Paul's Update - 06/14/06

Dear Friends:

Today was Max's first full day at home with his Mom, Dad, Grandma Smith & Pap Paw Johnson. Evidently he was up a lot during the night so Grandma had her work cut out for her! He seems to be a really good baby but when he cries he gets a lot of attention!! Tabby is encouraging him to nurse and he does pretty good with it. She supplements with a little formula since she hasn't really gotten much milk yet. He has a little gas but he otherwise is very healthy! He went back to the pediatrician today and the doctor was pleased that he is doing well. He lost a little weight but that is also pretty normal for newborns. Paul was able to hold Max this afternoon while he and Tabby were in the bed resting. Paul held him for 45 minutes!! He held him really well and even held him with his right arm for some of the time. Paul seems to be a really good dad! The physical therapist came today and she commented that he seems to be getting a little more use of the right hand. He is moving his fingers a little more and has some strength when she asks him to push her hand away. He is still having lots of trouble standing and walking so they do as little of that as possible. Tomorrow the Speech therapist is suppose to come. This is not going to be the regular therapist. There is some confusion as to whether the girl that has been coming quit or went on vacation but we are suppose to have a substitute. Tabby talked to the nursing agency today and has now arranged to have a CNA from 8pm to 12 midnight each night. Audrey (the weekend CNA) has been asked and agreed to come and do 8-12pm and then also work on the weekend from 8am to midnight. This accomplishes lots of things ... it doesn't seem like a lot but it will allow Dad to go home earlier and get some rest. Paul doesn't really need much attention from midnight until about 4am. Dad will come back at 4am to tend to Paul each morning until the CNA arrives at 8am. At least Dad will be able to come home earlier, sleep in his own bed and not have to worry about Paul. I'm including a picture of Max that was taken at the hospital ... take a good look at the background!!

Have a great day, Lynne & Carl