tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72415741092612855382024-03-14T03:53:56.571-05:00Team CarterJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825425735172749255noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-27301124518897088572013-02-26T16:54:00.001-06:002013-02-26T16:54:17.259-06:00Procedure update <div><p>Well Carter's procedure got off to a very slow start. They walked back to the operating room at 2pm. Our last update was at 4:30pm and they said everything was going well. They are putting a stent in the right pulmonary artery. I haven't heard about the left pulmonary artery. But the nurse said everything is going well. It definitely sounded very positive. Thank you all for your continued prayers!!!!</p>
</div>Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-59095468666928993202013-02-26T07:45:00.001-06:002013-02-26T07:58:44.183-06:00Getting ready to leave for Peoria.<div>
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<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BKb8YjHPt8Y/USy8eWcJBZI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/VMAsJY0y_Po/IMG_20130226_073701.png" /></div>
Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com0Atkinson, Atkinson41.420868 -90.015114tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-56790735334186453252013-02-25T14:12:00.001-06:002013-02-25T14:12:40.503-06:00Preop appointment. <div><p>Carter had a preop appointment for his cardiac catheterization. When he has a dr appointment in Peoria it's a tradition to eat at Olive Garden. Here's. Carter and Matt enjoying salad and breadsticks!!!</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ypoPVIvDEJI/USvFtMnqf6I/AAAAAAAAAI8/dFl3YIASGQI/IMG_20130225_140807.png' /></div>Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-91651535178288167162012-10-30T10:54:00.000-05:002013-01-13T18:28:59.503-06:00Back to school, PE, and recess......yeah!!!! Carter had a wonderful appointment with Dr. Fortuna yesterday!!!! He has been release from the cardiac surgeon and he can return to recess and PE!!! He is back in school full time and his restrictions have been lifted. Yeah!!! Hard to be.lieve it's been 6 weeks since his surgery. He s doing amazing. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We could not have made it through the last 6 weeks without all of you. Thank you!!!Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-87822256599953157002012-10-09T18:34:00.003-05:002013-01-13T18:28:10.316-06:00<span class="userContent"> Thank you so much to Team Carter and everyone who helped make Carter's benefit a huge success!!!! It was absolutely amazing how our family, friends, and community came together to show their support and love. We will never ever forget all the prayers, cards, phone calls, letters, care packages, gifts, food, donations, and countless other acts of kindness shown to Carter and our family during the time. It is amazing how wonderful and generous people are. You are all wonderful and have left an impact on our life that we will never forget!! I wish we could have given everybody at the benefit a huge hug and a personal thank you, unfortunately there wasn't enough time in the evening. I am truly sorry for that. You all have a special place in our hearts and we appreciate everything you have do for our family. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!</span>Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-8353529686690351872012-10-05T19:13:00.001-05:002013-02-21T10:41:57.108-06:00<div>
A BIG thank you to TEAM CARTER!!!! You have been working so hard. We greatly appreciate all the time and hard work you have put into Carter's benefit. You are amazing!!! We love you all so much!!! Also thank you to my parents, uncle Turk, Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Fran, and all their friends who helped prepare the food for tomorrow. Thank you Kelly Liedtke, Jessica's Grandma Pat H., and Meg Barr for donating food. There are so many people who have been hard at work this week. I am sure I forgot someone (I am sorry if I have left anyone out). As you cab tell I am so overjoyed. Words can not express how I am feeling tonight. I am excited, nervous, and completely thankful to everyone for helping with Carter's benefit. Matt and I have also spoke at great lengths about Carter attending the benefit. We also spoke with his doctor. Initially he was not going to be able to attend. Since he is doing so well his doctor gave us the OK to us our discretion. So tomorrow Carter will be at the benefit at 5pm. Probably for 30-45 minutes and then again around 8:30 or 9pm to hear his Grandpa Pete's band Filthy Frank play. He will be there until about 9:30. We have to limit exposure to infection. So we are going to wear a mask and do lots of hand washing. We hope to see u all tomorrow. With Carter doing so well this has turned into a celebration. We want to celebrate how wonderful our friends family and community. And show our appreciation. We would not have made it through without each and every one of u. THANK YOU!!!!</div>
Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-25796313093659501482012-10-02T16:20:00.003-05:002013-01-13T18:28:47.637-06:001st Postop Visit Yea!!!! Carter's appointment with the surgeon went really well. His labs showed that he was dehydrated. Which wasn't a big surprise since he is on the diuretic Lasix and he isn't drinking a lot of fluids. So Dr. Fortuna cut back his Lasix to 3 times a day. Matt and I were also worried about his blood pressure medication. They had doubled the dose from before surgery. After talking with Dr. Fortuna he decided to go back to his presurgical dose.......yea!! He also removed his steri strips from his chest and his stitches from his chest tube sites. Nothing but healing wounds now!! Then we discussed in home tutoring and Dr. Fortuna said.........Carter can go back to school!!!! We do not have to wait 6 weeks. Yippee!!! He said as long as the environment is controlled and of coarse NO recess or gym class for 6 weeks then he felt it was ok for him to return. He still has to avoid infection. So he wants him to avoid crowds. He said to be extra careful. He can not be around those with coughs, colds, and definitely no one with the flu. I asked about the benefit this Saturday. He was real hesitant. He said it was too hard for us to control the environment. I think we have agreed on him going for dinner and staying for just a little bit. He will have to wear a mask. 7 years ago we should have bought stock in hand sanitizer....lol!!! Carter has an appointment with his cardiologist in Peoria on October 22nd and then a 2nd appointment with Dr. Fortuna his heart surgeon on October 29th!! Again I can not thank you all enough. We are so happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-57107902417996342812012-10-01T13:15:00.001-05:002013-02-21T10:48:07.031-06:00Checking in at OSF<div>
Carter has a postoperative appointment with his surgeon today. He's excited to ride the trolley. So far so good. On to zray and lab!!!<br />
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<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nuAH---n2Jo/UGndn5H9aII/AAAAAAAAAIc/BR8RMyFDxK8/IMG_20121001_114052.png" /><br />
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Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-81278150036102096212012-10-01T09:10:00.006-05:002013-01-13T18:29:19.839-06:00Carter in the Newspaper Source: <a href="http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=610021&query=atkinson">http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=610021&query=atkinson</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLogFfYfqheh6Up9YjB3SlNL0rQ9eruiRFvzJkPNJ0hcDkYOOmeeSWilhi4gcWnx-32KDkZ_4YCeix2632zFpzyUxmOVR2BWW_nbmfPHwXb-_Cl5K7uJ_83VeScSK3Z_V_u1LrmFuZe7Mu/s1600/surgery24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLogFfYfqheh6Up9YjB3SlNL0rQ9eruiRFvzJkPNJ0hcDkYOOmeeSWilhi4gcWnx-32KDkZ_4YCeix2632zFpzyUxmOVR2BWW_nbmfPHwXb-_Cl5K7uJ_83VeScSK3Z_V_u1LrmFuZe7Mu/s320/surgery24.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica Hutchison, Tara VanOpdorp Goodwin, Dawn Hemphill<br />
Photo Credit: Claudia Loucks/Quad Cities Online correspondent</td></tr>
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<strong>Faith gives Yackley family strength</strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">By Claudia Loucks
Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2012, 7:20 am</span><br />
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ATKINSON -- Carter Yackley is "a living, breathing miracle." Just ask his mom.<br />
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Carter, 7, son of Matt and Kim Yackley, of Atkinson, was discharged from Peoria Children's Hospital Sunday, Sept. 23, after being admitted Sept. 11 to have a third open-heart surgery.<br />
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As a result, medical expenses have continued to mount, something a group of family friends want to do something about, so they've formed a group called "Team Carter Cares." <br />
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The group will hold a ''Team Carter Fundraiser" Saturday, Oct. 6, which will include a bowl-a-thon, hog roast, auctions and music with a disc jockey and a band.<br />
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Carter's condition has been a family struggle, Mrs. Yackley said.<br />
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"It is so hard to see an innocent child in pain,'' she said. ''Why him? There are moments when you start to lose your way, when you want to take all the pain away, but you can't. What gets us through the sadness and loneliness is our faith."<br />
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''Carter has a special purpose in life,'' she said. ''He is here with us today for a reason. All we can do is enjoy each day as if it were our last. " <br />
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Just hours after Carter was born Aug. 20, 2005, in Moline, nurses detected his irregular breathing, Mrs. Yackley said.<br />
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Carter was then taken to Peoria Children's Hospital where he was diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosus, a congenital heart defect. Basically, Carter was born without a pulmonary artery and consequently no pulmonary and aorta valves, she said.<br />
