Beckett's Chest is Closed!!!

Hi Everyone! Today, started with a nightmare. I woke up at 2 am from a nightmare about Beckett. I seem to get them nightly and I hate them. I sleep with fear of my phone ringing and it being the hospital. No news is good news! I did wake up to an unbelievable more than generous donation from a fellow Alpha Phi sister who I have never met. However, I hope Beckett and I can meet her once he is all better. Thank you! AOE Beckett this morning looked really loopy and dehydrated. I saw our surgeon and he said he already lowered his sedation and has fluids going back in him. At rounds, everyone was happy with his night. Chest closure happened around one. It was pretty amazing how they turned his room into a little OR. We waited anxiously in our own little waiting room that we stay in daily. The surgeon came in and said everything went great. They cleaned him out a bit and closed his chest with a "glue." We had to wait another 30-45 minutes till we could see him. When we saw him we could not believe how great he looked! He looked so much better than this morning! He has a pretty gnarley scar, which I am sure he will love to show off being a boy! All the doctors and nurses keep saying how great he is doing and how great he looks. #proudmommy Here is a picture of my sweet boy and you can see a little of his warrior scar.

I worked out for the first time since giving birth. It felt great! Let's see if it still feels great tomorrow. LOL I want to send my husband a shout out for running the Disney half marathon tomorrow. I am so proud of you and I am so sad we can't be there for you! Eye of the tiger honey! We will be tracking you! I Love You!

I try to focus on the positive road, but it is so hard not to ask "How did we get here?" everyday. Especially when we miss something that has been planned for months. But dwelling on that is not going to help with getting out of here! So onto the next step, which is weaning off the vent and his drips. It is so ironic because I want all of that gone, but I am so nervous taking it away! I am so happy and excited for Beckett's Aunt Alex and cousin Jordan to come tomorrow. Nurse Aunt Alex came at the best time to be by his side and mine. I cannot wait to hug them both! 

Leaving Beckett at night is so hard. However, every night brings me comfort and peace reading the cards we receive and packages. I am so touched and thankful for all the cards and gifts. People I haven't seen for years have reached out and it is so sweet. I received a very special package from my friends in Vegas! Beckett's first trip was going to be Vegas this month. We were planning on seeing my best dancer friend, my best friend since 13, and my best friend from high school. We all have babies under the age of 1! I was blown away with their package! I cannot wait to bring the blanket to him tomorrow! Thank you Jacqueline and Kim! And thank you Peridot Sweets for the cutest cookies ever!!!! 

A quick update on some fellow patients. Oliver is still doing well. The baby with the tumor on the abdomen had surgery this morning and the tumor was benign!!! Great news! Thank you for adding them to your prayers. This is another time that we need lots of prayers for Beckett. This weaning process is scary and now they have to find a balance of blood thinner medications. They need his blood to be thin enough not to clot with his VAD, but not enough to cause a bleed somewhere esp. not in the brain!!! And of course always, the gift of a new heart and healing for the giver.

Much Love,

Joe, Taylor, and Beckett

#teambeckett #futurerockstar #onedaycloser

P.S. I think Joe is going to bring Coco Sunday!!! I cannot to see her, hold her, kiss her, and walk her!