I've Got No Strings

If the theme song for yesterday was Moving On Up, then today's was from the movie Pinocchio, "I've Got No Strings". Today's day was even better then yesterday. Blaise and I (mom) had a good night of peaceful sleep in the new room, with just another early wake up call for xrays and blood draw then back to bed. The cardiac surgery department decided that since Blaise's xrays looked good with no plueral effusions or fluid build-up, combined with the fact that he had very little drainage over the last 24 hours quite a few awesome deicisions were made today. First, he got his oxygen removed. Then they came in and removed his lead lines that measure heart rate, etc, then he got his pulse ox line removed. Then they made the huge decision to remove his pacer wire and ALL THREE drainage tubes. I honestly still can't believe I'm typing that. I was seriously a little apprehensive and expressed this to Dr. Hammels PA several times, but in the end told her she was the doctor, not myself and she's done this probably a hundred more times then myself. My fear in removing them was that if fluid build up starts, they'd have to put Blaise back into the OR to perform an operation to replace them. It's a bit unbelievable that they are out this early, as they are not typically taken out this early in Fontan surgeries due to the excessive drainage. Another reason this little boy is a true MIRACLE. The removal of the lines is super painful, and just done bedside without any numbing or anesthesia. Mike and I held each of Blaise's hands and tried not to watch/pass out and she pulled all three out. He screamed just a tad bit, but I was blown away proud of him. So were all of the nurses.

Other things on"best day ever" according to Blaise, include no word on his sodium levels, so we are guessing they must have been better. Blaise finally "did the job" in the stool department. His attitude was totally improved today. Lots of smiles, laughing and more. He still has lots of anxiety with his meds, but is doing better.

The highlight of the day was a visit from Sutton and Holten!!! It was so needed by all five of us. Sutton was so sweet and caring with Blaise, and we even caught crazy-man Holten patting him on the back.

I think how far Blaise has come is a true testament to God. He's our true little miracle here on Earth. Prayers tonight that tomorrow is another day of steps forward and no fluid build up.

Pics 1) helping Blaise walk to play room 2) seeing each other for first time 3) tube free chest! 4) painting a tractor this morning