11 Months

Unfortunately, James celebrated his 11 month birthday in the PICU (it was Sunday). We decided not to document this hospital stay with pictures, since it's one we would rather forget. James is doing well though. We are scheduled to go home later today.

The whole trip this time has been a little disheartening since by the end of this week he was supposed to be released of all of his specialists (besides his in-home therapists). Now his case has been reopened with cardiology, surgery, and the speech therapy team at CHP.

The Echo James had came back normal, but he has a PDA. This is a small hole that newborns have that typically close on their own by now. James' is not completely closed, but they are not concerned about it at his age. However, he will have to have some follow-up done in a few months.

Surgery wants to see him again in a month to make sure there are no more episodes like the one over the weekend. There concern is that it was caused by reflux, so they want to do what they can to prevent that. James is already on Prevacid. He also can't lie down within 30 minutes after a meal.

James' swallow study was the same at the last one. He aspirated the tiniest bit of liquid and had a delayed swallow. They suggest thickened liquids again and pureed baby foods for now. The speech team wants to do a repeat swallow study in a couple months to check on his progress.

James' developmental progress if coming along. He rolls all over the place now, especially in his bed. He quite enjoys sleeping on his tummy now. He can sit on his own unsupported for about 15 seconds right now and then he falls backwards, so there's no sitting without someone close by. He is enjoying his exersaucer now and loves toys that make noise and light up. Dave and I are very excited for his one year birthday, although now more than ever, we are still unsure of what we are going to do to celebrate it. I think pudding might be in order though.

I'll post some happy picture once we get back home.