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He was four days old when he underwent his first open-heart surgery, at which time doctors implanted two artificial valves. He was released from the hospital after 34 days.<br />
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''We thought everything was a success at the time, but when Carter was three months old, on Nov. 6, we noticed his irregular breathing and he had not been eating well," Mrs. Yackley said. "We knew something was wrong and we took him to the emergency room at Trinity Hospital in the middle of the night. He was airlifted to the hospital in Peoria."<br />
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The Yackleys learned then that both of his heart valves had failed.<br />
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''Carter was too sick to have surgery immediately so after five days, when he was stabilized, he was back in surgery," Mrs. Yackley said.<br />
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Human cadaver valves were used in Carter's first surgery, she said. He then received a St. Jude's mechanical aortic valve and a pig valve to replace the pulmonary valve in the second operation, Mrs. Yackley said.<br />
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At that time, doctors told them his replacement valves and artery would have to be replaced as he grew.<br />
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"But this time, they used an adult-size mechanical valve for the aortic valve and it cannot fail, and may not have to be replaced," Mrs. Yackley said.<br />
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His Sept. 11 surgery, though, wasn't completely without complications, she said.<br />
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Three days after surgery, doctors discovered bleeding from Carter's chest cavity, so he was taken back to surgery Sept. 15.<br />
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"They did not find the source of bleeding, but they did find blood clots around his lungs and heart, and that was taken care of," Mrs. Yackley said.<br />
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He remained in the hospital until Sept. 23 to allow him to gain strength.<br />
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"Unfortunately, his heart is still too weak on its own, so he currently is dependent on a pacemaker," Mrs. Yackley said. <br />
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His parents have remained dependent on their strong faith through all the trials and turmoil, and believes ''God heard all the prayers for Carter during the last few weeks,'' she said.<br />
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"I believe everything happens for a reason," Mrs. Yackley said. "God has a plan for all of us. At the time we may not understand, agree with, or like the path that was created for us, but the path He has chosen makes us stronger."<br />
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<br />
If you go <br />
<br />
Team Carter Fundraiser<br />
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Saturday, Oct. 6.<br />
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--1 to 4 p.m. bowl-a-thon, Lee's Lanes, Geneseo<br />
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Make team reservations by calling (309) 507-0510 or online at www.teamcartercares.blogspot.com.<br />
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--5 p.m. hog roast, Atkinson American Legion, free-will donations. <br />
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--6:30 p.m. pie auction<br />
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--8 p.m. silent auction biddings end.<br />
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For information, call (309) 269-0787 or email teamcartercares@gmail.com. Team members are Jessica Hutchison, Tara VanOpdorp Goodwin, Dawn Hemphill, Jennifer Wanicki, Eugenia Walters, Holly Wangelin, and Brooke VanDerSnick.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00825425735172749255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-56293653547504266052012-09-28T14:17:00.001-05:002013-01-13T18:29:47.487-06:00<div>
Carter wanted to go outside really really bad. So Matt and I took him outside for a short picnic. He spent about 15 minutes in the sun and then decided it was "too bright" outside. He really enjoyed it though. Here's a few pictures of our picnic!!<br />
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<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rh6WUxcToQk/UGX4qCW8Y5I/AAAAAAAAAHw/U3_dElkSaQA/IMG_20120928_131718.png" /><br />
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Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com3Atkinson, Atkinson41.420868 -90.015114tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-13014036801844815692012-09-28T11:05:00.001-05:002013-02-21T10:48:27.025-06:00<div>
