what a great day!!

WOW, Brecken had a great afternoon! We left him around 10:30 and went outside the hospital for a change. We ran to Target to get some supplies (since we didn't know we'd be spending time in Denver this week!) like shampoo and stuff, then ate lunch outside the hospital with my mom, dad, and Josh's mom. We were pulling into the hospital parking garage and Brecken's nurse called. My heart stopped for a minute, until she said, "He's OK! We just wanted to see when you'd be back to talk to the lactation consultant." WHEW! So I went straight there and oh, my gol. I had to check to make sure I was visiting the right baby! He no longer has his big ol' machine in his nose, his hat was off, he only has a little oxygen tube in his nose, and he was laying on his back again. I hardly recognized him!! The nurse came and told me he was able to breathe pretty good now so they took the big machine off and just put a nose tube in. Because of that, his eye swelling is much less now. They also did not put another chest tube in as planned. They'll see if getting that big machine out of his nose helps any. He hasn't had any pain meds today so that's great too! They did change his IV- his hand was getting sore so they put it in his head. Owie. But he doesn't seem to mind.

They ALSO told me that they were ready to start feedings this afternoon. So I pumped and prayed and what do you know- I got a full feeding for him! I was really hoping that would happen so they didn't have to start his feedings with formula! He's allowed 10 ml every 4 hours. I didn't get to feed him but I did get to change his diaper. The nurse fed him and it took him a while to get the hang of swallowing with a bottle but he finally got his 10 ml down. What a great boy!! I was so excited. As soon as his chest tube comes out, we can hold him and I can feed him myself instead of with a bottle, if he'll take it. Hooray! The nurse was talking like that might happen tomorrow because she was talking about getting Brecken dressed as soon as that tube comes out, too. So be praying that happens sooner than later!

So, a great afternoon! Hopefully tonight and tomorrow will bring more good news!

Love,
Josh, Kara and Brecken