Fun in the snow

 Grandpa F's awesome train track arrangement

God sent us the perfect nurse today.  She's an RN and has lots of experience with children and babies and currently has another patient who is a baby.  We asked her lots of questions and she had good advice.  Graham actually said he would feel fine leaving her completely alone with Josiah.  The extra hands are still helpful.  Shortly before 3:00 I saw that she was cuddling Josiah on the chair so I prepared the feed and medicines so she wouldn't have to put Josiah down early. 

I was in bed a lot today and even had some sleep between coughing and blowing my nose.  I've tried to keep my distance from Josiah.  I don't think he'd be able to cope with this cold and the thought of trying to suction him is awful.

Josiah acted differently again today.  The day seemed to begin better without the need for extra morphine until around 10:30 AM.  I had some little smiles first thing in the morning and I heard that Grandma was given a smile as well.  From mid-morning to mid-afternoon he groaned quite a bit.  The nurse tried doing exercises on his mat and in his swing but he also cuddled on her on the chair and lay in his crib watching Old McDonald Baby Einstein.  He startled easily from sleep and we suspect it could be due to bad dreams, a side effect of one of his drugs.

Isaac learning new tricks from his Grandpas

We gave another dose of morphine mid-afteroon and since that time he has been sleeping on and off and basically dopey and out of it, quite atypical from what's he's been like the last few days.  He hasn't cried or moaned and didn't mind us turning him in bed.  It's nice to see him content but all changes cause uneasiness and wondering if these are "signs" and indicators.  I said to Graham, "If I thought he was dying I would cuddle him."  However, even though I wash and use the hand sanitizer I'm sure my germs are not contained.

Isaac enjoying his sleigh ride

Graham's parents were here today so Isaac had a blast.  They invited Isaac to their house for a few days so he went happily with them after supper.  We also sent along the last two Christmas presents that he didn't get around to opening (I don't imagine that will happen when he's older).  Two times today he received three tasty goldfish for using the potty (fortunately friends advised of the obvious negatives to using smarties as a reward).  He also had a lot of fun in the snow with Graham and his Grandpas and Grandpa Ray designed a great train track.

We missed attending an extended family Christmas gathering on Wednesday but today we were surprised and thankful to receive gifts they had sent us via Graham's parents.  We have an incredible family!  Our family has shown their love to us in so many ways.

The nurse comes back again tomorrow morning which is a great relief.  We'll try to rest more.  I need to be perfectly well and in peak shape for when Graham returns to work on the 7th.  God will provide.

Thanks for your prayers and support.

Blessings,

Elizabeth