A new day

I apologize to all of you for such a late update. I wanted to wait until all the doctors rounded so that I had facts for all of you. Matthew is still in serious but stable condition. He is still intubated and they have him sedated so that his brain can have a rest from the seizures and his body too. I slept very little last night as the two of us (Steve and I) shared a bed the equivelent of a large bench. I was very concerned last night and this morning of his pulmonary status and worried he would get pneumonia again. Ventilators and ICU are not my terrritory or area of expertise and when it's your own baby, it makes it worse. It's a case of knowing just enough to be dangerous and letting your mind wander. In this case sometimes ignorance is bliss. Matthew slept well last night and his nurse was amazing with us. She explained everything to me, in a way both of us could understand..she didn't take for granted that I was a nurse, and taught me just as she would teach any other mother. Last night, I appreciated that more than anything.

This morning, after much praying, many tears, and talking with the intensivist (they are the doc's that work in the ICU) to understand more; I am at peace. I am at peace with what is going on am less fear filled. Here is what we understand

• Matthew's lung status is good. He has no signs of infection, and he works hard to cough his secretions. He is still doing much of the work of breathing on his own.
• They will keep him sedated 24-36 more hours to give his brain and body time to rest, before talking about weaning him off of sedation.
• After lots of communication with Minnesota; the doctors here are following the lead of the Minnesota doctors. They have done another EEG, which shows no seizure activity (!!) and are starting him on a slew of meds. While the epileptologist and I are both not excited about this; he feels this is temporary and we will wean off of some when we feel he is well.

We hope all of these things work as planned and we get our Matthew back soon. He is very puffy right now, but peaceful and resting. We will most likely be here through the weekend, but we are in good hands. If things don't go as planned and he is stable; we may talk about transferring to Minnesota for more extensive seizure evaluation.

Again, I can't tell you all enough how much your kind words, texts and messages mean to me. You all are ministering to me in a way that I could have never imagined. I am in awe and it brings me to tears to think of all the amazing people in our lives who care so much. Even complete strangers are praying for Matthew. You all are amazing. We love you all so much. You have lifted my spirits and held me up. Thank you for lifting Matthew, me and our family up to God. I am reminded of the awesome God we serve! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!