February 21.

As previously mentioned, Dax is very tense. He has to be on medicine to help relax his muscles. In the pictures above you can see that his hands are relaxed and his fists aren’t clenched. And of course, Tyson had to have some fun with all of his hair and give the little guy a mohawk.

G-tube surgery, February 19.

The only thing holding us back from going home was the G-tube surgery. Dax was still thriving on his own and handling his feedings well. The surgery was done laparoscopically and the actual procedure only took approximately 25 minutes. He handled the surgery like the champ he is and recovered quickly. We completed training and had lots of practice with the feeding tube. We could see our day going home getting closer and closer.

We were sent home with a feeding schedule to follow and we were instructed to fortify the formula to provide extra calories for Dax. With his increased muscle tone, it’s like he’s always running a marathon.

Baptized with Dad.

We quickly learned that Dax would need G-tube surgery. He doesn’t have a strong suck reflex and it’s difficult for him to swallow. It’s more of a risk for him to eat orally; aspirating and choking is something we want to avoid. We decided to schedule the surgery and we really wanted to have him baptized as a peace of mind before he left the NICU and especially before his surgery. We have a pastor in our family so it made it even more special.

Tyson grew up in the church, and sat through many sermons with Richard (Tyson’s Dad’s first cousin), but he still had yet to be baptized. So it was the perfect opportunity for Tyson and Dax to share that experience together and to always have that bond.

How ironic that Tyson and Dax were baptized on his due date, February 18.

  • Tyson and Richard.
  • Tyson and his Dad, Terry.

Luke 18:15-17

Let the Children Come to Me

15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”