The Longest Stay...

So we are coming off our longest besides living in the hospital for 100 days after birth hospital stay yet. Poor Owen was very, very sick. :(

It all started with on and off mild congestion for a week or so. Well, apparently it was all building up and settling in you guessed it, his lungs. :( We were admitted to UK on Saturday, October 1 for what we thought was another case of pneumonia. By that Wednesday Owen was not getting better, in fact we felt as if he was getting worse. He was on a good amount of oxygen, and was continuing to "desat" or drop his oxygen levels. Michael and I made the decision to transfer Owen to Cincinnati.



Trying to cheer up our sad boy with a new toy....yes, it was supposed to be for Christmas but who can say no to this baby?!?




I know, completely pitiful. :(

 Taking Owen to Cincy was a very good decision. Apparently, the pneumonia had caused Owen to retain quite a bit of fluid and dialysis was not "pulling it off" well on our home regimen. He was severely fluid overloaded and was getting 8 liters of high flow oxygen. Once they were able to "dry him out" he needed a blood transfusion and extra fluids to boost him back up. It was difficult to consent to the transfusion, as it can possibly desensitize him to a future transplant. However, his blood levels were dangerously low and his body really needed it. He will be taking immunosuppressants for about a month now to hopefully prevent any sensitization the transfusion could cause. Thankfully, Owen has only required two transfusions in his life, many of these "kidney kids" need more because of multiple surgeries and complications.

After his transfusion and the first full night of sleep in over a week, he finally started to perk up! Our hearts were rejoicing when we saw that sweet smile come back. I can say that we were completely surviving on the prayers of many friends and  family during this time. This was the worst we have ever seen Owen, and coming off a wonderful, healthy summer, this was a difficult week and a half!

Child Life came to each room to give out balloons. Owen loved his! :)

Mommy couldn't get enough snuggles from this boy!

YAY! I'm back home!!

We finally made it back home on Tuesday, October 11. Our time in the hospital was rough, and long. But once again puts everything into perspective for us. We are more than blessed to call this boy our son. It's a blessing to have him in our lives, filling our hearts with joy each day. There are times when I literally think I could bust with love for this angel. I am so, so proud of him and everything he has achieved. He has endured much more than you or I will likely see in this life and yet he greets each day with a smile as if he could conquer the world. :) And you know what? This baby is moving mountains. He represents the image of an unfailing, God who delights in blessing His children.

Because Owen has been so sick and is on immunosuppressants we mad the decision not to go to the Walk for Kids in Cincy on Saturday. Although we were so looking forward to showing off our miracle at the walk, the cooler temps kept us away. The new Team Owen shirts are ready, and once they make their way up to me from Owensboro I will send them out to those who ordered one! :)

We had a nice, relaxing weekend with a visit Marlee and Will. Owen loves visitors and was all smiles since he is feeling back to normal!

Thank you all for your prayers, especially over the past two weeks. Thank you for loving our family, and caring so deeply for our little Owen. We appreciate each and every prayer and encouraging words our family has been covered with. One day this little babbling boy will be able to thank you in person. :)

Owen's surgery for October 24 is being rescheduled. The doctors feel it is not wise to put him under anesthesia coming off such a harsh pneumonia. We aren't sure when it will be, but most likely in late November. This, unfortunately will push transplant back a bit. But we are working on getting our wonderful donor through the required appointments and once we are given the "okay" we can schedule a transplant date!! :)

I'll leave you with a few pictures of this happy, miracle boy!

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. -Deuteronomy 31:8