GETTING CLOSER!!!!!

Well we are finally getting closer. After a few long days of no advances today they are starting to prepare us to go home towards the end of the week. We are sooooo excited. Cooper is now down to a feeding tube only....no IV's. Yeah!!! His respiratory rate has been very high but is finally going down. It is still higher than they would like but due to the size of the shunt they put in they are not surprised. We have to learn to use the NG tube (feeding tube) because he still is not eating enough by bottle but again they expect this to improve. We have not been able to feed him by mouth because of his respiratory rate so he is just learning again. We also have to learn infant CPR and do a car seat check before we go. He will be taking 4 medications so also have to learn all about these and how to administer them. Even though it sounds like there are quite a few things to do, I am very grateful that this is all we have to deal with. Cooper is awake much more now and has even smiled a couple times :) He is really cute. Sunday Raelynn, Mom, Sherri, Cassidy and Chandler came to visit. This is the first time Cassidy and Chandler were able to see Cooper and they were very excited and even shed a few tears. I think they were a little scare of what he may look like but were pleasantly surprised that he just looked like a little baby. Raelynn got to hold Cooper for the first time as well. I cannot even tell you how cute she was with him. She was so gentle and asked him how his heart was doing. It was precious. I have a feeling she is going to be a big help in his care :) We are getting very close to having our whole family together!