Caden Marshall is officially one week old today. He celebrates his one week birthday on the same day G-Pa Smith is celebrating his actual birthday. Happy Birthday Dad.
Today has been a good day for Caden Marshall. Oxygenation levels have been good all day today and holding. They are reducing the meds enough to give Caden Marshall the opportunity to make spontaneous breaths on his own in an effort to eventually remove him from the ventilator. We understand this will not happen for at least another week or so but he must take baby steps (pun intended) to get completely off the ventilator. Caden’s chest drainage tubes are looking better today. The drainage is at a milky reddish yellow color draining versus the think blood color from yesterday. His swelling is down quite a bit from Monday.
On a side note….Looking at our child hooked up to a bunch of machines and monitors as well as being able to look directly at his heart, which is only covered by the equivalent of a piece of saran wrap, is very difficult. That being said however it is hard not to be amazed by the medical technology and professionals that are working to save our son. Amazing. Absolutely amazing..
Caden Marshall is showing more pronounced movements today. He actually picked up his arm and moved it over his chest and back down. Maybe not a big deal for most but for us it was fantastic to see. He also looks like he is making sucking motions with his mouth which is cute. They are starting him on Lipids and will put 2cc’s of Melissa’s breast milk right into his stomach. Did oral care with Melissa’s milk again today.
Our next win is scheduled for Friday when they hopefully will close up his chest.
Your prayers are working.
David and Melissa
xoxo
Again thanks for sharing with us-He is just amazing as are the two of you! I can only imagine how hard all of this is for you-we will continue to pray for Caden and an amazing recovery and for continued strength for both of you.
ReplyDeleteAll our love,
The Webers
Melissa and David,
ReplyDeleteI know that you don't know me, you may know our children (Rob, Sarah and Hannah Aldridge), however, I am a friend of your mom's, Melissa. She and I are in the same sorority and I am also a 2nd grade teacher in Marion. Your compassion and love for your son so touches my heart! I too love Jesus and know that your little guy is in His care. I will pray for Caden and you two, as well as his Grandma Rita and grandpa. Sincerely, Karen Aldridge
Our thoughts, heart and prayers are with you, melissa and caden marshall every minute of every passing day. Another day to celebrate for caden. So great to hear he is improving.
ReplyDeleteOne more day closer to being back in mom and dad loving arms. The photos make me feel that I am sharing these emotions with you. Thank you for sharing them with us. My heart is your heart. Sending more prayers your way with love.
All Our Love
Rick and Nancy
David and Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear that the operation went well. I hope Cheryl shared with you that My Dad's Birthday was on Monday. When she told me that was going to be Caden's big day I had a talk with dad and told him that if anyone ever needed a guardian angel it was Caden and that I would love for him to be Caden's gaurdian angel, actually I insisted! I like to think that dad is watching over your little baby boy and cheering him on along his road to recovery!
Just know that you are all in my heart, thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Pam Lawrence (One of Cheryl's buds)
P.S. I told Cheryl that Caden is going to be a tough little fighter because he is a SMITH and that someday David, you will have to tell him to stop getting into fights like his Aunt Cheryl used to! LOL!
We are standing with you waiting for our next little victory. Nice to see the boxing gloves! Making a serious point with humor is a sweet touch.
ReplyDeleteLoving you all. Trina
Smitty and Melissa,
ReplyDeleteIt's hard seeing tubes and lines coming out all over your child. Underneath them all is one hell of a kid! As each one is removed, it feels like a ton has been lifted off your shoulders. No one looks good right out of surgery, except your son. He looks good and I love the boxing gloves. He probably has better guns than Dad already!
Look forward to tomorrows progress report!
Shoes
So glad to hear that Caden had a good day! I wish I could be there everyday to see him, just know that I am always thinking of you guys. We continue to pray that everyday Caden gets a little bit stronger! GIve him a kiss from his Auntie Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteAll my love,
Cheryl
Wow! Your little guy is sure living up to his name! What a miracle-thanks be to God! We read your blogs everyday and feel very honored to be allowed to do so. Colin, Ethan and Jared ask about Caden every morning-our entire family has been touched by your son's strength and determination. We are sending our love to you all.
