Jinxed

Remember in a previous post where I said we hadn't been in the hospital in August yet? Well I jinxed us. Last Sunday we woke up to find Jackson with a low grade fever. In most babies a fever this low wouldn't require immediate action. With Jackson any fever gets us a quick departure to the hospital. Once again Jax had an infection in the PICC line in his arm. They tried to kill the bug and keep the PICC in but sadly the BUG won and they pulled the PICC.

I can't tell you how depressing it is to have to take him back to the hospital AGAIN. (I am typing this post from Primary Children's.) Here we are on day 7 of his hospitalization and won't be released until tomorrow. I keep thinking that surely he deserves a break and that we'll be home, safe and sound until his big surgery in November. And I may have murmured when this fever started. Saying things such as: It's not fair. He doesn't deserve this. He's too tiny and cute to be stuck in the hospital. When will it ever end?

But on the other side of things I am trying to look at the positives. Such as: We got to stay at Logan Regional for 6 of the 8 days which makes it so much easier on everyone. Logan Regional knows Jax very well and he gets his own personal nurse 24 hours a day. He doesn't have to share her with anyone. So if he needs rocked in the middle of the night, she can sit there all night with him. Also-we have only had to buy one package of diapers because we are in the hospital so often and they always send us home with extras!

It is so hard trying to find/keep a balance while Jax is in the hospital. I feel guilty if I leave him yet I feel guilty if I'm away from Carter for too long because he needs me to. I feel like people will judge me when I say the next part: I don't sleep at the hospital at nights with Jax. I tried that before. I slept about 60 minutes the whole night and those 60 minutes weren't even together. Then I was so tired, more grouchy and more emotional than normal. Those nurses are coming in and out of the room almost constantly. Luckily Jax can sleep through most of it, I cannot. The social workers at the hospital are constantly telling us that you can't take care of your sick baby unless you take care of yourself. So I try. Which I have decided means leaving at night. Luckily Jackson doesn't notice and won't remember. He's such a great sleeper.

Moving on.............

Carter has really been into playing "Doctor and Ambulance" lately. Go figure. He knows more medical terms than most 3 year olds. After we grew tired of playing for the 100,000,000 time we decided to let him practice his skills on a real patient.

This day was one of the best of my life! Jackson was totally digging the attention from Carter and laid there content, cooing and smiling for the whole exam. It melted my heart.

Carter started the exam by looking in his mouth. I didn't think he'd really put the mirror on the stick in there, but he did. Jackson was quite grateful for that. Something new to suck on!

Side Note: Carter usually starts his exams with shots. And usually 5-10 shots! But right before he started he made it very clear that he wouldn't be giving Jackson any shots. He kept saying over and over "Jackson needs no shots, they will hurt him." I was amazed at how sweet and concerned he was with Jax. He knows they are pretend but still didn't want to give his brother any shots.

Then came the blood pressure cuff. Carter declared his BP as 100 plus 40!

The he got out his trusty stethoscope and proceeded to listen to many different places.
Jackson got the all clear!

Last but not least was his temperature. Do you notice Jackson's full cheeks? This little guy is weighing in today at 11 lbs 11 oz! He is really porking up finally. And the best news of the day: Jackson gets to start Demand Feeding tomorrow. Which means he gets to eat what he wants to eat, when he wants to eat it. No more rigid 3 hour schedule. Which means a happier baby and happier parents! We're just hoping his little body can handle this big change. Keep your fingers crossed!

PS-Dr. Carter Etherington is currently accepting new patients. No insurance needed. Experienced in ambulance rides, epi pen shots, and tender loving care. Call now for an appointment.