Yes, we have become THOSE overprotective parents

We are getting very excited about the idea of finally bringing Carter home after 4 long months in the NICU at Duke. There are so many of you who have followed our journey and we hope you continue to do so. We have been touched by your generosity, kindness, prayers, comments, gifts, emails, cards, phone calls, suggestions, etc. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy days to check-in on our family. Thank you for sharing in our journey and for helping us raise awareness of CDH.

As you know, Carter was a very sick little baby. Although he looks great on the outside and he's progressing, we ask that you continue to keep in mind that his respiratory system is still underdeveloped, leaving him highly susceptible to illness. Cold, Flu, and RSV will lead to serious health consequences for Carter, sending him back to the Intenstive Care Unit. These viruses spread easily and rapidly from person to person, particularly through kissing, touching, sneezing and coughing.

When Carter is home, we must set a few "rules" to protect him. I know you may think we are being overprotective, and that's fine. I would rather be overprotective than put Carter at risk for serious respiratory distress, which could kill him. He has been through too much and fought too hard to end up back in the ICU because he's been exposed to a virus.

We have worked with his medical team to come up with the following:

• Before visiting, call and make sure the time you wish to visit works with our schedule--please do not just show up. I am working permanent night shifts, so I will be trying to sleep during the day. Additionally, Carter must be on a strict schedule and will be receiving in-home therapy sessions, which do not allow for spontaneous visits.


• When you visit, you must wash your hands prior to touching Carter. Please refrain from kissing him. If you touch your face, nose, mouth, or eyes during your visit, we ask that you use antibacterial gel or rewash your hands.


• If you are currently sick, have been sick, have been exposed to anyone who is sick, or just think you might be sick, please refrain from visiting for 2 weeks & until your illness is cleared up.


• Carter can not be exposed to other children at this time--please do not bring them to visit.


• The high danger months for cold, flu and RSV run from September through April. During this time, Carter will not be allowed in crowds or public places. Please understand if we can not bring him to birthday parties, to restaurants, to church, to gatherings at your home, etc.


• Do not smoke around him or smoke just prior to visiting

This does not mean you can't visit. We are excited about the chance for him to meet each and every one of you. We just have to be very careful about what he's exposed to. While a cold is an inconvenience for most parents, for us it is life-threatening.

We look forward to posting more information about the "H" word soon.