Day 128

I've been trying to get to this post all day, but things just kept getting in the way. Before I move on to Holden's update, I want to share a plan for Rylie's big day. For those of you who are wondering what to get her for her birthday at the end of the month, we have an easy solution. Her dad has agreed to let her get a dog, which is ALL she has wanted for what seems like an eternity. She would much prefer a sweet puppy to love over any other gift we could get her. She has worked her tail off these past months earning money to buy a dog along with the necessary extras (like the pet deposit- ouch!), and we'd love to be able to help her reach her goal for her birthday. If you're interested in contributing instead of trying to pick out a gift, please let me know and I'll send you the address to send her a card. (Honestly, how many sparkly accessories does one little girl really need anyway? :) This is a surprise, so please don't mention anything to her!

Moving on to Holden... He's had a slightly better day today. I'm not quite ready to say he's turned a corner, but he's definitely starting to peek around it. Evidently the organs in his body didn't like the decreased cardiac output he had after his surgery, but thank God for the wonder drug of milrinone! After starting the milrinone his heart function improved, and his kidneys have decided to rejoin the party. His BUN and creatinine are both back down to acceptable (if not "normal" levels), and he's been filling diapers again. We're hopeful that his liver will notice the changes soon and also decide to fall back in line.

He's been much more awake and alert today, even taking a break from napping to play with his toys in the Bumbo for a little while. He's still not himself, and we can tell he still feels pretty bad. However, we're seeing small signs of improvement, and I'll take it! I want my little man back more than anything, and today is the first day that I feel like we're moving in the right direction to make that happen.

He's sleeping now, hopefully dreaming of better days sure to come. Dream big, little man.

Again, many thanks and much love for your endless care and concern. Your love, support and encouragement help so much on the days that have seemed more hopeless than hopeful lately. Thank you for the prayers and overall good energy sent his way. We feel it, he feels it, and it heals.