I've Stopped Counting...

I use to know exactly how many days we have spent in the hospital. I no longer count. The number is getting too depressing. We are still at Primary Children's and the end is not really in sight. Jackson has had so many setbacks that we've quit asking when we get to come home. We'll just be surprised one day I guess!

I can't believe it's September. One of my fears became a reality. Summer came and went without me every really acknowledging it. Or fully partaking in the events that make a summer a summer. Don't get me wrong... Jackson is worth every bit of these struggles, but it's still very hard.

Jackson went 10 whole days without eating before they were able to pull the Anderson tube out of his nose. I thought he would be cranky and hard to console but he did amazingly. He was so patient and so giving of his cute smiles and coos. But boy did he appreciate his first bottle last Saturday. He started by eating 1 ounce at a time and the plan to increase 1/2 an ounce every 12 hours. And to have him at full feeds in a couple of days and then head home. But that didn't happen. He started throwing up, occasionally. Which wasn't a big deal. Then he started throwing up every time, and lots of it. And he didn't want to eat.........and who really does when it just makes you throw up?
So it's been an up and down thing with his feeds. They'll increase it, he'll barf, they decrease it and he gets mad! Then to top it all off, Jax got another line infection. It's so frustrating to be battling the same thing over and over again. We hope to be home in a week or 2...but we can't promise anything.

In other news:

My 3 boys watching the TV. Like Father, Like Sons eh? Even Jax is enthralled with TV. Doesn't matter what is on, he will crane his neck to get a good view. You can't break his gaze once his eyes get ahold of the screen. And Carter has developed an obsession with ice. The hospital has ice/water machines and he wants a cup full of ice, no water, each and everytime we come to the hospital. Whatever keeps him happy.

We've been trying to plan fun activities for him to get him out of the hospital. We found a fun bike park in Park City that we go to and let him ride to his heart's content.

Carter has REALLY struggled these past few weeks. He stayed with Grandma the first few days and then came to SLC with us. I am convinced he is part monster, part 3 year old. I guess those are really the same thing when you get right down to it. Sleep has become quite the battle. And one we seem to find ourselves losing frequently. He's tired of being moved around but I think we've finally got it together. Last night found the 3 of us sharing a double bed. It was quite the night let me tell you.

Here I am sporting the water proof yellow gown. When this kid barfs, he can really barf. The yellow gown saves me from multiple clothing changes. This picture was taken courtesy of Carter. This is another thing to take his mind off being in the hospital. He loves using the camera and with a few pointers our heads are usually in the pictures. How did I ever grow up with a film camera that didn't have a delete button!

Once we get the line infection cleared and Jackson keeping all his food down we get to come home. He doesn't even have to be eating the full 3 1/2 ounces to come home. Just proving that he can keep down what he's taking and we can increase the feeds at home like we did before.

We're praying for no more puke and no more infections. Although this sweet baby can still manage to flash a darling smile after all the puking. That is not something I could do!