Just another hurdle

Good morning everyone,

Happy Friday. It's another big day for our little boy Ethan. We found out yesterday that his airway was 90% blocked because the cartilage around his trachea isn't thick enough yet and keeps collapsing on itself. Therefore, he's going in this morning to get a "trach" tube put in. They tell us he could need it in anyway from several months to a couple of years. It really all depends on how he responds, and how everything grows. It's hard to think that he's going to have to go through another procedure, but they doctors tell us it's relatively low risk putting it in. Enough so that with the short notice, I'm not going to be able to be there today with Tina and Kevin waiting for him to come out.

Once the tube is in, hopefully he will be able to get off the ventilator completely in a few days. They believe his lungs look good, and it's just the collapsed upper airway that's causing the problems. They also tell us he should be able to start oral feeds after this procedure is done. Tina and I will need to get some special training on how to care for an infant with a trach. Additionally on the positive side, he's up to 5 lb. 11 oz. now, and aggresively trying to catch up to his little brother.

Not to be left out, Kevin is doing great. He's up to 6 lb. 11 oz. now and thriving. He's pee'd on himself a couple of times during his diaper changes. (Hence, why mommmy changed his outfit to the one above!) He's doing much better at only waking up once or twice at night, which both Tina and I really appreciate.

On the New Hampshire front, the painters are all done with the interior of the house. The carpet guys pulled up the old stuff yesterday, so I slept on the hardwoods last night. The new carpet is going in on Saturday, and all of our stuff is coming in on Monday. My goal this weekend, once the carpet is in, is to get the boys nursery ready to go for their arrival. We still don't have a good idea of when that will be yet, but I can't wait until Ethan's healthy enough where we can all be together again.

My co-workers here at Phenix have been unbelievably supportive to me and my family. One of them and her husband came over last night and helped me install the new microwave. Another one is taking me to the Manchester Fisher Cats 2A baseball game tonight, since it's my first weekend not going home. Also, when I got into work this morning there was a fresh homemade apple pie waiting for me. I couldn't ask for more genuine and kind people to work with, and it's really been a blessing to me in this tough time being away from Tina and the boys.

Please say a quick prayer for Ethan this morning. We appreciate everyone who has been and continues to be there for us.

Much love,

Ryan, Tina, Ethan, and Kevin