Mondays seem to be the days that Reed likes to keep everyone on their toes. The day started with him having a high temperature and heart rate. They drew blood for a culture to make sure that he does not have an infection. Nothing has grown as of today but they have to let it grow for 48 hours to be sure. They are putting him on antibiotics just in case he does have an infection. Every other time that they checked his temperature today, it was fine. Also his echo showed his heart function to still be great! 
Now for the fun part! He has been spitting up and throwing up a couple of times today. When Dr. Dodd, the heart transplant doctor, was checking on him today, he totally lost it. He was madder than I have ever seen a baby and nothing would calm him down. His heart rate got all the way up to 203 beats per minute and he was screaming like he was in a lot of pain. I was standing there feeling about as helpless as a mom can feel and getting quite worried. Finally, I sat him up, rubbed his back and he threw up. After that, he was totally fine and went right to sleep. Dr. Dodd said that it was a very good sign for his heart function that it could get that high, come back down and regulate itself. She said that a lot of transplanted hearts just stay at one level and do not do a good job regulating themselves. I was sitting there thinking to myself "a heart rate of 203, are you crazy... but I'm glad you think that is a good sign" HA!!
Now let me try to explain why the doctor thinks he did this today:
Reed gets medicines at 6am, 10am, 2pm, and 10pm every day. Reed is on a medicine called lasix to help him pee off extra fluid from his body which in return causes his electrolytes to be low causing his mag. and potassium levels to be low. Therefor, Reed has to get extra magnesium and potassium which can cause your stomach to have sharp pains. They increased his magnesium input this past Friday which is when he began spitting up his milk. This has gotten progressively worse over the weekend. So it is going to be a balancing act to get his medicine right along with him keeping his milk down. Please pray that the doctors will have the wisdom to figure out what works for Mr. Reed so that he can get the medicines he needs and the nutrition he needs to gain weight. Sorry for such a long explanation!
On a lighter note, here are some pictures of the boys this weekend sporting their favorite teams! I promise that Braden wears more than just polo outfits but it seems that every picture he wears polo. I however cannot say the same for Reed's outfits....he loves to be shirtless!
Braden has really started to develop more of a personality this past week. He also loves to chew on his hands.
He also loves Baby Einstein videos. I thought I would try one the other day and he sat there for 30 minutes watching it.
My mom gave him this ugly tye-dyed bunny and he loves that too. Can't you tell by the expression on his face below:-) 
Braden loves to see the world. He cannot stand it if he thinks that he is missing out on something. I think that he is going to be a little like his mom...a talker and always wanting to know what is going on!
Ryan was singing a song to Reed and this was the response that he was getting out of him. The lyrics said something like "So guys don't bring your girl to meet me, cause I'm a flirt. And baby don't bring your girlfriend to eat, cause I'm a flirt. Please believe it unless your game is tight and you trust her then don't bring her 'round me because I'm a flirt!" If you know Reed then you would understand that he really is a flirt with all the ladies at Vanderbilt!
Please continue to pray for us. Who knows when we will get to go home but it will happen when the time is right. Reed is in the best care at Vandy and they will send him home when the time is right. It is a little hard to keep waiting but what are a few more days or weeks added onto 97 days at the hospital!!!! 
17 comments:
We'll be praying that Reed can come home soon!! After Owen's first surgery, we spent an extra TWO weeks just figuring out his meds and feeding schedule because of his reflux. If you pump that much medicine into anyone...they're going to puke!
It's very frustrating! I hope that things get worked out QUICK so you can bring him home!
I hope the docs figure everything out for you guys really soon...I know this must be hard for all of you not to have him home with you.
I think Reed likes having all those women around him, and he's just not ready for all that attention to end. They are both such cuties!! We're praying for all of you!
Try to hang in there! We'll be praying for you guys and the doctors...
Keeley, I stumbled upon your blog last week (the Tuley family has been on our prayer list for a few weeks now as Jacob's mom was a coworker of one of my good friends) and my heart was so heavy for you. Tonight at my grandpa's house, I figured out who you were! (My aunt Melissa and Bob - and cousins Michelle, Kelly, and Michael go to church with you, I think.) I really know who you are, though, because your mom was such a help to me when I was at Vanderbilt and even when I taught at Belmont for a semester. Please tell her that I said hello and that I have officially added your little family to our prayer list!
-Sharon
(Hopefully your mom will know who this is - I have a husband who strongly advises against using last names on our blogs, though.)
Sorry for the bumpy ride today... you're taking great care of your little guy! Of both of them, actually. Julie Clark is my best friend. seriously. Baby Einstein saved my sanity when both of my babies were little, and they both STILL love it... even the 3 1/2 year old!
We are hoping that you guys get to go home SOON. Those two boys are just too sweet for words~ they melt my heart just looking at them. We will keep praying for Reed to stay strong and healthy. Love, Kelly, Travis & Bennett
Prayers are going up!
Wow, Keeley, I know y'all must be so, so tired. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers, especially Reed. Thanks for all the updates!
Dear goodness. Still praying.
love, Reid and Franklin
We are praying so hard for the best for your whole family. I know you have to be so exhausted. You both are wonderful parents and we know God has an awesome plan for your two precious boys. We love you! Barbara S.
Keeley,
Hey. You may not remember us but we know you from Brentwood Hills. Your children are precious. Reed is a little fighter! I am so thankful that things are going in the right direction. He looks like a totally different baby from before the surgery. My prayers for your family and that Reed continues to get better and better every day.
poor little guy (and poor you guys!). hope they get everything figured out so you can go home soon! on another note, he is the cutest thing i have ever seen! those pictures are precious--i just want to squeeze him! and i can't believe how fast his scar is healing--it's barely visible anymore. it amazes me how quickly babies can heal. hang in there! thanks for the updates! we're still praying for reed every day :)
Keeley & Ryan,
We keep praying for little Reed and hope that his homecoming will be soon!! Those eyes are so sweet and I can see how he has all the women wrapped around his little finger. Please let us know if we can do anything. Coming from a household of boys who love polo - Braden looks so stylish!!!
Love to all,
Jerry, Dana, Wesley, John & Kendall
Children, I hope you know what a joy it is to see you and your family together. Their is so much love, joy and laughter. Their are so many parents that can not honestly show their love when their with their children. They can laugh but it doesn't come from the heart. They can cry but it doesn't come from the heart. You are so blessed the four of you. And its not just the turmoil you have been thru it is pure. You are so fortunate so thank the good lord that he gave you all the chance to be a family cause you could have very easily gone to some one else. But God said send this one for this one and send these two angels to this partnership and I do believe we have a right match. So take care of that trust and God will always be their for you. Now on too a happy matter, Reed grandma says their is not enough hair color out their for me. And get your self well so I can come kiss all over you and Braden.. I,m saving up all my kisses and hugs and my pockets are full. I want to hold you both together and love all over you.. Be good boys and get well and we will see you soon. Love gram and PapaT.. In Gods word..
That first pict. of you holding reed with your eyes closed - i LOVE IT!!! That is so precious. He is the cutest little thing. I hope he gets all his feedings figured out soon so you all can go home. We will keep praying for that.
Ok now, is ryan already teaching these boys some gangsta rap?? That is too funny!
We are here for you when you need us and still praying.
Keeley - You are such a brave and strong little mom. I just know it is not going to be long before the whole family is sitting around Linda's dinner table. I love you and I am always thinking of you.
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