Friday, 6/12 @ 7:45 a.m. 

Both Zeke and I were snoozing away, finally getting some much-needed Zs, and in walk a team of about seven docs and residents at 6 a.m. I know that’s what they have to do, but it startled Zeke and he is just now starting to settle down … and that’s after more morphine and two more bottles of Pedialyte. Zeke only used the second bottle as a pacifier, however. Boy, does that kid miss his thumb.

He also misses Mommy and the delicious sustenance she provides. One nurse said we may be able to try breastfeeding later today. I’m pumping, as well, so I hope Zeke can at least get some milk into him with a bottle. Moreover, I’m sure he misses his yummy solid foods, not to mention him missing terribly his constant, fun-loving buddies, Gabriel and Houston, and Daddy. Poor baby.

A nurse said she wouldn’t be surprised if his chest drainage tube was removed soon. I actually removed his little nasal tube a bit ago. Zeke had been messing with this tube so much that it had been barely hanging on to the bottom of his nostril since late last night. Thankfully, this tiny gesture brought just a little happiness to my bummed-out boy.

The head anasthesiologist visited and we discussed that the epidural is probably providing some significant amount of pain relief. He did say that it’s challenging to judge in a kid because so many of the things that assist in aiding comfort and relief are non-medical — basically, all the aforementioned items: thumb sucking, being held, getting milk from Mommy, hanging with brothers, talking to Daddy, etc.

Zeke is a tad puffier today, but still looking amazingly good. The doc says this should start to subside by early afternoon.