Hi everyone, it’s Melissa. We had another win. Caden’s catheter was removed today. However, probably the most exciting was to watch his little eyes open. Since Caden has been on pain medication most of his stay in the hospital we haven’t had the opportunity to see his eyes much. Late this afternoon he started to look around. It truly is the little things in life that make us smile or more recently make me cry (tears of joy). Seeing these small things whether tubes/lines/machines disappearing, or getting to see our son’s eyes means we are one small step closer to us holding him. A day I can’t wait for. We are hoping for another great today tomorrow.
David and I are trying to find a schedule. We have been spending a lot of time at the hospital, were missing meals, and not taking the necessary breaks we have found we need. Now we have committed to work on finding a routine this week. Today we made it to our first Ronald McDonald Dinner which wasn’t McDonalds! A local Coldwell Banker agency provided dinner tonight which was beef tips with noodles, salad, rolls, and dessert which was delicious. There is so much to be thankful for. God is good.
FYI: Yes, David did shave! I love it.
Love -
Melissa and David
David & Melissa,
ReplyDeleteHooray for no catheter! Hooray for open eyes! Horray for beef tips w/ noodles! You hit the nail on the head... so much to be thankful for. Great picture of the new family.
We love you,
Eric, Janelle, and Jackson
Hi David and Melissa,
ReplyDeleteWhat great news! You know, they say that you can see into the soul of a person through their eyes. In your case, you can see the love in Caden's heart! I'm sure he can't wait to be held by his mom and dad!
Love, Grandma Rita and Grandpa Fred
We are so pleased to follow along with Caden's advancements...continuing best wishes for the 3 of you!
ReplyDeleteThe Bogart's
What a beautiful family you are! I know that Caden is fighting hard to open his eyes to make sure that his Daddy kept his promise and shaved! Thanks for the updates! Looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Cheryl
YAY Caden! Wooohooo! I'm so happy to hear he's achieved a couple great milestones since I last visited. Great news for a GREAT trio. More prayers headed your way!
ReplyDeleteWoooHooo.Yeahhh.Fantastic. Another WIN. I am so happy for the Smith Family. Our heart is your heart. God is soooooooo good.
ReplyDeleteLove
Rick Nancy and Girls
Again, I love starting my day out reading Caden's blog. This news really made my day! Thank you Caden, I needed something good to get my day going. Since the sun is not out and it's all gloomy looking, this good news will get me moving now!! Hooray for you, you little fighter!!! I am so happy for you!! Caden, YOU ROCK!!!!! Way to go little dude!! We are all so proud of you!!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I am happy for your sake that David got to shave!! Glad he choose not to shave, and didn't choose not to shower! Whew!!!! David, hope you feel better after a good shave!!!
Love you guys!!!! Positive thoughts and prayers continue from Wheaton!
Chris
BTW........great picture! Can't wait to see a picture of you guys sitting in a chair with Caden in your arms!!
ReplyDeleteOh, one other thing, changing diapers will be a GOOD thing!!!!
Big blog hugs,
Chris
So happy to hear all the progress Caden has made. Make sure to give him a Big kiss from all of us. Love you guys! Marty, Peggy, Haleigh & Dean Draper
ReplyDeleteDave and Melissa,
ReplyDeleteWooo Hooo!!! :) I am so happy for you all. Now that I know how to make a comment on here(Jen had to tell me how to do it) I can keep sending my love and prayers for you. I hope today is a great day for Caden and you. Dave, you look so much better clean shaven. Love, Dawn
We so look forward to checking on Caden everyday and thank you for allowing all of us to share in his days especially the "wins"-even the kids want to know how he is each day and Rileigh prays with me every night for a new "win" for Caden each day.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you holding him again!
Keith and Leah
What an awesome looking family. Thank you so much for letting me spend time with Caden. I left yesterday with this overwhelming feeling of gratitude and love. Caden and I had a long talk and I shared with him how lucky he is to have you both for parents. It is amazing to me to see the man who loved to torture me as a child, turn into this loving father who knows just how to calm his son down.
ReplyDeleteThis little boy has stole some many peoples heart, including mine. I can't wait to "love" on him again.
Kristen
WOW, I got so excited and emotional on my comment, I wrote like a 3rd grader.
ReplyDeleteWhat I meant to say,
This little boy has stolen so many peoples heart, including mine.
Kristen
YAY!!! we are so happy to hear this great news! =) We think of you guys every day and keep praying for you all. We'd love to come visit and meet Caden if you are up to it.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys,
Jen, Josh & Kasey
Sounds like you had an uplifting day yesterday...how special for you to se into that little man's eyes- I can only imagine that feeling you both had. You are in my thoughts daily and I can not wait to meet little Caden
ReplyDeleteCaden,
ReplyDeleteGood Morning. Today is March 24th and there is a bit of an overcast and some scattered showers...a bit gloomy today. But not anymore!
I just heard you were able to open your eyes and look around. That is just wonderful news! Hopefully, your mommy was the first thing that you saw...isn't she beautiful? Your Daddy's not that bad looking either! I also heard that they finally took that tube out of your willy; I bet that feels much better doesn't it? Each of these victories brings you one step closer to going home with your Mommy and Daddy...please stay strong and focused and let's bring you home very soon! There are so many wonderful family and friends that can't wait to see you...especially me!
Have a wonderful day!
Caden really is on the road to recovery & you're on the road to changing LOTS of diapers for the next 3 yrs or so - which i'm sure you'll do with JOY. You're right Melissa, God is Good!
ReplyDeleteMelissa and David,
ReplyDeleteHeard about your situation from my mother, Susan. I have been checking everyday on the progress of Caden and am thrilled that he is improving daily. We have personally stayed at a Ronald McDonald House in Springfield when our son Cole had surgery for Legge Calve Perthes Disease in Springfield 3 years ago and you are very blessed to have that at your disposable. We will continue to keep your new family in our thoughts and prayers. Just remember there is a reason for everything and God is in control...
Will, Carri, Mallory and Cole Sisk
Melissa and David,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to inform everyone of your little Caden's progress. I have sat and read all of your post and others comments with tear filled eyes. You are all so blessed...Our God is an Awesome God!!! Our prayer for you is that you continue to have all the daily miracles you have already been recieving and to take those days one at a time. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave and Pam McReynolds
Dear Melissa and David,
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to see Caden so bright-eyed and progressing as we follow the posts. God has him under his loving care and along with his two awesome parents he has a win, win, situation. You are all in our hearts and in our prayers.
Joanne and Len Makila