Sorry for the delayed post....

Sorry for those who have been checking for some news this morning, we've been a little tied up.

Things overnight went fairly well. Alex had a hard time sleeping for more than about 20 minutes at a time. He was excited to get ice chips and an orange slushee, but was only allowed to eat them in moderation. It's a fine line between eating and letting him pig out. Their bellies are still "asleep" after surgery, so it takes sometimes several hours for them to wake-up and work like they should. Because of that, it can cause a lot of nausea and vomitting. He said he felt nauseated a few times, but thankfully, never threw up. As you would imagine, it can be super painful to throw up after having your sternum cut open.

He is beyond exhausted from the last 24 hours. With not sleeping that well last night, he feels pretty yucky this morning. They gave him some medicine to help him relax and try to catch a few zzzz's. Since then he has slept pretty solid for the last couple of hours. He still wakes up crying and then his blood pressure shoots up. We're trying to find a balance of pain control and happiness so that he will wake up more smoothly.

He has been given the go ahead to eat as tolerated, and to sit up in a chair. We thought that letting him rest was the best idea before we got him up. As painful as it sounds to get up 24 hours after open heart surgery, it's one of the best things for him. After this rest, and hopefully something to drink/eat, he'll feel more like participating! He is still asking for milk, he doesn't want anything except his milk. Poor kid, milk can be really hard on the stomach, so when he wakes up a little they'll let him have it in small doses.

Gary and I were able to get a little sleep last night. They had an sleep room available right outside the ICU, so we took turns and got a few hours each between last night and this morning. They also have a rocking chair at his bedside that we could use to doze off and on, but trying to sleep in a hospital is nearly impossible..... no wonder Alex is so exhausted!

They are pulling a couple of his lines today. The one that went directly into his heart was already pulled and his central line in his neck will be pulled this afternoon. He will also get rid of his foley catheter as well.

He is an amazing little boy. He is doing really well overall, just little things to work on throughout the day. Thank you for the prayers that you offer in his behalf. They are what gives him and us the most strength. There is nothing better than knowing that many are calling upon the powers of heaven to be with us. We know there on many angels who are sitting at his side, wrapping their loving arms around him and helping him and us through this difficult time.

We will update this afternoon. I am going home to go with Sam to back to school night. So if we get busy, just know that right now, no news is good news. Thank you again.