, however, have the support of my parents, Joe's Dad and stepmom, and his sister, Melissa--not to mention the support of hundreds of friends, family members, and strangers, all praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. We are blessed. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We will keep you posted :)