Ringing in the New Year...at Temple Street Children's Hospital

Brennan had been under the weather the week following Christmas with a cold and cough; however by Thursday/Friday, he became increasingly weak, lethargic, declined food (a big sign he isn't feeling well), feverish, and by Friday evening was breathing heavily. Saturday morning (December 31st) we arrived at the ER via cab to Temple Street Children's Hospital, just 5 minutes away. We apparently arrived at the 'right' time as there wasn't a queue to be seen. Brennan was given a nebulizer 3 times to help expand his lungs with the hope that his oxygen stats would be satisfactory enough to be able to go home (anywhere between 92-100); however, that wasn't the case, and we were admitted overnight for observation and oxygen to help Brennan breathe better and easier.

Brennan tested positive for RSV, or also termed by the nurses as bronchilitis. In a nutshell, he had inflammation in his lungs that narrowed his airway making it harder for him to breathe. He was given steroids for 3 days and oxygen Saturday night throughout his sleep and throughout the day on Sunday. He was able to be weaned off the oxygen on Sunday to the point where he did not need it when he was awake, but needed it during his sleep as his levels weren't high enough then. Monday was Brennan's first official day without oxygen and from that point we were told that we could be discharged the next day as long as he was able to be off oxygen for 24 hours.

"Get these silly tubes off of me!"

"I'm makin' a break for it!" Checking out his roommate and holding on to his Ducky...thank goodness for his lovey.

Brennan was a trooper patient and made friends with all the nurses, our roommates, and even the snowman outside our window. The most exhausting part of our 3 day stay was entertaining Brennan non-stop while he was hooked up to the oxygen and monitor...try explaining to a toddler why he can't walk/run, let alone move around. Thank you Ipad, books, toys with lights/music, and creative energy (think blowing up gloves to be used as balloons).

We are home now and our lil guy couldn't be happier...he ran into his play area, checked out his toys, ran around, did a little dance, and was full of spunk all afternoon. His eating is back to par...asking for food every hour. :)

We're so relieved and glad to have our lil guy 'back'...there's nothing harder than seeing your baby so weak and needing medical intervention. This weekend really put things in perspective...I don't know how families who literally have the hospital as their second home for their children do it. It's physically and emotionally draining. We thank our lucky stars to have a healthy boy now and hope for a healthy 2012.

We're headed home!

Happy New Year!