Still Here

I am still in the hospital. I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner yesterday. I threw up dinner though. The doc put me on a serious dosage of laxatives and Mirilax to get things moving. Even with all this going on, I'm still having fun with my brothers. As of right now, MiMi, Coop and Silas are going home on Monday. I will still be here for a little while longer. I tried to hussle Cooper at the table, but he's pretty handy with a cue stick.

Whoa..... Hang on

After I pooped the docs took a picture of my belly, and I had a whole bunch of stool in my colon. I am back on clear liquids. So it looks like I'll be in the hospital for a little while longer. After Mom talks to the doctor I will fill you in.

Good News

This morning I received an early morning phone call from a proud little boy who said, "I went poopoo, Daddy." Eli pooped a couple of times last night! And while the loads were relatively small, they were something to write home about. It is my hope that he will be released today, visit the doctor tomorrow, and be home by the weekend.

I may not have said this enough, but it is your prayers that have lifted us up and God's hand that has comforted us. There is no doubt in my mind that God has led little Eli through this bumpy road and has healed him. And there is no doubt in my mind that your prayers have influenced our Lord in heaven. Thank you and praise God.

BTW: I am home, hence the lack of pictures.

Another day in the hospital

I was a little too optimistic yesterday. I was not released today. Dr. Pena said he wanted me to stick around for another day or so just to be on the safe side. I haven't felt like eating as much today, but MiMi and Mommy keep trying to feed me. My belly is still soft, and I'm still having gas. Hopefully I will load up my diaper tonight.

I ate toast and apple sauce this morning, PBJ and grapes for dinner. Mom says I had some wicked gas. It left streaks in my diaper. No poop, but I feel it coming. The doctor says if I poop I can get out of here. Maybe tomorrow I will be released.

Juice Box, Baby!

My belly got the green light and I sucked down a whole juice box in under 2 seconds. That has to be some sort of record. I felt a little strange afterwards, but I kept it all down! Yay!!

Silas, Cooper & Mimi Oh My!

Together at last...

While I was playing in the playroom I was surprised by Mimi and my brothers. They drove all the way from Tennessee just to see me! I was so happy to finally see them again.

Still Waiting for Water

No water yet. The docs took a picture of my belly and have to make sure that it is ready for the sweet nectar of life. I hope it is soon. In the meantime, I have been playing and creating in my bed. Check out these pictures.

P.S. Jessica is my favorite nurse.

Going drinking

Dr. Levitt told me today that I get to drink clear liquids tomorrow. Hand me a straw, give me a clean diaper and watch out. I'm not saving any for the fishes.

A goodnight song...

No Smelly Gas

Today is my one week anniversary, and still no smelly gas. There is a lot of rumbling in my tummy but nothing squeaking out. The doctor says it might take a while for my colon to "wake up". My body is awake; I am ready to escape, but apparently my poop chute isn't ready yet. Keep praying that my pipes will start working soon so I can go home. One kid can only watch so much TV and I have had my fill of Dr. Seuss books.

Eli talks to Cooper

I got mail!

Eli's Adventures

Today was a big day. I got my catheter taken out. I walked around the hallway. I got lots of mail. I flirted with some nurses. I went down to the gift shop and picked out some Crocs and a cool rocket ship jibbitz (thanks Mr. Brant and Mrs. Molly!). My friends Van, Lex and Bo visited me. I even went to the playroom and cooked up a delicious vegetarian pizza, which some of you might think is oddly cruel since I haven't eaten in a week, but c'mon it's just play food. Speaking of food again, when I get out of this place I am going to have the biggest, juiciest, sloppiest burger. Don't tell my mom.
ps- today is my big brother Silas' 5th birthday! I miss you lots and hope you had a great day!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

Today is my mom and dad's 9 year anniversary. For a present I gave them some of my best laughs. I feel better today. I even tried to walk, but the pain medicine made my legs like jello. Speaking of food I keep asking for some, or at the very least for some water, but no one will give me anything. I did get a huge dinosaur balloon today from my friends Bryce, Parker, and Grant. He was actually a little scary at first, but after I brushed his teeth with my spongesicle I laughed in the face of fear. Really I just laughed at the dino face. I am off the happy meds (epidural) and on to some sleepy meds. I just took a four hour nap. Yeah I know, that's crazy. I'm watching Bambi now. How does that Thumper do that leg thing?

Eli & The Spongesicle

Day 2

Today was the first day of poop! He had a pool of dirty stuff in his diaper this morning. Looks like the pipes are beginning to work. Not fully though. He was distended, so the doctors irrigated him and got out some gas and watery stool. While not his favorite activity, Eli tolerated it well. He only told the doctor "Stop it!" a few times. And believe it or not, he says it rather politely. That episode pretty much sums up his disposition, uncomfortable but sweet. He sleeps and watches TV a lot. He has discovered a new love, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the spongesicle (a moist sponge on a stick. Yum) . More later.

Day 1

It's Tuesday, May 20th. "Day 1" as Dr. Levitt calls it, meaning the first day after surgery. Eli had a great night and never woke up complaining. He is still sleeping alot today, although not as much as yesterday! He says he fells pretty good, although he doesn't like it when the nurses or doctors have to check him out or turn him over at all. A few times today, he actually got so mad that he held his breath while crying and turned blue. He's done this before at Vanderbilt, but not here until today. Now they warn any new nurses coming in that "he's a breath-holder!" and have an oxygen mask next to him at all times. Jonathan and I are I guess somewhat used to it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't scare us! He's not talking much and when he does you can barely hear him. It's nice to hear his sweet voice though. Overall, the doctors are pleased with his progress, which is not much more than tolerating the pain well. He is a brave boy!!!