Two weeks old and undeterred

I am starting this update with a brief synopsis because this blog began just after surgery. I hope this helps.
On Sunday morning at 10:38 Joseph Edward Lund will turn two weeks old. Having lost all sense of time through this journey, I find it hard to believe that much time has passed. Joseph was born at Verdugo Hills Hospital in fairly normal fashion. (In this picture he is literally a few minutes old) The nurses, however, quickly sensed that he was laboring too much to breathe. The doctor was called in and phone calls were made to get him transferred to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Several hospitals were called and just like Mary and Joseph 2000+ years ago, my Mary and Joseph were told there was no room at the inn. Finally, there was bed found at Glendale Adventist Hospital. Mary had to stay at Verdugo and I went with Joseph to Adventist. Separated from mom only a few hours after being born is a tough day! The two day stay at Glendale Adventist was inspiring to see how much the doctors and nurses care for the most vulnerable little ones. The doctor from Adventist still calls to check on Joseph's progress. Joseph received top notch care but after he was put on a breathing tube and his heart issue was identified, it was clear he needed to be at Children's Hospital for treatment. (this is a picture of Joseph at Adventist and me holding his mouth open to help him breathe) After many prayers and many phone calls, a bed was found for Joseph at Children's hospital. It was a HUGE relief to be where the best care in the world for children can be found. The amazing Doctor Geller, who had performed surgery on our daughter Megan, could finally help us with Joseph. We found out later on that he played a big part in getting Joseph admitted. Joseph was diagnosed and surgery was done. Now we are in this strange time of recovering from one surgery and trying to strengthen up for the next one.
Joseph did well this Saturday and both Mary and I were able to feed him from a bottle. He is gaining weight and while not perfect, his numbers continue to improve. He has been more alert and awake. He is comfortable even though he is completely off all pain medications. The doctors are trying to balance his medications to help his heart and to let him grow strong for his next surgery. Here is his most recent picture:
The next few days are very important and will dictate when he can come home. It is also important for us as we get ready to care for him without the nurses nearby.

Thank you for the constant prayers. It continues to sustain Joseph and his family.

Kenny


p.s. if you would like to leave a comment, click on the word comment at the end of the update. When it asks for "identity" click on "other" and then just enter your name and comment.