What A Long, Strange Trip It's Been

After 18 long days, Carter made it off ECMO today!!! He was decannulated around 3pm and his first blood gasses came back looking good. It's going to be a long night for Mom & Dad hoping that Carter continues to do well. There's so much more room around his bed and I'd forgotten how little he is. He had gotten fairly swollen and now that he's back to his normal size, he's so tiny.

When we were first told that Carter needed ECMO, we were very upset. We knew that it was only used for the sickest babies and we had hoped Carter would go to repair surgery quickly without the need for ECMO. We were able to make our peace with the machine, after accepting the fact that it was necessary to allow Carter to rest and prepare for the next step. Now that it's gone, we feel like we're missing a member of the family--it's been with us almost as long as Carter has been. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled to see the machine go, but I miss that security net, too! Keep your fingers crossed that Carter continues on the right track to coming home happy and healthy. He's certainly not in the clear yet, but we hope he's on his way :)

Carter's last night on ECMO with all his friends cheering him on--even that ugly old Blue Devil!

No cannulas in my neck!

Look Mom, no ECMO!