Friday, May 1, 2009

On the upswing

By the time we made it to the hospital today, it was late afternoon, but Lawson was wide awake and happy, happy, happy! Danielle left this morning, so it was just Brian, Mom and myself. Brian and I got a chance to speak with Dr. Auten, our current Attending Physician, for quite some time. He was really pleased with Lawson's progress and reviewed the plan for the weekend, with one minor change. He let us know that they would like to wait until Lawson is off the morphine and extubated before beginning feeds this time, just to make sure he doesn't get stressed out and throw up with the tube still in. We also found out that it's time to get a new doctor; Dr. Izatt will be Lawson's new doctor starting tomorrow. We've both met her briefly, but haven't had a chance to talk at length with her about Lawson yet. She has, however, been following Lawson's case, so she's caught up and ready to begin.

Lawson was awake for at least an hour while we were there today. Everyone who came by,-nurses, doctors, even other mom's we've met, commented on how 'content and comfortable' he looked today. You can hear us chatting with the nurse in the video about how well he is doing. It really seems like getting the unhealthy part of the lung out of his little body has literally given him new life! He is breathing better, seems more comfortable, is crying less, and overall just seems happier. His x-ray is also showing progress; the portion of the left lung that remains has already begun expanding to compensate! I truly believe we're on the upswing here!

Just before we left today, I had been at Lawson's bedside and just finished pumping. So I was by myself when Dr. Rice came by. He was all smiles and came right over to hug me. I just had to tell him about the blog and Lauri's comment about wanting to give him hugs and kisses. He was blushing and laughing when he said, "Aww, that's sweet, but completely unnecessary. We're just doing our job here." He's not only an amazing surgeon with excellent bedside manner, but he's modest as well. :)



14 comments:

  1. I have happy happy tears streaming down my face after reading this blog, little Lawson-he really is amazing!!! Still cheering and praying with all I have until this little guy comes home, and I truly believe this beautiful miracle baby boy will be on his way soon!!! Go Lawson GOOO!!! Huge happy hugs to the Levering crew!! love ya all, Lauri :)
    *Tell Dr. Rice, I will be getting him with those XOXO's soon, won't we both be blushing then....LOL! ;)

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  2. What a happy happy looking baby boy!!! We serve an awesome God! We give Honor and Praise to Him for His Good works and the excellent staff He has provided there at Duke. Using Lauri's words, Go Lawson GOOO!!! Go Leverings GOOO!!!
    The news is WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL!!! Sounds like a good plan - the waiting for the feeding. :) So we THANK GOD and we continue in Praise and Prayer! Give Lacey some big hugs! I know she can't wait until Lawson comes home!

    Love you all,
    Jackie Scott

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  3. We are so happy to hear about Lawson's wonderful progress! We will keep the prayers coming and look forward to seeing him home very soon!!

    Hillary Kokes

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  4. MITZI AND ALL....THIS IS GREAT NEWS...I GET ON THE COMPUTER EVERY MORNING AND I JUST KNOW THAT I AM GOING TO GET GOOD NEWS ABOUT LAWSON, THE MIRACLE BABY... THAT'S WHAT HE IS...GOD JUST TOOK OVER IN HIS LIFE AND BROUGHT HIM THROUGH THIS TERRIBLE LUNG DISEASE..GOD IS SO GOOD..I THINK ALL OF HONAKER HAS BEEN PRAYING FOR YOU ALL..KEEP UP THE GOOD REPORTS TO US, WE LOVE TO HEAR & SEE HIS BEAUTIFUL FACE...LOVE TO ALL...SUE & RALPH

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  5. you know what? at least in the latest pic, he looks like he is healthier. i guess you just had to get that sickie lung out of there!

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  6. Mitzi - thank you so much for doing this blog - it is a wonderful way to keep up with Lawson's progress and to see his sweet face each morning. I am so thankful to know that he continues to improve and that our prayers are being answered and we will keep them coming.
    This has been a great week for the Levering family! Love, Jeannie

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  7. This is such great news!! I am as addicted to your blogs as I am to facebook and it is so wonderful to hear of your precious baby's progress, God is Good! You are in our thoughts and prayers, thank you for keeping everyone updated about your miracle!

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  8. so glad to hear the great news! i was so glad to see two new blogs this morning :) thanks for the updates, keep up the good work family :)

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  9. Mitzi...I have happy tears for Lawson and all the progress he's making. Thanks so much for keeping us updated. Not only is everyone in Honaker praying for him, most of Richlands is as well! :-) I can't wait until Lawson is home and ready to meet the rest of this crazy gang!

    Love and prayers,
    Scott and Chris

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  10. Mitzi, This is wonderful news! I am so excited for you! You know even after Lawson comes home you are going to have to keep us all updated on a regular basis. He is a big part of our lives too! We love you and can't wait for the day you get to take him home and continue watching him grow with love! LOVES, hugs, and Many Prayers, Amanda

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  11. Mitzie and family,
    What wonderful news. Getting rid of the diseased part of thelung certainly sounds like the answer to all of our prayers.
    He is a beautiful baby, and I know how happy you must be.
    God bless your family!
    Nancy Huxley

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  12. Happy news!!!!! We love it! Lawson looks amazing in the video:) We can't wait to meet Lawson and to hear that you're bringing him home!!!
    Love you guys!
    Kelly & Lenny

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  13. Hi Mitzi and Brian,
    It is wonderful seeing Lawson looking so healthy and hearing the excitement in your voices as you talk to Lawson and to the nurses! Dr Rice may be "just doing his job", but we are so thankful that he knows how to do it so well:) The prayers will still be coming. Have a wonderful Sunday!
    Love and prayers, Linda DuRant

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  14. Mitzi, Brian
    The pics are great, the news is even bettter!
    Sylvia and I and our SS class have Lawson in our prayer daily. We will not let up.
    Bill & Sylvia












    god

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