Amazing doesn't even capture it...

Today was amazing. Amazing doesn't even capture it. 

It started off a little rocky. Kaydens breathing tube slid out a bit over night and so they had to retape it at 9:00am (4 hours pre OR).  Retaping is such a delicate procedure it requires a paralyzingly drug for Kayden OPPOSITE of what we needed to extubate. For extubation he actually needed to be awake and even a bit rowdy :) THEN at rounds, which happened later than usual (11:00am), the new attending decided she didn't feel comfortable with his vent settings - even though the attending doctor the night before said that Kayden was ready, and was scheduled in the OR for 1:00 - hence my exciting blog last night! He was switched onto the appropriate medication for extubation, and had his feeding tube out in preparation as well. I was floored, if this was what needed to happen, *WhY* would you wait until 2 hrs before his OR time to share this!? I took a few good deep breathes and then called the doctor out on this very poor communication problem. Sooooo, we decided he needed a trial test from the ventilator, which he passed with flying colors! 

After our morning/early afternoon of ups and downs - they were ready to give him a real chance. 3:30 came, and away he went. Longest hour in my life, but totally worth all the anticipation... at 4:30, this is how he was brought back to us :) 

He looked right at Ben and me and gave this tiny little baby wail. My heart leapt into my throat, as it struck me that I hadn't heard my baby cry in almost 3 weeks! It was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard - I still can't get over that moment <3..... Like I said, today was amazing*

Only a short while later, amazing moment #2...I got to snuggle that little turtle butt right up. The last time I held Kayden was on the way to the ER on Thanksgiving morning...and tonight was SO much better than that morning. I've been anxiously awaiting this day for weeks, nervous that I would be too scared to touch him, or he wouldn't remember being held and might prefer laying down instead now... I was sooooo wrong :) Thank GOD I was wrong. 

I mean that too.. thank God. He was right by us today, cheering right alongside Kayden. Thank you all for those additional prayers and good thoughts today. I will forever be grateful for all the love people have been sending our way, and all the people invested in my son's journey. My family is so lucky to have each one of you in our corner!

Ok, I've spent too much time without Kayden in my arms now.... 

Time for another cuddle session <3

Sweet dreams friends :) 

With much love, 

Melissa & Kayden