Theses boots were made for walking

Aidan is starting to walk again all by himself. Today Diane said he just stood up and walked across the room! He had a physical therapy appointment today and he did really well- threw a ball, crawled through a tunnel, walked around- Diane said he was exhausted afterward :) They said he still has some weakness in his hands. He has one more physical therapy appointment before they leave. Sam said that he is slowly saying more words-including Momma! Go Aidan go! You are truly remarkable.
We are going to miss them when they leave- may God be with you on your travels. Diane's good friend who is a nurse is flying out from Seattle to be with them as they drive to Alabama- what a blessing! I will continue to post updates once a week with pictures of Aidan and his family. Thank you all that have prayed for them and please continue to pray that they can turn towards God for strength and comfort.

Home sweet home!

"This is the day which the Lord has made: Let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalm 118:24

Aidan is home! He left Yale this afternoon and is settling in back home. Hopefully now everyone can get some sleep!

Sam, Diane, and Oma thank you so much for sharing this journey with us. We rejoice with you! We are so thankful for the Lord's over-rulings- Thank you to all that prayed for Aidan. "The Lord has heard my supplication, The Lord receives my prayer" Psalm 6:9

Aidan still has the journey of recovery ahead of him- I know that he is in God's hands- and He has placed Aidan with a family that will see him through this- Go Aidan go! We love you!

Pictures from Christina

I'm a rock star

From an email from Diane: "Aidan is doing well, except the sleeping part. We will go home tomorrow, they had hinted a little yesterday that maybe they would let us out today but found out this morning they rather not, so whats one more day after all this time. He will be on 5 different meds which includes his Lovenox twice a day through a shot. That is more than he has ever had. The last 2 days he seems to be seeing more and more we can't wait to see what the eye doctor says on the Nov.9th! He is trying to stand but is so tired, I think when we get him home and he is more rested and gets some homemade "Mimi" food (low-fat version) he will start to do better. He sits up really good now and does well holding on to things, his hands still seem a little weak though. All in due time, we are so proud of all the progress he has made in just the past week. I thank God countless times a day for our Aidan! When I stop and think about all he has been through it just about does me in, but all is going so well and we are SO thankful! Aidan wants nothing to do with any of the doctor's or nurse's and they are all so sweet to him, but his nurse Nancy said it's very normal and he will continue to be that way for awhile even after we go home. On Friday Christina and Pablo came for a visit, Sam and I were thrilled, Aidan not so much, he gets very nervous when anyone is around... Sorry guys. One of Aidan's PICU nurse's named "Sarah" (who has 2 little boys) came to see him and brought him a CD with some of her boys favorite songs on it, we will put it in for the ride home tomorrow. She was so wonderful to Aidan and us, at night she would help to get him to sleep which was a huge task, and one night she read Aidan a story... I loved it, can't remember the last time someone read out loud to me... It made me nice and sleepy! Jackie another PICU nurse checks on the little monkey everyday and will come to Oma's house during the week for a visit. She's become part of the family, my sister's also got to meet her and think she is wonderful! We can't wait to be home and see all our family & friends, we miss and love you all dearly! We did not think Aidan would be able to par-take in the Halloween fun this year but now we have hopes that he will, and will be all decked out in his "Football" out fit from Erin another PICU nurse! God love those girls."

Good day :)

Well it looks like we are leaving this popsicle stand on Monday! The Special Care place didn't work out. So PT/OT will be set up for us at home. Can't say we are upset---I kinda feel it might be for the best. I think Aidan will be sooooo happy to be home, and of course we will, darn near beside ourselves. Aidan slept better last night, not great but better. He laughed and played today and we let him have a few M&M's, Sam put them on the tray and he did his best to pick up the bright colored one's (I think those may have been the one's he could see), anyhow he was able to grab a few and get them into his cute little mouth! My heart melted! It's been a really good day. I'll send a picture as soon as he wakes up. love you, Diane

Rub-a-dub-dub Aidan's in the tub!

