Hospital Buddies

Today was a pretty long day, we have been pretty lucky to have such a little trooper. For having surgery just three days ago he is doing really well. They did end up putting him back on some of his cardiac medicine and he has a feeding tube now, but Bryttney was able to breast feed him for the first time since surgery. We are also able bond with him and hold him whenever we want, he is such a peaceful little guy, and pretty lazy so far. Me and him took a long nap together today.  His voice is slowly starting to come back and he is starting to cry a bit more. I think that is a good sign because it will open that right lung a little more. The nurse practitioner said it is still a bit dark on that side.
Bryttney was having a pretty rough time today, she really misses Zoey. But we don't want to risk getting Michael sick so we are trying to wait it out while Zoey gets better. But it is getting really hard not to run home and squeeze our little girl. She has been such a trooper through this last week, we both feel so guilty not seeing her this whole time. We know she needs her mommy and daddy, but with the progress Michael is making he needs us too.  We are thinking about splitting up and one of us going to stay with Zo, and one of us staying here. The problem with that is then one person is left alone in the hospital with their thoughts wandering about and getting into mischief. Being alone in this type of situation is probably very hard psychologically. I am so glad we have each other to lean on through this. I can't even imagine how hard it is for single parents. The support from all our friends and family is so appreciated, we are so blessed to have such a wonderful community behind us. We are also starting to make friends all over the hospital.

Actually one of my friends from work has been here for 10 weeks and was a huge help to Bryt today. She and her husband have been through a lot the last couple months and she is very helpful to talk to. It is amazing how people open up and are so full of love. You get to talking to them and instantly love them. This hospital is truly amazing, but there are so many people going through such hard things here. After being here for a whole week things slowly stop freaking you out. You hear people's situations which are hard to listen to, but instead of being scared for them, you just care about them and have faith in the doctors here. We all kind of bond together and try to hold each other up.

We got new neighbors yesterday, they are from grand junction and have had a pretty long journey so far. Their baby has had two surgeries already and still needs two more. They have been trying to help us with resources and support groups.  They are both young and have already taken on so much. We were both amazed at how much they know and how calm they are. We are both very glad we met them, they helped calm us down and we had a much better night after chatting with them.  I also got to nerd out for a few hours and give some Photoshop lessons. Score!