Stephen's Heart

Stephen is 2 weeks old today!!!  I realized I haven't posted in almost two days.  Once we were able to hold him again I have basically spent all of my time with him in my arms =0)  Today was another big day...his transthoracic line was taken out!  He is now only hooked up to monitors.  You don't know how great this feels.  For the first time we are able to pick him up from his bed without the help of a nurse.  They are ultra careful when they have these lines in because if they come out they can bleed to death...not fun.  But now we have so much more freedom and we are loving it.  When they took out the line they also took all of the gauze off his incisions and replaced them with steri-strips.
Yesterday they also moved him into a hospital crib.  He looks like such a big boy in his new bed.  The doctors and nurses continue to be amazed at his progress.  One nurse said she has been doing this for 36 years and has never seen anyone quite like him.  God is so amazing!
Today was also the first time I have been home in a month...crazy!  Joe and I drove up to pick up our kiddos for the night and to pack some more clothes.  It was so strange to be back in Fallbrook, even for such a short time.  Our house looked so large!  I guess that what you get after spending a month in hotel and hospital rooms!!!    We are excited to get to spend a little more time with Michael, Lizzie and Audrey.  We haven't lived with them in 2 weeks and quite frankly we forgot how loud they are =0)  Joe, Stephen and I don't make much noise  so it has been pretty quiet around here.  I am actually enjoying their craziness.  It is 9:30 pm right now and Audrey is singing Old McDonald in her crib...I love it =0)
I am also ready to shop.  Yes I already own a carseat and a broken stroller but they are 5 years and 3 kids old and I think Stephen deserves a new one.  After all he did just have open heart surgery =0)  The kids helped pick out blankets and little beanies and I can't wait until I get to put the little guy in clothes!  Shopping is going to be so much fun!!!
Here are a few pictures form the last 2 days...