morphine seems to help

Dalton spent the day with Craig while I got away for a little bit. The morphine really helps but Dalton struggles with the pain when they try to reduce the amount. The nurse feels like he should feel a lot better tomorrow. Let's hope for a good night rest tonight and a better/ less pain day tomorrow.

I stepped away from the hospital to see the other kiddos for a bit as well as take them to a birthday party and visit with some old friends. It was nice to see some friendly faces. Happy Birthday William.

I am just blown away by everyone who has emailed prayers, visited, brought us food, sent cards, gifts, etc...Just tonight for dinner a precious family from our church brought us dinner. I had not met them before but they heard about Dalton in choir and wanted to bring us dinner. Dalton asked, "Why would they even bring us dinner when they don't even know us." How happy I am to say they did it because they are brothers and sisters in Christ.

I've also been brought to tears so many times these past weeks with the thoughfulness of friends. I truly appreciate all the love that has been shown not only to my precious little boy but to my entire family. Many heartfelt thanks...

back in room

Dalton's back in the room but even after 4 ml of morphine he's still screaming in pain. Not in his head as you would suspect but from his tummy. I think morphine is his only choice in pain meds as he's allergic to the loritab and codeine. Please pray his stomach stops hurting. I think it's from the incision they make to place the bottom of the shunt?

We just called the nurse because he is still screaming. We get moments where he's fine but then he just starts screaming out again. Wow, didn't expect that. He's getting 3ml of morphine now to see if that helps.

Here he is sporting his new haircut. He usually comes back from surgeries with just a strip of hair missing but as long as his hair was getting, I thought that would look a little funny. Dr. Boop agreed to go ahead and shave it all. He looks so handsome with his new hair doo.

in recovery

Dr. Boop just stopped by and said surgery went well. He's down in recovery now and we're waiting to go down and be with him. We have requested the PICC team to go and redo his central line dressing while he's in recovery (spare him the pain of removing the tape). I am hoping they get that done before we go down there. Dr. Boop said he thinks we should be able to go home Tues. That sounds great! We're definitely ready. Thanks for all your prayers.

in surgery now

Dalton is in surgery now. Will update later.

surgery on again

Surgery scheduled for 7:30-8am. Dalton is the only one scheduled for surgery today so barring an emergency, Dalton will go down this morning for his shunt. I'm praying this surgery goes well and we are able to go home soon. I'm sure Dalton will feel better once he gets to go home and be with brother and sis. I'll try to keep you updated once he actually goes down. Thanks again for the prayers.

Loving visitors

Today was a long day as we waited for surgery. Dalton was starving and kept asking could he eat or at least have something to eat. I hated having to tell him no but I explained why and told him as soon as surgery was over he could have anything he wanted...I'd even send dad out to get it. He brightened up and smiled and asked, "Did that mean McDonald's?"

So once we got the word that surgery was postponed, Craig ran out to get Dalton his happy meal. He was starving! Not only did he eat that, but I went ahead and ordered a lunch tray which we helped him eat. Plus he gobbled down some snacks, then he was already ready for a dinner tray. He's a growing boy.

Luckily we had some visitors today that helped the day not drag on so long. Channing came to visit her brother. Dalton was so excited to see her, it had been a while. I think she liked seeing all the snacks and goodies he'd accumulated and wondered how many she could take home with her. Of course, Dalton was more than willing to share.

Later Dalton's classmate, Luke, stopped by. He read Dalton some Dr. Seuss books and Dalton added a little more sugar to his diet. Luke's reading started to put Dalton to sleep and they had to get going to a basketball game. It was nice to see some more of Dalton's friends.

I think the 2 of us will be calling it an early night. We are tired. Dalton's already cuddled up in his new camouflage blanket from the hospital (hey, where did he disappear to...oh yeah under the camo blanket!)

Surgery rescheduled for tomorrow

Hey guys, Dalton's surgery has been rescheduled for tomorrow. This child's surgery before Dalton's was still going on at 4:00pm. Please pray for that child and that family. I can't imagine what they are feeling. So, Dalton will have surgery tomorrow am. I don't have a time, but he's the only one scheduled for surgery tomorrow. I'll let you guys know when we have a time. He's enjoying some McDonald's. We promised, and he waited patiently. Thanks for the calls and prayers.