Post Surgery . . . Days 1, 2, 3

Nothing says LOVE, like Kisses from Dad!

Dad and Tritt!! So Sweet...

Friday, June 3, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 1)
Today was a critical for our little fighter. . . the window for serious complications is 24-48 hours. We were on pins and needles to get to the hospital and see how he fared through the night. Remarkably, he didn't have the issues that the nurses and doctors were prepare for. They had a pace maker hooked up to his heart just in case, breathing aids ready, etc. Dr. Casa was there that morning during the doctors rounds and came over to us to tell us that he couldn't believe the turn around that Tritt was making-even after such a difficult surgery. As he walked away he said to Jesse, "There is a higher power watching over your son." Wow! You bet there is!

Uncle Mark and Aunt Shi, Bishop Barrett and Sandy, and Renee and Randy Stevenson came to see him today. He was pretty sedated of course, but I'm sure he could feel their presence. The Bishop and Jess gave him a blessing, which I was very-very thankful for. It put my heart at ease.

Earlier that morning, Jess was talking in his ear and Tritt turned his head and opened his eyes for a few minutes and just stared at him. It was such a special moment! It is those moments that we live for right now.

Tritton's vitals were looking great, he was impressing the doctors so well. . . that's my boy. Jess and I hung out at the hospital for as long as we could stand it. . . we cannot hold him or touch him too much, as they don't want him to move around a lot. He does respond to touch and will move his little hands and feet. I just love it!

He is always sleeping with his hands up. Like Father like Son!

I just love his chubby feet!!

Saturday, June 4, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 2)
Another healing day. . . there really is not much to do around him at this time. We talk to him, touch him, and we have even sang the silly songs that we grew up hearing from our parents and grandparents. It was a day of smiles and grateful hearts as we knew we were past the worst-as far as his surgery went. . . We have been blessed with terrific nurses that have loved him and really take the time to help him be comfortable.

The nurses and doctors still can't believe his progress. He is getting rid of his fluid more and more, vitals looked great, and he was looking so much better.

Jesse and I decided that this would be a good day to go out for a while longer and get some time away from the hospital. We made the usually trip to Walmart and Gateway Mall. It was a great distraction and helped us feel normal for a minute :)

We still cannot get over the out pouring of loves, hugs, prayers, and fasts that many of your are offering and sacrificing in our behalf. Thank you-THANK YOU for being who you are! We love you all so much! I KNOW that without your prayers Tritton would not be doing as well as he is. I am seeing miracles happening before my own eyes, big and small every moment. Thank you!

We were told today that the doctors would be closing his chest tomorrow morning. . . . hopefully that will be the case.

Sunday, June 5, 2011 (Post Surgery-Day 3)
We were up early and dressed in our Sunday best! We decided to remember the Sabbath Day that we would stay in our church attire. We arrived at the hospital around 8am and eagerly waited the time when Tritton would have his chest closed, but during the night a little eight year old girl, who had been fighting for her life, got her heart transplant. We were so thrilled to hear such great news for her and her family. We have made great friends with them and were so happy that their sorrow turned so quickly to joy! It was just that evening that the heart became available, so the doctors were taking care of his emergency since they only had a 4 hour window. By the time they were done the doctors were quite exhausted and during rounds they felt that Tritton had too much fluid around his back and chest to close him today. I was more ok with this than Jess. I felt like it was a little early-mother instinct I guess-but Jess was disappointed and down most of the day. But one more day of healing is a good factor in this day to day life we are living.

We were able to go and be with some friends later this afternoon. Jesse's best friend growing up lives in Clearfield and they were blessing their baby today. So we went for a few hours and enjoyed our time with them going to church and visiting for a while afterward at the luncheon.
But were were eager to get back to our little boy.

We got back to the hospital and loved on our little guy. He was more awake today and would turn his head to look at us. He wouldn't fuss or get too wiggly with all the Bling that hangs from his little body. He even will suck on his breathing tube. Which is awesome!! Most babies will forget how to suck after surgery, so we are happy to see him doing that. It is quite the noise as well. . . we just giggle - he is too cool!! (I have to say that instead of cute-Jess says that he has to keep his macho image :) ) Ha Ha-what a dad!!

So we wait until tomorrow to see when they will close his chest. We were stopped by Dr. Casa-who will do the surgery, and he said that tomorrow after the first surgery case that they will do then. Most likely early afternoon. . . . but as we have learned. . . nothing goes as planned so we will patiently wait until it is time. Assuming Tritt still keeps a positive flow of fluid going out!

Love to all!!