Journey to China

This blog documents the Spitlers' progress towards the adoption of Xia Ping He (Noah Spitler) from the PR China. It also documents Noah's medical process in pursuit of a total repair to his CHD (congenital heart defect).

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sunday. End to a Great Weekend






Hi Friends,

If you didn't catch it on the previous blog, we made a surprise trip to California this past weekend. It was a wonderful weekend, even though it flew by so quickly. Our goal was to encourage Noah and Robin - since neither had seen Madison or Olivia for 5 weeks. Robin was certainly happy - in fact, I don't ever remember seeing her so happy and relieved as when she hugged her girls.

Noah was moved to a private room in the CVICU; in fact, it's the room he started in August 14th (post heart surgery). He is rather sedated and we're told he won't remember much of what transpires. For that reason, we took many pictures with him - so that later, he'd know of our visit.

His infection is slowly improving. His blood cultures continue to be negative for bacteria (which is good). Dr. Hanley decided to leave his sternum open through the weekend - and that decision allowed a feeding tube to be added - which puts PediaSure directly into his stomach. We were happy about this - so Noah wouldn't feel hungry, he'd get some nutrition, and his stomach wouldn't go so long without something to process. We don't know when Noah's chest will be closed again, but that will require a time of fasting, then surgery in the operating room.

In his current state, Noah has several "connections". As I recall, 1 central line (IV in the neck), 1 IV in each arm, 1 IV in the leg, a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) in his left arm, a breathing tube in his mouth, a feeding tube in his nose, and the tube that goes into his chest to "rinse" out the infection in his sternum. After all of that, it seems what he likes the least is a simple blood pressure cuff on his left leg, which occasionally inflates to check his blood pressure.

So, as you can guess, Noah continues to be a very brave boy - quietly (mostly) coping with all of these connections and the itches that come from dry skin and lots of medical tape.

Thanks again for the continued prayers for Noah and Robin. Also, thanks to a small handful of people who knew of our "secret plan" to surprise Noah and Robin - I really believe Robin felt special and it was evident in her face. The girls and I flew "the red-eye" back from San Francisco Saturday night, arriving home around 10am today. Tomorrow is the girls' first day of school, 8th and 5th grades.

May God Bless each of you who read along and pray for our little Noah. Adam




Pictures: Family photo in I (heart) SF shirts. Prior to his surgery, Noah saw one of these shirts in San Francisco and said, "Look, Daddy - I love Spitler Family!" So funny.

Robin and her big brave boy.













On her own initiative, Madison went to the hospital gift shop to purchase balloons for her and Olivia to give Noah.







Olivia reading to her little brother.

6 Comments:

Anonymous kim & family said...

Such sweet sisters! So glad you went & returned home safely! Cannot wait for Noah & Robin to get here! Madison & Olivia - have a great day tomorrow!

August 14, 2011 at 11:54 PM  
Blogger Jennifer said...

Thanks for the updates. I can't imagine how tough this is on everyone, especially Noah.
I know you all cherished that time together as a family.
Let's all pray for God to rid his body of infection and allow him to come home. He is able!
Many blessings to the Spitler family!

August 15, 2011 at 8:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm very happy you & the girls visit Noah & Robin, what great surprise. I will continue to pray so Noah & Robin can go home soon, Hugs to the family, Noah you're an amazing Brave Young Boy Continue To Be Brave As The Lord Continues To Heal You ! This Is From the Garcia Family In Texas We Love You Noah ♥

August 15, 2011 at 9:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love the picture of all of you wearing your "I 'heart' Spitler Family" t-shirts. I've been thinking about all of you. You have a very special and loving family, and Noah is an incredibly lucky boy.
-Kim (your nurse last week from Georgia) :-)

August 15, 2011 at 1:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very special memories for Noah to see one day when he is older and needs to remember. God loves this little guy through you all. PTL!

August 15, 2011 at 6:44 PM  
Anonymous Diana said...

Hey all! So glad to hear of a great weekend together! I know that was so encouraging to all of you! We are continuing to pray for the infection to go away and for many more baby steps forward for Noah's health.

August 15, 2011 at 8:23 PM  

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