Good News
The break from blogging was good. The past month was pretty hard as we were hoping for positive steps forward but instead had to resort to a tracheotomy which seemed to us, several steps backward. This was a huge blow to us but we knew it was best for Ira in the long-run.
While the last month was hard I'm glad to be posting good news this morning. This past Saturday marked Ira's tenth week in the PICU. It also marked the tenth week that we have been unable to hold Ira due to his labile condition. Well on Saturday we finally got to hold him again. It was a monumental task to make it happen but well worth the work. The MasterCard commercial would go something like this:
making sure the vent's settings are good to go: 1 respiratory therapist
checking all the IV lines, the G-tube, the probes: 2 nurses
picking Ira up from the bed with everything in place: 1 respiratory therapist, 2 nurses and 2 parents
holding Ira for the first time in 10 weeks: priceless
smile from Ira: priceless
Originally uploaded by joechays.
what a beautiful day
Originally uploaded by joechays.
And Saturday also marked the first time Ira's worn clothes in ten weeks. He looked so darn cute and Laura loved that he and I were wearing matching navy colors.
the Hays boys
Originally uploaded by joechays.
We still have a way to go with Ira. He still goes through withdrawl from his sedation meds (they turned off two more meds last night -- pentobarb and morphine) and that's a scary thing to witness. His nights are the worst. The past few nights we have been up with him trying to console him as he shakes violently and cries. There are more tests to be done (CAT scan and MRI) and we still need to attempt to wean Ira from the vent.
But, and this is huge, Ira looks the best he's looked since being in the hospital and for that we are excited, hopeful and forward looking.
While the last month was hard I'm glad to be posting good news this morning. This past Saturday marked Ira's tenth week in the PICU. It also marked the tenth week that we have been unable to hold Ira due to his labile condition. Well on Saturday we finally got to hold him again. It was a monumental task to make it happen but well worth the work. The MasterCard commercial would go something like this:
making sure the vent's settings are good to go: 1 respiratory therapist
checking all the IV lines, the G-tube, the probes: 2 nurses
picking Ira up from the bed with everything in place: 1 respiratory therapist, 2 nurses and 2 parents
holding Ira for the first time in 10 weeks: priceless
smile from Ira: priceless
Originally uploaded by joechays.
what a beautiful day
Originally uploaded by joechays.
And Saturday also marked the first time Ira's worn clothes in ten weeks. He looked so darn cute and Laura loved that he and I were wearing matching navy colors.
the Hays boys
Originally uploaded by joechays.
We still have a way to go with Ira. He still goes through withdrawl from his sedation meds (they turned off two more meds last night -- pentobarb and morphine) and that's a scary thing to witness. His nights are the worst. The past few nights we have been up with him trying to console him as he shakes violently and cries. There are more tests to be done (CAT scan and MRI) and we still need to attempt to wean Ira from the vent.
But, and this is huge, Ira looks the best he's looked since being in the hospital and for that we are excited, hopeful and forward looking.
posted by jch at
6:38 AM
20 Comments:
It is wonderful to see Ira's big blue eyes and sweet round face. And even better, he's in your arms.
We continue to pray for Ira's healing and continued progress.
Thanks for the update.
What a sweet face! He is a beautiful baby. I am glad that you were able to hold him in your arms.
It makes me smile to see that cute face with nothing on it. I never noticed he looks like Sophia. I am glad things are improving, and know, we have not forgotten.
My, how he has grown! You guys are doing great - it would appear your energy is stronger than ever - praise God for that! Will continue praying.
So good to hear from you, Joe! It's a been a long wait for us in cyber-world. We have never ceased praying for him.
Ira is priceless.
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FACE! I am so glad to hear yall are making progress. I will continue to pray for the withdrawls. So glad to see that precious face!
Hallelujah!
He is beautiful; absolutely beautiful. You keep fighting babe!!
So wonderful to see his smiling face. Praying for more progress and encouraging news.
I was saying to myself as I was clicking on this blog...please let there be good news, please let there be good news, please let there be good news...and the first thing I saw was Ira's face looking up at Laura. Thank you Jesus. He is amazingly beautiful!!!! I continue to pray. Love and peace to you and Laura.
what wonderful news! as if you didn't have enough going on...just thought i would mention that mastercard is running a campaign for the best "priceless" commercial. i would have to say of all the funny and touching commercials i have seen, ira's "priceless" story from your blog is THE BEST!!! congratulations again on all of your progress...i know it didn't come without many tears and frustrations. but, we celebrate the happy times and pray that they continue! (but, seriously, check out the contest...i'm not sure if there's a prize or not)
Praise be to God!
Joe,
Wow, does Ira have your eyes! It's such a wonderful site to see you and Laura holding Ira once again. We pray for the day when you will be able to make another video of Ira coming home from the hospital! We pray that may be sometime soon.
Glad to hear your sabattical from blogging was good. I hope God filled your family with rest and hope.
-Reed (& M)
Thank you, Lord!!!
He is beautiful, there's really just no other word...continually praying for you guys!
awwww!! Those rosy cheeks, those piercing blue eyes. What a DOLL! He's beautiful. Just beautiful.
He is the most beautiful little boy! We continue to lift you all up in prayer.
Joe and Laura-
We are so thankful to see these pictures and read your words; looking at Ira's beautiful face brings such joy.
We continue to pray often for each of you. May His strength continue to be yours!
The Brooks
Look at those beautiful blue eyes! He looks really good you guys! I'm joining everyone else in prayer that he is off the ventilator soon and that the withdrawal symptoms subside and that he is able to go home with you guys.
YAY!!! So happy. Thanks for the pic of that gorgeous Ira's face. We love you, Hays fam!
Those pictures are so beautiful!
I checked your blog this morning as I headed out to Bible study and was shocked to see the incredible pictures of your family. Even the gals in my Bible study saw the streaks on my face where I had been crying (joyful tears) for your family. They are also in prayer for your family and for Ira to be healed. I can't imagine the overwhelming joy you must have felt holding him in your arms.
Much love,
Kari
Beautiful!!!
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