Day 11: Set Backs

This morning we made sure to get to the NICU in time to participate in Paxton's hands-on care, but when we arrived the nurse informed us that there had been a few "set backs". During a diaper change earlier in the morning, the nurse discovered that Paxton had blood in his stool. The nurse was in the process of doing his second diaper change of the day when we walked up, and again there was blood in Paxton's stool. The neonatologist came out to talk to us and explained the tests that they were running to try and determine what could be causing the problem. This was a different neonatologist than the one that was previously working with Paxton. He seemed really nice and willing to educate us on what he thought might be going on. We were informed that it will take about 3 - 5 days to get all of the test results back. The good news is that Paxton responded well to his blood transfusion from last night. They are going to continue to monitor him daily to make sure he will not need another one. He definitely seemed more lethargic today which was sad to see. We could tell that he wasn't feeling well.
We decided to take a break and go to the dealership to pick up Scott's car. Luckily, Scott's mom was available again today to play the role of taxi. Not only has she consistently made sure that we can get to where we need to go, but she also ensures that we are eating regularly. Today she treated us to Chick-fil-A.
Since we were unable to participate in Paxton's hands-on care this morning, we wanted to make sure we were back in time for his afternoon care. Scott got to take his temperature, change his diaper, and give him a bath. Susanne had fun videotaping the process.
Paxton's favorite nurses then had a surprise for us. They had made special arrangements to allow one of us to hold Paxton outside of his isolette. This would be the first time since arriving at the NICU. Scott decided that since tomorrow is Valentine's Day, he would give Susanne the gift of holding Paxton. She was very touched and it made Scott's heart warm to see her holding him. Scott got all of it on video and made sure to get a lot of good pictures as well.
Later, a representative from the March of Dimes Foundation came by and dropped off some Valentine's Day gifts for Paxton, including a little stuffed animal as well as one of his favorite books "I Love You Because You're You". It was very sweet.
Also, we had a package waiting for us when we arrived back at the Ronald McDonald House. It was from Susanne's mom and dad (GiGi and Poppy), Paxton's Uncle Wally, his Aunt Leah, his cousins Parker and Cole, and the dogs: Copper, Hurley and Jack.
We decided to celebrate Valentine's Day early and go out to dinner tonight. We are going to have dinner at Sweet Water Tavern and then have some much needed snuggle time. We decided to celebrate early because we're checking out of the Ronald McDonald House tomorrow and Scott is planning on driving back to Pennsylvania tomorrow night.
It was definitely a busy day today. One of the more difficult ones, emotionally. We're hanging in there, just like Paxton is.