Saturday April 2, 2011

This just in . . . Gibson had his diaper changed. 

Not messy.  The bad news is that Kaydi had to watch and not change Gibson herself. 

The nurses said that they are gradually decreasing the amount of work that ECMO is doing and increasing the amount of work Gibson is doing.

GO GIBSON!!!

    Another good day for the family and friends of Gibson Wheelock Jones. Gibson had a very uneventful night on the ECMO.  He is progressing well and you can see his chest expanding occasionally as he takes breaths on his own and at 1:40 today we got a text from Garrett that said, "He moves his toe when you grab it."  Since then every visitor has grabbed his toe.  He could do more, but he is sedated so he doesn't interfere with the tubes  - - - and there are lots and lots of tubes.  See Photo.  He is hooked to many monitors and has two nurses at all times.  See Photos. He also has a urine bag which he is filling at a commendable pace.  See photo. 

Does it sound like we are rejoicing over some pretty minor things?  Kaydi and Garrett asked me to share some of their feelings with all of their friends.  "We are rejoicing over minor things like his chest expanding, peeing, and wiggling his foot.  It is because we feel so blessed to have Gibson with us.  We can't wait until we get to deal with regular problems like crying, bowel movements, bathing Gibson for the first time, getting pooped on and wiping vomit from our shoulders.  We appreciate your prayers and we know that Gibson's success is do in great part because of your faith.  Rejoice with us in the little things."

Garrett and Kaydi slept well last night as well except that Kaydi was pumping every three hours and the nurses came in every three hours and the two events did not coincide, so she was up every 1.5 hours.  Garrett helped by assembling her pump for her.  What a man!!  See Photos.  She still feels good and looks great.  They got the news this morning that they were accepted at Ronald McDonalds House just down the hill at 935 East South Temple.  They will be close to the baby.  They have a private room and bathroom and share a kitchen and TV area.  They will be surrounded with people who have similar problems and needs. 

Garrett and Kaydi have made the move to McDonald's House and they have a room of their own with a queen bed and shower and toilet and a nice chair.  The room is painted lime green - a happy color.  Volunteers make dinners and lunches for the guests and  if you are not there for dinner, they hold leftovers and have a microwave. 

All family members who desired, went to  the LDS General Conference today.  Some went to the morning session, some to the afternoon session, and some to the priesthood session.  Some went to multiple sessions.  I only have photos of the Jones family.   See photo.  For those of you following the blog who are not familliar with LDS culture, the LDS conference happens twice a year and affords the President and other leaders of the church an opportunity to address the members.  It is held in the conference center near temple square in Salt Lake.  It is an honor and a joy to attend and everyone feels grateful for the opportunity.