Look at the size of that rice crispy treat. Oh my!!! Carter cut the piece himself. Its huge!!! Thank you Brooke for the treats. He loves them. And apparently Scooby Doo loves them too...LOL!!!<br />
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<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-28QCgxsBdbY/UGXKyuERVdI/AAAAAAAAAHI/5AndHtJaO70/IMG_20120928_110218.png" /><br />
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Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-63410162227058969112012-09-28T09:31:00.001-05:002013-02-21T10:48:52.399-06:00Carter's Progress!!<div>
It's been awhile since I posted. Carter seems to get a little stronger every day. He begged us to play outside yesterday. And his appetite is back. He's not eating a foot long sub yet but he's getting there. He ate a corn dog, 2 pieces of pie from Grandma Berniece (thank you), a slice of pizza, fruit pebble rice crispy treats from Brooke (thank you Brooke they are delicious), and lots of other goodies yesterday. He's up walking around the house. We don't let him go upstairs. His legs are still weak. We worry he might fall down the stairs. Overall he's making progress. He plays school and his Nintendo DS all day long. He is missing his friends!! He keeps telling me he's "better". "I can play outside because I am better." Carter has an appointment Monday morning with his surgeon Dr. Fortuna. Should just be a check up. I think they will remove the stitches from the chest tube sites. That would make him one happy little boy!!</div>
Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-87960217048666618732012-09-24T15:51:00.003-05:002013-02-21T10:40:55.804-06:00THANK YOU!!! I wanted to thank everyone for all the letters, cards, care packages, and mail we received while in Peoria. Thank you Mary Saylor and the CCD class for the cards and gifts. Thank you to Carter's Growth class for all the cards and get well wishes. Thank you to the Ludwig family. Carter was so excited to see all the cards from the kindergarten and 3rd grade classes. Your package came on Friday when he was really bummed. He spent most of the day tearful wanting to go home. When the package he was so excited it turned his whole day around especially the treats...yum!!! Thank you Justin, Jenny, and family. And also a big thank you to Mrs. Reakes and Southwest Elementary. You have all cheered Carter on and your kind words and prayers have made him stronger everyday. Mrs. Reakes Carter loves the Halloween bag. He keeps it filled with all his trinkets!! You all made his day and his stay at OSF a lot brighter. He decorated his room with all the cards and spread the toys across his hospital bed. He was so proud. Our family is proud. Proud to live in a kind, loving, supportive, and generous community. Our community rocks!!! Thank you all so much!!Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-85635655551289598382012-09-23T17:25:00.001-05:002013-02-21T10:49:08.352-06:00WELCOME HOME CARTER JO!!!!<div>
We made it home!!!! Carter was escorted into town by the Atkinson Fire Department!! He was so excited!! Thank you Bob Floming and Mike Davis!! Carter was so excited. Thank you!!<br />
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Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-9424517043848564602012-09-23T14:25:00.001-05:002012-09-23T17:27:33.996-05:00<div>
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Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-65232593182685488672012-09-23T14:02:00.001-05:002013-02-21T10:42:40.411-06:00Going home!!!!<div>
No more needles.....no more lines...no more monitors. Yea!!!!<br />
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<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xyXDd1sAXKA/UF9c1TO4xtI/AAAAAAAAAFw/GjNDKezKcxg/IMG_20120923_140105.png" /></div>
Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-61415564280234483472012-09-23T12:35:00.001-05:002012-09-23T12:35:38.573-05:00<div><p>   Still waiting...... We have been waiting 3 hours to have his central lines removed. Dr.Hasslemans gave the OK for discharge at 8am and Dr. Guess was here around 10am. He removed some dressings, listened to Carter's heart and lungs and gave his OK for discharge. Hoping to leave soon. The troops are getting restless.</p>
</div>Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-17854329805853108262012-09-23T08:42:00.001-05:002012-09-23T08:42:28.203-05:00A good meal and a good night sleep<div><p>   FINALLY slept in a bed. After my parents arrived Matt and I took a very sassy Emily out to dinner. She really needed some alone time with us. We went to Joe's Crab Shack and feasted on some seafood. Afterwards we went back to the hospital and to say our goodnights and tuck Carter in. Grandma and Grandpa stayed overnight with Carter and Matt and I took Emily back to the Family House. I slept like a baby. Minus the pregnancy leg pains, it felt wonderful. We are well rested and ready  for discharge day!!! </p>
