11/28/2009 update

Not a good day for Malachi. He had low oxygen saturation levels throughout the night and this morning. He had poor circulation to his extremities and was enough cause for the cardiology team to order and echocardiogram to verify the status of the sano shunt they placed during surgery. The shunt is working fine; however, the heart itself does not have as much contractility as they would like. They may be starting him on a new medication for that. Also during these episodes, the nurses noticed some eye rolling which makes them consider what is called subclinical seizures. Apparently seizures are harder to notice in infants, so they have ordered an EEG to see if any seizure-like activity shows up on the scan. They are also going to be messing with his blood pressure medications. For the past few days he has been on a medicine to lower his BP. They stopped that medicine today and are considering a new medication to raise it.

Some people have asked how to get things to us (whether they be cards, notes of encouragement, etc.). So that we don't give out our home address to the world, things can be sent to the following po box:

John and Marissa Sharbaugh
PO Box 215
Brownsburg, IN 46112

Still, most importantly, we covet your prayers. The stress of the NICU and the complexity of Malachi's case is definitely taking a toll on us. It's very stressful to see your baby in so much pain on a daily basis. The only time he looks comfortable is when he is sleeping. It's really, really hard.

John just called the nurse that will be taking care of Chi for the night and she said that he has been stable and no major concerns have arisen. Hopefully we can sleep easy tonight. (we are in the market for a new mattress though... any suggestions?)

A few more pictures:

Today was the first time I had personally witnessed a tear from our little man. Here you can kind of see the streak where the tear ran down his cheek... It made me one sad mama to see him in such bad shape. He pretty much stayed in that state of complete uncomfortableness for the majority of the day.


On the homefront, we have one happy, healthly, amazing, thriving little girl!! Did I mention that she has the most heart-melting smile EVER!