An email from Diane:
"Aidan sat in the tub by himself! He had PT and lunch (he eats anything we give him). Now he is taking a much needed nap, last night he was up from midnight to 9am. I let Sam sleep from 12 to 6am and then she took over, "Mimi" was sooooo tired. This morning his doctor "Bevin" came in for a chat, he slept through it all, but while she was sitting and talking to Sam and I his oxygen was in the 90's! He must love hearing her voice... She has been not only been Aidan's doctor from the moment Sam was 5 months pregnant but also a very dear friend to us all, we feel like she is family. Sam really looks up to her and she is a constant support to us all. Along with all our family and friends she has shed many a tear about Aidan this past month. Jackie one of his PICU nurse's again sent us a homemade lunch, it was yummy! "Pop-pop" misses his little guy so much and can't wait to get his hands on him, it is so hard for him to be away. Laura D.& her mom Peggy are helping us to get a better rate on a hotel by the "Hospital for Special Care", which is huge favor. Once again the blessings that keep coming our way from each and everyone of you mean so much to us. My bud Robyn who lives in Washington state will be flying out in Nov. and will spend 2 weeks with us, she is Aidan's God-mommy, and a special one at that! Oma continues everyday to support us in so many ways, we would not have made it through this hospital stay with out her and her kookiness! I miss all my work buddy's and can't wait to see you on the 26th! Maureen has been so gracious to share her going away party with me, I feel very honored! Laura S. even through being sick keeps in touch to check on us by either calling or texting to see how we are holding up, she is a little worry wart! Christina & Pablo will be coming tomorrow for a visit---lots of picture taking will go! Michelle E. from work starting texting Sam today about "Twilight & New Moon" but she meant to text me... Sam thought she had a stalker! Once I read the messages I knew who it was, but it gave us a good laugh!

Sam was blowing bubbles to Aidan this morning and he was so excited, not sure how much of them he saw but he felt them and loved it, it was a great moment.

Even through the sadness of what has happened we still have wonderful treasured times with Aidan, we laugh and share hope with everyone around us, our friends the Chase's & Jo-ann, are always in touch along with my mom's friends, my amazing sister's and their families, my work girls and the staff here. Life truly is good! We love you all."

There's no place like Yale :)

Aidan had a good day today. In the picture he is laughing at the big fountain downstairs in the Yale hospital. Diane also said that he turned his head while the cardiologist was talking and looked at him and when the doctor finished speaking Aidan waved bye-bye to him- too funny! Maybe Aidan is seeing more than we think! Keep up the prayers!
Diane and Sam visited the rehabilitation center today. It turns out that it is not really set up for families to stay there, but Aidan being a rock star he needs his entourage with him so they will take turns sharing a bed with Aidan in the open room with all the other patients. There are family apartments so hopefully one will be available. Diane said the therapists seemed really nice- so we can't judge by the appearance but it is no Yale New Haven!
The nurses that Aidan had while in the PICU are extraordinary. Nurse Jackie came by today on her lunch break and brought them homemade stew. Nurse Erin brought Aidan a Halloween costume- a football player costume :) Nurse Sarah stopped by to visit Aidan as well. They feel truly blessed having such caring nurses.

Psalm 32:8
" I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you."

Peace out PICU!

Aidan is now in the infant and toddler's pediatric floor! He has his own room and it even has its own bathroom-which is an upgrade for Diane and Sam- they did not have a private bathroom in the PICU. Tomorrow Sam and Diane are going to visit Special Care rehab center in New Britain, CT. Aidan will be leaving Yale on Monday to go there. He will have OT/ PT three times a day. Diane and Oma will have a room with a little living area and kitchen and Sam will be able to stay in Aidan's room. Aidan is doing better but is frightened easily- it is still not clear how much he can see. They have scheduled an appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist for the beginning of November. Diane and Sam are exhausted today- Aidan has been up four nights in a row! The hope is once in the rehab center it will be more quite and less stressful for him-=more sleep for Diane and Sam! It is amazing to watch the Lord's over-ruling's in Aidan's life- we are so so thankful for them!
"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous fall."
Psalm 55:22

