Matthew had a good time out back in his swing today while I worked out. The tube he is clutching prevents water from pooling in his oxygen line. 

Our nephew, Daniel, has been coming over during the day. He has been a big help to Terri. Daniel is so good with Matthew and watches out for him while Terri pumps or handles other tasks around the house. 

Daniel also helped me post our flags for Veteran's Day. 

The taste of Mommy's milk snaps Matthew right out of a crying spell.

Today was a good day. We are averaging 2-3 doctors' visits a week and today we went to see Dr. Nakamura (Matthew's Pulmonologist). After filling out an Encyclopedia Britannica volume worth of paper work we brought Matthew back to the scales� Ta Daaa�"In this corner, in the yellow jammys, weighing in at a svelte 10lbs 10ounces and measuring 23inches in length�Ladies and Gentlemen, Matthew King!" Dr. Nakamura came in and was very happy with the progress Matthew has made. He told us that Matthew will likely remain on oxygen for the perceivable future. He started us on a very gradual weaning schedule for the diuretics and nebulized breathing treatments. He reassured Terri that the low flow humidifier probably had no ill effect on Matthew when it tipped over and sent water into his nose last night. He said if Matthew didn't choke then the water likely never made it past his nostrils.

As for Matthew's withdrawal symptoms, Terri contacted Dr. Tracey Butler from the Sunrise PICU. Dr. Butler said she would draft a gentler weaning schedule for Matthew so he doesn't get quite so agitated at night.
 

No smiles today... 

As anticipated, Matthew is experiencing the effects of withdrawal. Tonight, as I sat with him, he was inconsolable. He was mashing his gums together (bruxism), flailing his arms about, crying, and staring wide-eyed straight ahead as if in a trance. It was very hard to watch. The temptation is to give him a supplementary dose of Methadone to cause his present suffering to subside. If I give in, however, I am prolonging his �addiction�. I am torn. My only comfort is drawn from the fact that his normal dose of medication is due in less than an hour.
 

He's hardly six months old and I've already lost control of the boy. I told him to pick an outfit today before going to Uncle Keith & Aunt Gabrielle's house. He came back in the room wearing the Detroit Lions shirt that Tammy Jackson gave him. But I said, "who am I to blow against the wind?" 

10 Pounds, 3 Ounces!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!! Matthew will be six months old this week and just passed the 10lb. mark. 

Matthew was none too happy at bath time today. Mommy and Aunt Kim said the back of his ears smelled so he was due. 

We kept a warm wash cloth on his chest so he wouldn't get too cold. 

Terri talking on the phone to Matthew's Great Grandma Davenport who is 101 years old. 

I had to hide the camera to get this shot. You can see his little hand in motion towards his face. 

While the bulk of Matthew's feeds are delivered via his G-tube, he still gets to drink from a bottle twice a day to enjoy the taste of Mommy's milk. 

Family friend Aracely Escalona came by to see Matthew tonight. He sure knows how to lure in the girls. 

Matthew and Aracely lock eyes. 

Matthew's has a very expressive face and he changes expressions often. It is a skill to capture these smiles. 

This afternoon Matthew was very smiley during his breathing treatment. 

Casey has been coming over everyday to be with Terri and Matthew. He is a great older brother. 

Matthew's brother Casey takes all of the super close-up photo's for the Blog. Look at those eyes. 

Auntie Kim has been coming over every night after work to help Terri. 

Terri just called me after Matthew's GI appointment at Dr. Dezenburg's office. She reports that the redness around Matthew's G-tube is common and not a cause for concern. However, Dr. Dezenburg is concerned about how underweight Matthew is. So starting tonight we will increase his overnight feed rate from 30ml to 36ml per hour. Dr. Dezenburg called these his "crying calories" and states that this should help Matthew gain weight.
 

On Sunday, the "King Trio" trekked down to Uncle Keith & Aunt Gabrielle's house for an afternoon of family and football. 

Here is a perfect smile to start your morning. 

Matthew's hands are never far from his face. 

Six days old.