12-19-10

Today started off on a really high note.  Cooper was doing extremely well when we arrived at the hospital this morning.  The hope was from all that he would continue to do well and that tomorrow he would be coming off ecmo.  That would require the perfect day from him.  It was a good day, but not a perfect day.  And as we have always said, we don't need perfect, but will take all the good days we can get.  They have been able to wean him a little bit more on the ecmo, but not where we were hoping he would be at this time.  We just keep telling ourselves, this is not on our time at all, or even the doctor's time.  This is all on Cooper's time. 

Heck when we went to bed Friday night, we were hoping that he might be off ecmo by Christmas. So to be going to bed tonight with a slight (but still a chance) chance that he might be off ecmo soon, but also, he might be able to have his hernia repair by Christmas is just mind blowing to us.  We still take one day at a time.  It's hard to let ourselves be too hopeful knowing that we are on Cooper time and he has proven that even at 9 days old, he has a mind of his own and is stubborn as all get out. 

We have been reminded that usually with the good comes the bad.  They have told us that once he does come down off ecmo, it could be rough for a day or two.  That more than likely he will appear sicker for a little while.  Then again after the hernia repair, he will probably look bad for a little while.

We just checked in with the nurses and said that his 8pm gases were in the normal range and were able to wean a little bit again.  Lets just hope that he continues to remain in the normal range throughout the night. 

Had a fun night with friends and family tonight.  Kids missed us and we missed them.  It was nice to spend some time with them and some of our great friends.  We are truly blessed to have all of these wonderful people in our lives.  And they allowed us to have a little fun and help us just to relax and not think only about Cooper.  Who knew a dancing game could make us laugh so hard.  A big thanks to them all.  You all are fabulous people and we could never repay you for all that you are and have done for us.

Here's to a quiet night and a hopeful tomorrow.

Sonya