Zachary has been very clingy the past few days, we could not figure him out until today...

The child has been trying to tell us that something is wrong with his line.  Late yesterday after he pulled off his sterile dressing, we could see a big lump right above his broviac.  Last time this happened it was a few days in the hospital (YUCK, especially during flu season) followed by heparin shots to thin the blood clot that had formed.  Ultimately we pulled the line after 4 weeks of IV antibiotics.  I hope that is not where we are headed with this.

Dr. Bell has performed 3 of the 9 surgeries that Zachary has had to date.  Couldn't say much about the lump, just wait for the blood cultures and start on the nasty IV antibiotics.  IV antibiotics usually lead to thrush in the mouth which is treated with a horrible tasting liquid that we have to swab over Zachary's tongue and cheeks.  Zachary protests loudly followed by a series of gags.

Our nurse from critical care met us at Dr. Bell's office since this was blood work day.  It took Jenny, Nickie and me to change the dressing and draw the blood.  I think we scared all of the other patients out of the place.  Zachary screamed at the top of his lungs.  Didn't help that it was a beautiful winter day of 70 degrees outside but 80 degrees inside the hospital. Everyone was sweating by the time we were done.

On a good note, Zachary has begun speech therapy.  Judy his therapist is awesome.  Today we learned thank you, open, need help and birdie in sign language.  Zachary even invented his own sign which we are still trying to figure out what it means.  He has been using the sign for More like a pro, it is for more books, more food, more play, more drink, more wash hair.  It makes such a difference that he can communicate with us in this way.   Every parent should have the opportunity to work with Physical, Occupational and Speech therapists when their children are young.  There is so much to learn that is not in the typical baby development books.  We are so lucky to have a great team working with us and Zachary.