2 steps forward and 1 step back

We were told to take things one day at a time. We were also told there would be great successes and then there would be setbacks. Yesterday was a good day, Jackson was taken off the ventilator and given breast milk. Those were huge achievements. 

One of my nurses came in and woke me up at 6:00 am to tell me that they had decided to give Jackson a blood transfusion. He was ok. He just needed a little extra blood. The nurse said he was ok to go back to sleep. So I did. When I did wake up we headed up to the CICU to get a report for ourselves. 

Jackson had taken such big steps forward that he needed to take a step back. They assured us that he was ok and that this would happen a lot. He did get the blood transfusion. His oxygen saturation levels were falling lower than they would like. They weren't dangerously low, just low enough that they should be try to fix it. So they gave him a little extra blood. And he did great! He definitely benefited from a little more blood. He was also put back on one of the meds that they had taken him off of. He just liked being on it more. 

We learned during rounds that he was to get a feeding tube to get some nutrition. They didn't want to make his little body work overtime trying to breathe and trying to eat. So they gave him a feeding tube that runs in his nose to his stomach. They're giving him tiny amounts of breastmilk. But he's getting breast milk! 

I was discharged today. Ted and I had a long discussion last night about what our plans should be once I was discharged. We decided that we should go home and spend some time with Lucy, sleep at home, and also spend some time at the hospital. He is quick to remind me that I just had surgery too and need to take it easy. I hate being away from Lucy, but I also hate being away from Jackson. If the CICU staff could just come to my house and take care of him here, there would be no issue! I could be with both of them at once!! That would be perfect! 

Anyway, once I was discharged I tearfully said goodnight to Jackson. I would see him again tomorrow. I know he's in very good hands. We came home and I took a short nap. Lucy arrived shortly after . The run into my arms and the hug that she gave me and the "mommy!!!" that came with it was one of the sweetest moments. I think she might have missed me too :) 

I've called to check on my little man and he's doing great! I think he knew I needed to be with Lucy too :) We'll head back to the hospital tomorrow for some Jackson time. We're also meeting with the surgeon to finalize surgery. Looks like it is scheduled for Wednesday morning. 

As always, please keep the prayers coming! Jackson gets stronger by the day. That's all thanks to the power of prayer. 

I'd also like to ask you to send a few extra prayers to Blair. Through a good friend, we found out that little Blair was born yesterday also with transposition of the great arteries. The difference is that she was undiagnosed until after birth. She was flown to a Children's in Chicago where I'm sure she'll receive excellent care.