<br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O2hEjZjj8Vo/UF8RrzNnVzI/AAAAAAAAAFg/TJsaDelD0nQ/IMG_20120922_220838.png' /></div>Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-46164495095067584182012-09-22T17:02:00.000-05:002013-02-21T10:44:38.931-06:00Saturday night visitors.... Sitting here looking out the window. It's a 4th floor view from the Pediatric Intermediate Unit. Carter and Matt are sleeping all snuggled up in Carter's hospital bed. We are all down in the dumps waiting to go home. And then I see my parent's black SUV pull into the parking garage!! Yea!! Grandma, grandpa, and Miss Em are here!! I am really missing our life back home. I miss my family and friends so much. I can't wait to see everyone!! Hopefully less than 24 hours until civilization!!Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-80695702917961116162012-09-22T11:27:00.001-05:002013-02-21T10:48:36.128-06:00Ugh......1 more day<div>
Carter's doing OK. Not much change from previous days. He was so happy last night. He was giggling so hard he couldn't stop. He walked all the way down the hall twice yesterday. He was very tearful this morning. He was crying because he misses Emily and he misses home. We thought he was going to get discharged today but the doctors felt 1 more day would be best. He's not eating or drinking much. If he eats and drinks we can go home tomorrow. Carter's OK with going home tomorrow as long as grandma, grandpa, and Emily come up to Peoria for the night. So now he's eagerly awaiting there arrival. Hope everyone has a great Saturday and I hope to have great news for you tomorrow!!!</div>
Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-83134870546523144302012-09-21T19:09:00.001-05:002013-02-21T10:54:02.352-06:00Snuggling<div>
My snuggle bug is back!!!<br />
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Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-46041381295152036062012-09-21T19:08:00.001-05:002013-02-21T10:53:32.291-06:00Funny faces<div>
Carter laughing and having fun!!!<br />
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Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-24627526373282687552012-09-21T16:02:00.001-05:002013-02-21T10:49:18.255-06:00Friday afternoon<div>
It's been a cloudy dreary day here in Peoria. Its raining pretty hard right now. You can hear the rain hitting against our 4th floor window. I hope its not raining back home. I will pray for sunshine in Geneseo for all the homecoming festivities!! Go Green Machine!!!<br />
We have had a relaxing day here. Dr. Fortuna stopped in early this morning. He said Carter will probably be discharged tomorrow or Sunday. Carter has pooped twice...I can't believe how exciting pooping has become here. I guess when you don't poop for 10 days it becomes a special occasion. They are going to stop Carter's IV fluids tonight. So we are hoping his central line can come out tomorrow. They also did an echocardiogram today. We haven't heard the results but no news is good news here. They always do an echo before discharge so they probably did it today instead of the weekend. I am sure it was just routine. He also has a chest xray daily. Doctor said cray is better every day. The last 2 nights his oxygen levels have dropped into the 70-80% range so he has needed oxygen during the night. The doctors are not concerned about it. I hope that gets resolved before we come home. And thinking about home. Oh man do we ever miss our home. We can't wait!!!! 11 days has been enough. I can't believe we were here 34 days when Carter was born. How did we ever make it through? The walls are starting to close in on us. On the brighter side.......this could be our last night. Yea!!!!!</div>
Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-66451006023056583742012-09-20T16:22:00.001-05:002012-09-20T16:22:53.000-05:00We are on the home stretch!!! He did great today after they removed his chest tubes. All he has to do now is drink his fluids and poop!! We could be coming home as early as tomorrow. Of coarse no word yet from the doctors but the nurse dropped by some discharge instructions. That is a great sign!!! Thank you for all the cards, packages, and prayers. We are so blessed. Thank you all so much!!Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7241574109261285538.post-53619674623438270462012-09-20T10:35:00.001-05:002012-09-20T10:35:14.930-05:00Is it day 10 or 11? Must be 11..... Hooray!!!! We are one step closer to being out the door. They just removed Carter's chest tubes. Man were they huge. They were adult size tubes. No wonder he didn't like to drink or walk. Ouch!!! They sedated him with Ketamine in order to remove the tubes. He was high as a kite. The things he was saying was so stinking cute. He kept telling us how much he loved us. He is just now coming out of sedation and he says he is starving. He wants pancakes, waffles, starburst and everything in between. The doctors have told us that once the tubes were out we would see major improvement. I am hoping to be discharged either Friday or Saturday. They said the only thing keeping him here now is his fluid intake. He only had a few sips yesterday. He has to drink lots and lots today which they think won't be a problem with the tubes out. Yea!! He is one happy boy today!!!Team Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735344860423921605noreply@blogger.com10