Day 60 in the Hospital

Thursday: December 26, 2013

I can't believe today was day 60 for us in the hospital. Cooper has made so much progress in the last two months. We are so proud of our strong Trooper Cooper.

Cooper had a rough day today. He slept all night, but I feel a lot of that was due to the help of some medicine. We are torn because we don't want to give him anything if he doesn't need it, but at the same time it seems to be the only way he can rest through the night. However, he seemed pretty tired tonight, so we are trying it without any meds. Hopefully, he will rest well.

He didn't work the best for the therapist today. He seemed very agitated and as though he wasn't feeling well. Cooper did eat an entire pudding cup for lunch! And, he had two orange flavored tootsie rolls for dinner! That was the only thing he would eat. So much for all of my "homemade" baby food and "no sugar added" diet!

Cooper seemed to be his happiest this afternoon. We spent a lot time walking on the 1st, 5th, and 7th floors tonight. Then we played in the floor until bath time. He decided to finally escape his room. Before he would crawl to the door, stop, and turn around. Tonight he decided to venture into the nurse's pod. He was so funny and in a great mood. We are hoping his therapies go better tomorrow. It is his Chemo day, so we are asking for an extra prayer that all goes well and he doesn't get as sick from this treatment.

We received more packages and cards in the mail today. We also got some drawings from two sweet little boys. It amazes me how thoughtful and kind everyone has been to Cooper.

Cooper with more packages! 



 

Cooper with his new book.

 

 

Cooper loves to play with balloons.

 

Mommy's Fav of the Day: He thinks it's funny because he "escaped!"

 



Walking to Daddy

 



Merry Christmas

Wednesday: December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Cooper rested better last night and was able to sleep in since he didn't have therapies today. We enjoyed our morning together opening presents and playing in the floor. Cooper got lots of nice things. He must have been a good boy this year!

At 11:00 we headed out. We had no idea where we were going but we wanted to take full advantage of the time we had. We ended up back at the beach. However, instead of the 80 degree weather we had the last time, it was only 30 degrees. We found only one restaurant open, so we ate there. It was called, "Pocahontas Pancakes and Waffles." Cooper wouldn't eat, but Mommy and Daddy sure did! Since Cooper loves being outside, we bundled him up and walked to the beach. It was a very short trip, even though the cold didn't seem to bother our tough little guy. Then we drove in circles for another 2 hours with no idea as to what to do. Cooper started getting a little fussy at this point, so we thought we'd just head back to the Ronald McDonald House and enjoy some time in a "home" setting. It was very nice. Cooper got to Skype with his Grandparents, uncle, aunt, cousins, great grandparents, and great aunt and uncle. He played for a long while before deciding it was nap time. The three of us cuddled on the bed: Cooper napped and Mommy and Daddy watched Home Alone. Once we got back to the hospital, we took a wagon ride, a bath, Daddy read the Christmas story from the Bible, had some milk, brushed our teeth, and went to bed.

We all really missed our family today. But, we know that we will be celebrating with all of them once we get home. And, that day only gets closer and closer!

Cooper ready to open presents!

 

All of us in front of our tree and gifts.

 

"Wow Mom, that's a lot of blocks!"

 

This was a special gift from Daddy, musical instruments!

 

Cooper trying to decide what to order.

 

Our meal

 

Heading to the beach. Notice Cooper is wearing Mommy's coat!

 

Mommy's Fav of the Day: Christmas Pic on the Beach

 

Family pic at the Ronald McDonald House

 

Snuggle time with my boy!

 

 

Wagon Ride

Cooper's new thing is to eat ice chips, he loves them!

 

 Cooper loved talking to, waving at, and blowing kisses to the baby next to him!

 

 

 Forget all the gifts, he just wants this card. Wonder if they will have any on clearance after today?

 

 

Brushing teeth before bed. Look at that rotten face!

Christmas Eve

Tuesday: December 24, 2013

Cooper had a very hard night last night. He slept great from 8-10. Then he was up until 12. He was able to sleep from 12-2 and was content the rest of the night as long as he was on my lap in the rocker. Needless to say, we were both pretty tired today!

Speech therapy went great. He struggled through OT and was then ready for a nap. While he napped we got the results from his blood test. It showed his Cortisol level was extremely low. This is a steroid hormone produced by our adrenaline gland. This is more than likely what has caused his lack of appetite and fussiness. So, while he napped we learned how and when to give his medicines. He will be taking an oral dose three times a day. Then, in an emergency situation, we would have to give him an injection. This is more than likely a life long situation he will be dealing with.

Randy and I were able to go to "Santa's Workshop" and shop for Cooper today. We picked him out two toys and an outfit. The community support is amazing here. I can't wait until we are home and are able to give back!

Cooper got more gifts and cards in the mail today and enjoyed opening them. He still has lots to open tomorrow. Since he won't be receiving therapies tomorrow we are able to leave again for 8 hours! We just got the news today and are so excited. We were told Ihop is open so we are thinking maybe brunch there, then possibly driving into Williamsburg. It doesn't matter where we end up as long as we are together.

He loves the ball!

Cooper on his knees! Good progress!

 

Little stinker on the swing!

 

 

Cooper with one of his new toys.

He loved this lion!

 

 

Seeing who the next package is from...

This is too cute!

 

 

This was a Christmas card from work. It played music. He loved it. He had to carry it around all afternoon!

Mommy's Fav of the Day: This picture is priceless.

 

Mommy's turn to read, he was so tired!

 

Monday: December 23, 2013

Cooper had a really good day today. He worked hard for his therapists. He napped only a little while and actually ate almost an entire helping of spaghetti. His glove arrived today and he wore it without a fuss. It is made to help his thumb and wrist from drawing in. My favorite part of the day was the last 15 minutes I got to snuggle with him before putting him down for the night.

Also, we would like to once again thank everyone who is sending prayers, thoughts, cards, and gifts our way. We received another "bundle" today. It's so nice reading all the kinds words from everyone.

Randy and I saw this today and for a second we thought we were back home!

My boy is finally eating!

 

He is excited for spaghetti!

 

 

 Mommy's Fav of the Day: Look at how messy he is!

 

 

He only got 10 minutes of fish fun before they turned it off.