First Baby Shower and Such

While the doctors dealt with Langston's infection, the hubby and I made plans for my return to work.  We originally planned for me to take a semester off from work, but after Langston made his debut a little early, our plans changed.  Plus it was highly recommended by my doctor for me to return to work while Langston was in the NICU.  They felt that a routine was best for us, and I agreed.  I needed to get my mind off of worrying about my son.  Not that I didn't worry every second of the day, but having work occupy my mind helped me deal with things.

While I was work, Langston was on antibiotics for 10 days while fighting the infection and had to be taken off his feedings.  During this time, Langston received his nutrition thru his IV.  He did gain some weight, but not as much as he would have if his feedings weren't stopped.

To celebrate my return to work (not really), my co-workers and friends threw me a fantastic work shower. It was scheduled for the Wednesday, the 11th, before I returned to work. It was held in the school library and it was really nice. I got several items for Langston including his high chair.  I was so overwhelmed by the love of my co-workers.  Their constant prayers, thoughts, and emails were so nice and encouraging.

It was beautifully done and was inspired by the elephant theme of Langston's nursery.  I am so thankful to Mary, Tara, Liz, and Kirsten for hosting my work shower. 

My return to work was on April 16th.  I had a difficult time coming back to work, but it was truly for the best.  It was a little stressful but I made it work, and I was still able to see my sweet boy each day. I was even able to be at the hospital when Langston was transported to the NICU at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.  I was told very suddenly while holding Langston that he and a few of his friends at Stalhman were being moved to Children's.  I was assured that this move was a good thing, as Children's is the final stop before coming home.  We were so excited about this peak on the roller coaster.

 Between the move to Children's and my return to work, my sweet precious boy celebrated his 1 month birthday.  The hubby and I wanted to celebrate our sweet boy and honor the nurses that take such good care of our sweet boy. We purchased cupcakes from Sam's (I don't bake very well), and placed a sweet poem written by my friend and co-worker Mary in honor of Langston's 1 month birthday.

On the 21st, Langston had his 2nd transfusion.  He was having severe apneic spells, and was not wanting to breath.  His blood count was low as well.  He handled his tranfusion well, but Mama and Daddy worry so about him.  We hit a another dip when Langston had to be placed on a ventilator on Sunday, the 22nd.  We called several times on Sunday to find out how Langston was doing, and were waiting on my parents to visit so that we could visit him together.  As we arrived at the hospital, we find Langston's doctors and nursers in his room to inform us that he was placed on a ventilator.  Our sweet boy took several steps back on our path home, and we were so upset.  My sweet boy was tired, and didn't want to breathe anymore.  The doctors were comforting and chose their words wisely while speaking to us.  I asked my parents to step out because I didn't want them to hear things that might upset them.  During this whole ordeal, all I could think about was losing my son.  I prayed without ceasing that God wouldn't take my son.  I even went to the nurses and doctors and asked if my son was in a life or death situation.  Upset doesn't even begin to describe how I was feeling as my son was placed on the ventilator and I watched a machine breathe for my son. 

My sweet boy, swollen, on the ventilator, and an IV in his head.