We're HOME!!!

After four days and three long nights, we're finally home. Jack's labs still looked good today, so they let us come home with a PICC line. (A semi-permanent iv line) He'll still be receiving antibiotics for the next 14 days with home health.

Here's the long and the short of the story. Jack had a bit of an upset stomach a little over a week ago. He seemed to keep going and not be bothered, so we didn't think much of it. On Monday, he had a low grade fever all day long and Monday night, the fever spiked for the first time to 104.8. We made it to the doctor on Tuesday morning first thing, and they couldn't find anything wrong with him. No problems with ears, throat, etc. The doctor listened to me enough to know that something was wrong with Jack, so we went in for blood, urine and stool samples. The samples came back on Wednesday morning growing bacteria in the stool and the blood. We were almost immediately sent to the hospital to start iv therapy. The bacteria was confirmed samonella on Thursday. His fever continued to spike every four hours or so for the first 24 hours and then gradually went to every 8 hours, 12 hours, and none. Thank goodness. Our doctor looked us right in the eyes yesterday and told us how serious the bacteria could have been, and we feel very lucky that we got really good treatment in great time. Last night was a bit of a nightmare. We had to be transported to another hospital for the PICC line placement. What should be a 15 minute procedure turned into an hour and a half. Jack woke up from the sedative - TWICE! Then his veins were doing crazy things. You know something just isn't right when you see the doctor throw things during the procedure. Luckily, it turned out fine and hopefully he won't have to have any more needle pokes for the iv's or for any blood draws.



Jack was an amazing little patient. All of the nurses on the floor fell in love with him and gave him such good care and attention. We felt very lucky and extremely blessed. They all commented that Jack was the happiest little sick baby they'd ever seen.



We had a challenge on our hands to keep Jack entertained for 4 hospital days, but the nurses made it easier by supplying us with plenty of toys. Jack also loved his wagon rides around the halls. We are SOOOOOOOOOO glad that our little man is going to be ok. What a roller coaster ride, but one we'd gladly go on again if it means good health for Jackson!



Here are a couple more pictures of our future Cougar. We met Grandma and Grandpa Parker and Uncle Brent in Provo a couple of weeks ago to help Brent get settled at school at BYU. I was able to see a few good friends who are still working there, and we had a really nice time on campus and in Provo. This pic was taken while we were watching the first BYU game. I'm sure Jack will be my little football man.



Our little stinker seems to be closer and closer all the time to walking on his own. I can't believe how fast that phase comes. He can move from furniture to furniture and has figured out how to walk behind his toy now. My favorite was seeing him walk behind my grandma's walker this week. I think he is faster than Grandma Mary!