Tuesday, Aug. 12, 208: what a difference a week makes

Unbelievable! When we got to the hospital this morning, Luke was off the ventilator! The nurses told us that over the night, he had pulled the tube out himself! Hercules, Hercules! He-Man! What a strong little boy! They had told us that if he did this, they would try to leave it out and see how he does. Apparently, he did well all night and this morning, so they left it out ☺. They have him on 30% Oxygen on a nasal cannula, and he is doing fine. If he continues to do well (they took one gas level this morning, which was good), they will continue to lower the oxygen level until it reaches 21%.

Dr. Stuartz stopped by and told us that they would be removing one of his lines (in his belly button) and that we’ll get a chance to hold him today. What! We can hold him. No way! We got very excited about this. We spent the day sitting near him, waiting for this moment. Finally at 4pm the line was removed and he was swaddled (which he liked very much) and was put in our arms. I couldn’t believe I had him in my arms finally. I squeezed him so tight and smelled him. That’s when I started to cry. My son, my little man. I finally had him near my skin, my heart. I just couldn’t believe it. After 40 minutes, I finally gave him over to Karl, only because I had to pump (those breasts were crazy when holding him). Karl had a similar experience, got teary eyed, and was in awe with his son. We are truly in the home stretch and it is amazing. We are so grateful and thankful. Thank you to everyone that has been sending out positive thoughts and prayers.