Monkey boy

"Even though Aidan was up 1/2 the night he is doing better! Sam and I on the other hand are like zombies, I guess we fit in with the month of October since Halloween will be here soon, no need for costumes for us! His ear looked better the amoxocillin has kicked in. Aidan is getting stronger, he can hold his head up for longer amounts of time and really wants to sit up, he rolls over and even managed last night to remove his feeding tube! That boy is a true "MONKEY"! For now they won't try to put it back in as long as he can keep food and liquids down and also manage to take all his meds through his mouth, wish him luck! He says "Done!" when he has had enough of the doctor's and nurse's, last night we asked him where his head was and belly he would pat them with his "IV mummy hand", he is starting to understand more and more of what we are saying to him. The doctor's are very pleased with how Aidan is doing that in return makes us happy! Last night Gabby, Tim and Mary came for a visit, it was good for Sam to have them around she needed some cousin time! I loved seeing and hugging them, we are so blessed with our amazing family and friends, there are no words that would do justice to how I feel about everyone in my life. I love you all!! Well I'm going to go back and see how Oma and Aidan are doing, while Sam once again is taking a shower!!! Lord she must be the cleanest person in the this place."- Diane

I just got off the phone with Sam and she said that Aidan ate breakfast, lunch and dinner- and he kept it all down! Yeah! Go Aidan go!

Cruising around :)

Sam was able to take Aidan out for a stroller ride around the PICU today! Aidan was all smiles but did get a little worried towards the end- it is unclear how much he can see so this might have made him a little nervous-but with his mommy right there he knew he was safe. In 2-4 weeks he will have another eye exam at a pediatric ophthalmologist office. For right now though it seems that he can not see well close up. Diane said that he does get excited when he sees the his favorite DVD on the TV :)
Aidan's team of doctors met today and decided that it would be best to wait on another catheterization to close the small fenestration (hole). They felt that the blood clot around the stent is too fresh and could be knocked loose. They will wait a few months and the clot will be better adhered and his body will be stronger. We pray that the Lord's over-ruling continues with Aidan's recovery. We are so thankful for His over-rulings thus far!
Diane said that maybe next week they will be leaving Yale... yeah! The plan might be to go to a rehab center in New Britian. We continue to pray that God will be with Aidan and his family and for His will to be done in Aidan's life.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28

Sleepy boy

An email from Diane:
"Aidan had a good day, Oma watched him so Sam and I could run to Groton to do some much needed banking! It was a quick trip and but it did give me a moment to run into the office and see my girls, got love and hugs from my 2 Laura's, 3 Michelle's, Gloria, Christina & Maureen it was wonderful because I miss everyone so much, also got to say "hi" to Dr.B & Claire! Oma did a great job watching Aidan, while we were gone the last of the chest tubes were removed and Oma got to rock and sing to Aidan for an hour. He also had his PT/OT session which he slept through... He also slept through his lunch but somehow still ate, Jackie his nurse (who is a amazing) said he would open his mouth and would eat but never woke up! Crazy kid... He had a "Echo" of his heart and tomorrow morning all the heart doctor's on his case will discuss when they will do the "Cath" to close up the hole attached to the small tube. He really is enjoying his food again even though it's "NO FAT" this is do to the new condition he has, don't ask me what it is since I can't remember what it's called, but he can't have any fatty foods for 3 months. Just before I came in here (the family room) to write this note he rolled over and tried to get on his knee's. He had an eye exam tonight also, which showed that his eye's looked good and he did react to the lights which is also good, but we will not know what damage there is until somewhere down the line, it has to do with the relay from the brain to the eye's and only time will tell. All the nurse's and doctor's in the PICU are fantastic I have no idea how we would have gotten through the past 3 weeks without them and ALL our incredible family and friends. I will never be able to thank each and everyone enough, my heart could just about burst!!!! WE are so very blessed. We love you all.... Diane, Rick, Sam & Aidan XOX P.S. And I thank my "cutie pie" Melinda for doing this blog for Aidan, it has been the best thing ever, she also helps to keep Sam from losing it on a daily basis. God love her!"

Aidan's day

A note from Diane:
" Aidan passed the barium swallow test with flying colors! Aidan may now eat! Still has feeding tube to help him out. Uncle Steve came and had dinner with Aidan and brought him a cute giraffe. He got a big smile in return. "Auntie" Melinda came to check Aidan out for her own eyes and got Sam out of Mimi's hair- Yeah! Sam and Melinda hung toys across his crib- big hit! To top the night off Viv and Derrick came to see Mr. Aidan- Derrick calmed Aidan down and they had a little chit-chat and Viv changed a big poopy diaper- they also brought Aidan a big black bear! Aidan's new halloween shirt was from Laura Davis and that Michelle K. bought him a "Hero" shirt that he will be showing off very soon! The girls from the "Crewcuts and Curl's" came to visit on Monday and brought smiles, hugs, love and wonderful treats"

Go Aidan go!

