Just Say No To Bugs!

Carter is slowly, but steadily, weaning off the jet vent. He's still very sensitive and is highly sedated, but the sedation is helping keep him from throwing a tantrum and de-satting. He had some bacteria growing in his lung secretions, so he's on lots of antibiotics, but this isn't uncommon considering the length of time he's had the tube in. The hope is that the antibiotics can ward off pneumonia setting in. We've decided that it's sedation, suction, and surgery that will get him on the right track. Brad and I sit there and stare at the CO2 monitor, thinking that we can will it to lower so that they can keep turning down the vent settings and I think it worked tonight. :)

We are continuing to limit our contact with the outside world in order to prevent bringing in bugs to Carter, which could cause a huge set-back. I can't even go to Target as much as I'd like, and those who know me know about my obsession with Target! He's made so much progress and we would hate to see him decline because of a bug. Thank you to all of you who have stayed away. We know it's very difficult for many of you because you all want to meet Carter (we have to admit that his cuteness is hard to resist), but we have to do what's best for him.

We also want to thank Jeanie, Allen and "Baby-On-The-Way" Baker for thinking of Lucy and sending her a gift. She loves her new baby and we think it's appropriate that it's Carolina Blue on one side and Duke Blue on the other. Lucy is loving all the attention she's getting from our friends!

Here's a picture from tonight. It's difficult to get a good shot since they have to keep it dark for him, but it gives you an idea of what our stubborn boy looks like without ECMO.

Question: What Do You Call A Baby Boy Diva?

Answer: Carter Myers!

Carter had another hissy fit this morning. I think he's just testing out his Doctors and Nurses to make sure they come running when he wants something! Apparently when he wants something, he wants it NOW! (Sounds familiar) But they showed him by putting him on constant sedation and a paralytic to keep him calm and that seems to have worked. When we left this afternoon, he was doing much better and they were discussing weaning down on the jet vent again. His afternoon chest x-ray looked great with a left lung that seems to be about 1/3 the size of a normal lung and the air in his stomach was much less. Sorry I don't have any pictures, but he's much too sensitive right now.