Tubes Out!!!

Sorry I haven't posted any updates...I've had trouble getting to a phone line to reach the internet. Nate has had a busy couple of days. Yesterday morning they removed his chest tubes! Then in the afternoon they took the breathing tube out and he is doing well! He was quite a lot to handle! They had to restrain his arms and legs! He was attempting to remove the IV and other lines they have in him! Today was better. When we saw him this morning he smiled at us and looked like Nathan again. They removed his artery line this afternoon so now all he has is a central line in his groin area. They took him off almost all meds except Lasix and an antibiotic. His heart rate is still dropping into the 80's and this is causing concern. Dr. Pettitt started him on a medicine called Isurprill (I think I spelled that right) to try to control the heart rate. They hooked him back up to the pacer but it would not regulate it. They also have him on a med for thyroid, They don't think he has a thyroid issue but they say sometimes this will help to put weight on babies that desperately need it, and we know Nathan needs it! They did begin feeding him half strength formula today and he seems fine. That is probaly why he is happier too! So far everything is going well. We finally got into a room here so that makes us much more comfrontable. As I said, we are concerned about his heart rate but I think only time will tell as to what that means. The nurses say this may be something that has to work itself out. His heart has been through a lot of stress and it may just take some time to work at 100%. I believe God is answering all of our prayers and he has wonderful plans for little Nathan Paul! He truly is a miracle! Thanks to every one of you who is praying so hard for him. It means so much to us! Julie & Sal