Riding in the Whirlwind
by Slack, on January 25th, 2004
So, I’ve taken a bit of a break from updating the site. Honestly there isn’t much news to share, which is a very good thing. Let’s see, how do I sum up the past few days? I’M FLIPPIN TIRED! How about that? I feel like I’ve been hit by a mac-truck, kicked in the chest by a horse, punched in the face, dragged through the mud, and finally dropped off a cliff… Wheee. I know I know, woe is me. Yeah, well, buckle up, it’s a pity party! ;) No, no, I’ll spare you.
Rhys has gained some weight since last update. He’s 3 lbs 8.6 ozs now. He was weighed today and didn’t gain any, but didn’t lose any either. He’s still on a continuous feed right now. The goal is to get him on periodic feeds rather than continuous, but he tolerates the continuous feeds better and it’s more important that he is keeping the food down. His vent rate is down to 20 bpm right now, and his resps are at about 40 – 50, so he’s taking half the breaths on his own. He’s scheduled to have the vent rate turned down to 18 tomorrow morning. He’s tolerating everything much better in general. He’s still desaturating from time to time, but he recovers quicker and he is doing it less and less.
Mom got to kangaroo him today for about 2 hours! That was great. She’s been kangarooing every chance she gets. Now he’s tolerating the sessions better. He has always been fine with it, just the moving from iso to mamma and vice versa would bother him usually. He’s off of his antibiotics now, and seems to be in the clear with regard to infection. Whew! He does have some swelling in the groin area. One nurse said it was pretty typical of preemies, and another nurse said it may be a hernia and we should keep an eye on it. So, time will tell on that one.
I got to hold him for the first time ever a couple days ago! It was great. The feeling was indescribable! I can’t wait for the next time!
All things considered life feels a slight measure better than a couple days ago. It still feels like a nightmare, and I still feel like a zombie after only 8 hours of being awake, but it’s nice to have something to live for. Something to give me meaning and purpose. :)
Rhys and I
Rhys in his bundle
Rhys says, ENOUGH PICTURES DADDY!
Hiedi & Allen,
Rhys looks so good! He’s perfect you guys, he really is so perfect. It makes me smile just to see the pictures of him.
Steph
Hiedi & Allen,
Just a quick note of support. We have a son named Rhys and you may well be distant relatives.
Even though we don’t know you, you are in our hearts.
Scott, Kerry and Rhys Trevethan
Melbourne, Australia
Oh, Allen, what a picture of you with your son! Fantastic! You should keep a blow-up of that around for the future—so that every time he does something that makes you want to scream (you know, those times when the FULL name is used in a loud thunderous voice) you could just pull out the pic and remember what a precious gift from God he is.
Thats really something about the family from Australia who named their son the same as you did—what are the chances? Not exactly “John Smith”!
Love ya,
Kathy
That Australian family has the same last name too?!?! Waaayyyy too wacky. Just wanted to say hi. Love you guys. Always thinking of you. Jess
That family from Australia probably is a distant relative. After all, there are not that many of us Trevethans. And to think that there is another Rhys.
Oops – I think I posted on the wrong darn page. By the way, not all the links work on our website – mainly the wedding one does… Sorry about the skrewup!!!!
Hey, I was surfing recently and passed by your site… I would say sorry about your daughter, but I think the only sorries I could offer would be enough… Plus, heaven has a new beautiful angel to smile upon your family. Hang in there, and my best wishes to your family. Please be strong for your wife, she needs you more than anything. I recently got married and we’re planning on having children in another couple years (we’re only 21 and in college right now)… I think children are wonderful blessings, and I know God is watching over Rhys, as is Leilani. My heart goes out to you as do my prayers. Hang in there…
Love,
Michelle (and Brad) Morgan
I meant to say, “… I think the only sorries I could offer would NOT be enough…” But I skrewed up. Sooooo Sorry for my stupidity… Next time I’ll remember to PREVIEW before I POST.
Sorry again,
Michelle
What a beautiful baby!!!! I’m so happy to hear things are going well. Love to you all, Jenn
Hello to all of you, I’m so glad to see that you are able to touch and hold Rhys. I know that Lola is happy to be able to go in there, too!!
I’m keeping an eye out on your page. I it sure has been a big ride on the joy/fear/sorrow rollycoaster. I’m sure that I could never write out my feelings on a page for the world to see. I know that all the family and friends were able to keep close by the weblog. I hope that you have come to a time that will be calmer and more happy.
Love,
Sue