superdupernolan
What’s another surgery, in the grander scheme of life? That seems to be Nolan’s thinking, or dreaming in this case. He’s moved on already, and judging from this pose he held for a while tonight while sleeping, he’s planning for the future. What, exactly? Perhaps his first Superman costume? Leading a rally on the Mall in DC? Shaking his fist at The Man? Letting Sambuka lick his hand? We’ll never know what he was dreaming about, but it was darn cute.
There was some indecision this afternoon about whether to leave Nolan on the ventilator overnight, but he decided to end the discussion by extubating himself. I’m sure that was a bit of a crisis in the moment it happened, but he seemed to be doing pretty well off the ventilator and on the nasal canula this evening when I was there (though he’s not quite back at his pre-surgery respiratory state). He was in a bit of pain this afternoon and seemed to be waking up distressed periodically this evening, but that seems like a normal reaction to surgery to me (that’s a certified non-medical opinion, there). He’s on some pain meds, but they don’t have him totally socked out.
At this point, I gather they wait for him to have a bowel movement and then will begin feeding him again. I guess you don’t call it oral feeding if it’s via the new gastrostomy tube (which comes out of his stomach), but it’s not i.v. nutrition, either. Anyhow, Kara and I supposed that they would slowly build him up to his former level of feeds, but the process and timing of that is not clear… like so many things in the NICU. We’ll know when it happens, if not sooner.
So that’s the scoop. Thanks for safeguarding Nolan through surgery with your love, prayers, thoughts, and support. The last message, from Sar, took us over the six hundred comment mark! Wow, what an amazing community of friends Nolan has. Ya’ll are totally fab!
-Maria
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 5:48 am
Hurray! Thanks for the pictures. What a beautiful little boy! And so glad the surgery went well. The g-tube will make “enteral” feeding so much easier at home until Nolan really gets going on oral feeding.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 6:37 am
What an inspiration! Here I am scared to go to my drawing class lest someone speak to me in Spanish (duh) and the bean can go through all this and still keep fighting… I’m so impressed. I’ll be channeling his energy tonight on my way to class!
We love you and continue to pray for healing and peacuful sleep.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 8:05 am
Way to go Nolan and superbean parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles and all. Shannon is still in somewhere rural Utah and I haven’t gotten to tell him the news, however, I am confident that he recieved Nolan’s punch of information. Whew, I cannot believe that he has had yet another surgery, and it makes sense he is in pain. I get cranky when I pull a muscle…so I hope his pain eases fast.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 8:28 am
Joyful tears and happy “whoops” from this household! I think the arm up is Nolan’s way of declaring VICTORY! Love to all of you!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 8:31 am
So glad that surgery is in the past! Well done, Nolan, again. Tough little guy- keep up the fantastic work, and tell your parents they’re pretty terrific, too. All sorts of hugs & love are being sent your way, today & every day. Fingers and toes are crossed for a speedy recovery.
xxx Nancy
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 12:51 pm
So glad to hear the surgery went well - good luck on the poop front Nolan!
What a great pose - what an amazing baby! Sending our love your way!!!!
-Heather & Family
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 1:39 pm
How adorable can a little boy be? So glad things are going well. How could they not be with Nolan’s determined, fighting spirit. What a kid! and what a family that surrounds him!
Love,
Cathy
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Nolan, It was great meeting you this week. The triumphant fist in the air is an inspiration to all of us. Give your strong, determined, lucky parents a big hug for me.
Love,
Marty
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 10:32 pm
I watch in wonder as this beautiful child grows and blooms.
Go, Nolan.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Another wish for a speedy recovery for mind, body and spirit for Nolan and parents. May the next days be filled with light, healing and love. Sending love from Uncle Shannon, still in somewhere rural Utah. Amy
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 5:08 am
Just so you will know for sure you are thought about,
I’m telling you that I check this site every day.
Enjoy the springtime,
with love to all of you, SaraCarter.