Today was a good day - this afternoon Aidan made huge strides! He is now responding, laughing and smiling! He is making eye contact and even held his head up for a few seconds at a time. He has been flat out refusing to eat anything and today he had popsicle! He is now watching his favorite DVD Diane said with a huge smile on his face. Aidan you are so awesome! Go Aidan go!

Hard work and patience

Aidan did have a MRI yesterday and evidence of a stroke was found. It is in an area that will effect the vision in his right eye and possibly his right side- it is too soon to tell. After meeting with a neurologist this morning there might be other areas of the brain that might be effected as well- with that being said his cardiologist told Diane and Sam that they need to stay optimistic. He has had many patients that have had worse strokes and with a lot of patience and hard work these patients come back, running around and getting into trouble :) I can see why Aidan is with them- hard work and patience defines Diane and optimism is one of Sam's best qualities. Even though Pop-pop (Rick) is not there with them we know that Aidan can feel his love from miles away. Who can forget Oma- if you have ever had the privilege to meet her you can agree that she radiates love. If anyone can see Aidan through this it is them. We are so thankful that God has placed Aidan under the care of such great physicians and nurses We pray for the Lord's continually guidance and overruling in Aidan's life.
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you"
Psalm 55:22

Aidan needs a nap

Diane just called and said that Aidan has only slept five hours since Friday. He is having a hard time swallowing any foods or liquids. He has stopped recognizing their voices and following them with his eyes so the doctors ordered a CAT scan to see if there was a visible clot or swelling- they didn't find any. Yeah! A MRI would give a clearer picture but they do not want to sedate him at this point. Maybe Friday Diane said when he has another catheterization of his heart they will do a MRI as well. Even if Aidan did have a stroke they said it would not change his course of treatment and will be starting physical therapy. A neurologist will come to see Aidan today. The other possibility is that he is just having a hard time coming off all the medications he was on- time will tell- but I am hoping that is the case. Aidan is one resilient little boy. Please continue to pray for him and his family that they can rely on God for strength and comfort.
We are all right there with you guys! Love you!

An email from Diane:
"Aidan is making wonderful strides in the right direction. Another IV removed, and no more sedation. We are down to 3 drainage tubes and 1 IV!!! Now we have to monitor him carefully so he does not do a flip or a flop and yank the tubes out on his own... He loves being in his mom's arms we've been able to do that twice for him and mommy. We also were able to get Sam next to him on the bed, he was very upset and in doing this he calmed right down. Today Aunt Helen and Uncle Bruce came down from Mass. for a visit, it was wonderful to get hugs and kisses from them both, we all needed it! Aunt Helen spent a long time rubbing Aidan's head to calm him down and he went to sleep for her... It was a very dear moment! Oma sings her German songs to Aidan and he knows she is there... He loves his Oma!

Teresa from "Child Life" came to today and talked to Sam about Aidan with her help Sam wrote a song for her baby":

Adian's Song

(by his Mama)

Aidan, my little Monkey Butt

you climb and play

all through the day

Now it's time to sleep

Mama's here

right beside you,

dream of something sweet;

of blowing shiny bubbles

that dance with magic colors

Cuddle up and snuggle

in Mama's arms

Shshsh now Baby sleep

Words from Uncle Bruce

God sends us angels

every day,

in many shapes

and many ways.

In my mommy's arms I am safe and loved :)

Sam got to hold Aidan today! Yeah! His oxygen saturation is in the 90's.. yep 90's- they have never been that high before Sam told me. Diane said one of Aidan's doctors said he didn't understand how Aidan could have taken such a turn for the better and Diane told me she thought it was because of God and all your prayers. We are thankful that the Lord's hand has been in helping and strengthening Aidan and his family. We pray for continued guidance and direction from God in Aidan's life and for His will to be done. Aidan still needs your prayers as he continues to recover. Go Aidan go!