ReplyDeleteThe Ritter Family
Dave, Melissa and Caden
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you both and yet I cheer with joy to see all these little milestones accomplished. AGAIN, thank you for sharing the depth of it all with us!
Beneath all the tubes and bandages he is gorgeous! What an amazing boy .... along with your courage and strength.
Sending hugs, kisses and lots of love your way; Tony, Mary Jo, Kyle and Tyler.
My heart aches for you and at the same time sings praises. Caden has gone through so much and is so amazing. He is so beautiful and seems to be doing so well. I read your blog at least 10 times a day in case you have updated news. You are all very special to us and we can hardly wait to hold that baby and give him lots of presents and hugs. You asked for a miracle and you have received. The Lord is so good. Give Grandma Rita a hug from the gang.
ReplyDeleteDavid, Mel and Caden-
ReplyDeletePlease know we are constantly thinking of you and sending lots of prayers and love. Caden is sure a cutie-pie...can't wait to hold him and spoil him rotten! Here is another big hug and kiss for you Bam-bam! XOXO Miss ya-
Love, The Knapps
David and Monroe-
ReplyDeleteCaden is beautiful! I love the name! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ohh Mel, I love ya girl!
Love, Shelley
You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and continue to believe that God will continue to walk down your path with you.
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Lori Mausey
Caden is a little fighter and you did great
ReplyDeletelove lauren katich
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you everyday! Keep it up "little fighter", now you have your gloves...stay strong and know that so many family and friends are there with you in spirit...
ReplyDeleteLove,
Dave & Michelle
Your GNHS family continues to pray for all three of you every day. Caden is a fighter, and will pull through all of this.
ReplyDeleteHe is very lucky to have two amazing parents that are fighting just as hard as he is.
Happy 1 week birthday Caden, and here is to many more to come!!
Hello Caden,
ReplyDeleteToday is March 19th and it is the begining of March Madness. Which is a very big basketball tournament consisting of 65 teams across the country. Your dad, Uncle Tommy and Uncle Keith really enjoy watching these tournament games...I am sure that whenyou get older you will all watch them together. Hey, I haven't finished my bracket yet...do you have any inside tips for me?
I didn't want to disturb you this morning in case you had been up late partying with the nurses. Have you been eyeing anyone in particular? Well, I hope you enjoyed your 1 week birthday and I am looking forward to having many, many, many more of them with you. Stay strong and keep fighting!I will talk to you very soon!
Have a wonderful day!
You guys are so strong....sending love and prayers....the craft family
ReplyDeleteThe strength you have is a true gift for your son and he will one day know how blessed he is to have the two of you for parents.... You are all in our prayers and we hope Friday goes well. Love, Marty and Peggy Draper
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for letting me come and love all over Caden. I can't wait to do it again soon. Kissing his toes and rubbing his precious little head brought joy to my heart and soul. You are a special family and I am blessed to be a part of it.
ReplyDeleteI love being Auntie Kristen to your little Caden.
Blessings on this "1st Week Birthday", the 1st of many to celebrate! We care about and love you sooo much. We can't wait to officially welcome Caden into the loving arms of his "extended grandparent family". We do love to spoil (AND we do so quite admirably I might add)!
ReplyDeleteYou are always in our hearts and prayers.
God bless you.
With love,
Fred and Mary Ann
David and Melissa (3/19/09),
ReplyDeleteIt is great news that Caden is doing well and I can't imagine what you guys are going through. We pray for your family and think about you guys alot. I wish I can be there but you know the story. Take things one step at a time and Caden will be home in no time. Happy birthday little guy and keep fighting.
BTW, Like the Cubs blanky and won't make the tourney at Chicos or Mr. Taco this year. Maybe next year.
God Bless,
Ken and Liz and Sabryna
You are in our thoughts...We are praying for Caden and the both of you.
ReplyDeleteThe Meigs Family
He is a gorgeous little guy!!! Just know that a million prayers and supportive thoughts are heading your way-looks like Caden already has some pretty big cheerleaders out in the world! Happy 1st week birthday, new cousin!
ReplyDelete