Sleep Study

Oliver is a crazy kid. The doctor has given us an "all clear" on the RSV, but they are puzzled about his low oxygen readings when he sleeps. Tonight they have scheduled a sleep study for the little monster. There is a good chance that he'll be getting his own CPAP machine.

Last night Eric and I had a date! We had a fabulous dinner at the Union Restaurant and watched Brandi Carlile accompanied by the Seattle Symphony at the Benaroya Hall. The contrast between the stoic symphony members and the rock band was entertaining. Thanks Devin and Sarah for a fun evening.

Broken Record

Oliver is still in the hospital...arrgh. He doesn't need oxygen during the day, but at night his saturation levels drop to a level that no one likes. I spoke sternly with him this morning about his bad behavior.

Yesterday was a great Black Friday for the rest of the Showell family. Alex, Issac, Eric, and I walked downtown to see the Macy's Parade--Seattle style. We wandered down by the Pike Place Market where Isaac and I watched some cheese artisans mixing curds in an enormous tub. After 30 minutes of studying these people, Isaac informed me that cheese making is in his future.

Eric set up the Christmas tree this morning. We have evergreen boughs and our wreath making machines set up in the garage, so if you are in the neighborhood, come on over! Eric and the kids are always up for a party, and they can help you make your own Christmas wreath.

Turkey Day

Yes, we are still in the hospital! I'm headed out for a few hours to join in the Davis Family annual Turkey Dinner and Talent Show at my Aunt Jan's house.

Meanwhile, Oliver will dine on milk via his NG tube. He has on his festive holiday attire courtesy of Aunt Rachel. That is Rudolph on his backside.

Another Day, Another Dollar

Oliver just can't seem to get off the oxygen. He is on a minor "whiff" now, so I expect he'll be weaned fairly soon. I will meet with a surgeon in a few minutes to discuss the G-tube surgery and possible esophagus surgery.

Oliver is in great spirits today. I'm told he has a lot of girlfriends all over the hospital.

Overall today has been fine: I got a crown and a filling in my mouth, went to Costco, and had hot chocolate with Alexi at Starbucks.

Tuesday Update

The nurses turned down Oliver's oxygen last night. That extra whiff of O2 helps him stay comfortable. If he can get completely weaned today, they will hold him overnight and then let us go home!

Getting Sleepy

Oliver still sounds bad, but he looks a lot better! Apparently I looked bored this morning, so the nurse put me to work. I gave Oliver a bath, which is a tricky task considering he is attached to oxygen, a feeding tube, and an IV. After he was clean, I re-taped all his facial tubing and put on new chest leads. The nurse who check my work was impressed. I've included a video of Oliver from a few minutes ago, so all can see my handiwork! (Isn't he an adorable baby?)

The hospital suggests that Oliver get a G-tube--a tube that goes directly to the stomach. This is a surgical procedure that will involve us coming back to the hospital yet again. When I asked the doctor this morning what she thought, she told me about her son who has had heart condition, a tracheotomy and an NG tube. Her perspective as a doctor and a mom was comforting. I am so pleased with the Swedish Hospital staff.

One in a Million!

Oliver's doctor stopped by just a few minutes ago. She said that Oliver is the first documented case of R.S.V. this year. Public Health waits until the virus strikes the general population before giving the expensive shots to the babies at risk. It's kind of a bummer that he got sick before everyone else!

Oliver sure is my "lucky" kid. We're planning a trip to Vegas where he can start to earning his keep around here. He's getting kind of expensive! Good thing he's cute...

R.S.V.--yah, you know me!

Oliver has Respiratory Syncytial Virus (R.S.V.) courtesy of his big brother. For most kids it isn't a big deal, but for Oliver...well, that's a different story.

Yesterday Oliver's pediatrician listened to his chest and sent us right to the hospital for admission. He is on oxygen and receiving respiratory therapy.

The "funny" thing is that Oliver just qualified for the $1000 a month R.S.V. prevention vaccines. While we didn't prevent R.S.V. this time around, hopefully this will be our last battle for the season.

Please pray for little Oliver. He's lost weight and he can't really breathe without the oxygen. If he continues, they will have to send him to the I.C.U. and put him on a more extensive breathing machine. I'm hoping I don't have to eat Thanksgiving Dinner at the hospital.

My spirits are up, but Eric's are down. I'm thankful that we take turns falling apart! We are at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.

Chunky Monkey

Oliver visited his cardiologist today. He now weighs a whopping 10 pounds. The doctor gave him two thumbs up and was impressed with today's chest x-ray and EKG.

In other news, Alexandra decided to cut her own bangs today. Fortunately the damage wasn't catastrophic, and she promised never to do it again.

Oliver's friend Harrison continues to struggle with his health. He was re-re-admitted to Children's Hospital for dehydration. I'm sure his mother would appreciate extra prayers for their family!