7-2-09 - Hemodialysis Line Inserted

Since Aidan can no longer undergo PD he had his hemodialysis lines inserted into him. It was a very quick procedure and before Mommy and Daddy could even sit down in the waiting room the doctor came in and told us he was done. Aidan had a trial hemodialysis run today that went fine, just to make sure the lines were working and that there where no complications.

6-29-09 - Things are going downhill

This morning things have gotten worse and we had the entire PICU team of doctors in Aidan’s room trying to fix him and determine what the issue was. In the end they felt it was necessary to put him on vent support.

6-28-09 - Change of Plans

Change of plans! Aidan developed an infection he caught from being in the hospital. Mommy and Daddy spent the night because we were very concerned. It was a very restless night. Mommy spent the night in Aidan’s room while Daddy spent the night in the waiting room.

6-27-09 - Hope of Coming Home Soon...

Today we think Aidan is almost ready to come home. We are hoping to be discharged on Monday. Grandpa and Grandma Marino came to the hospital for a visit today.

6-21-09 - Happy Father's Day

Today is Fathers Day!! Unfortunately Daddy had to spend it in the hospital with Aidan.

6-18-09 - Back in the Hospital

Unfortunately we had to take Aidan back into the hospital. Aidan developed what is called a pleural effusion. It is a small sac of fluid that surrounds the lung causing him to have issues with breathing. We believe he got it from the PD fluid. As it turns out we were correct. There is a small hole in his diaphragm that allows some of the PD fluid to leak into his lung cavity. Regrettably this will now cause Aidan to have to stop PD and now undergo hemodialysis. Also Aidan scratched his forehead really bad as you will see by the pictures going forward.

6-13-09 - Out of the Hospital

Aidan is finally out of the hospital and coming home today. After a few days in the PICU, then down to moderate care, and then to the main floor it is time to leave. Aidan had to spend about 4 extra days here in the hospital because he developed some complications regarding his PD. Once those were solved we were able to leave and finally bring our baby boy home. Mommy had a really frustrating time during this hospital stay and just wanted to bring her son home.

6-2-09 - Off to the ER

Today we had to take Aidan back into the hospital. We think he might have pneumonia again. This is such a frustrating experience. Back and forth to the hospital. In and out of the hospital. It seems like we live most of our life here at the hospital. He was doing so well. We hope this doesn’t ruin his chance to be put on the kidney transplant list next month.

6-1-09 - Last Day of Early On Appointments

Today was Aidan’s last Early On appointment. They only come during the school year and will return in September. They have been very nice and good to Aidan through out the year.

5-29-09 - I don't want a pacifier!!!

Tonight while Daddy was getting Aidan ready for bed he did something kind of funny. We think Aidan is teething since he is putting everything into his mouth these days. Daddy decided to try and give him a pacifier to put in his mouth. He has never been very fond of the pacifier. Daddy gave him the pacifier, he looked at it, examined it with his fingers, and then he smiled at Daddy and threw it across the room. He did this three times. Every time he did it he smiled and laughed.

5-28-09 - Aidan Laughs

Tonight was a very special night. Mommy and Daddy got to hear Aidan laugh for the very first time.

Aidan's Laugh

5-27-09 - Daddy Sees Aidan Rollover

Today we learned how to use a catheter on Aidan. We will need to do this everyday until his surgery. We will have to start cathing him at home. Today also marked the first time Daddy got to see Aidan rollover.

Rolling Over

5-25-09 - Happy Memorial Day!!!

Today is Memorial Day!! In honor of today’s holiday Aidan is wearing his camouflage outfit. We all went over to Grandpa and Grandma Marino’s for a BBQ.



Linda, Me and Grandma Marino

5-21-09 - Eye Doctor and Horse Hoof

Aidan had his annual eye exam today and the doctor said that everything appears OK as far as his eyesight goes. We also went to see the foot doctor and she put a little stopper on the end of Aidan’s prosthetic. It kind of looks like a horse hoof.

Aidan's Foot - Horse Hoof

5-20-09 - Urology Appointment

Today Aidan had an appointment with Dr. Wan to discuss the results of the VCUG. Essentially Aidan continues to retain urine in his bladder and we will need to insert a catheter into him on a daily basis to drain the excess urine. Also Dr. Wan will need to perform surgery and rebuild his urinary system.

5-11-09 to 5-13-09 - Peritoneal Dialysis Training

Mommy, Daddy, Nurse Stacie, and Grandma Marino spent the last 3 days learning all about peritoneal dialysis (PD). Aidan started PD on May 13. PD is the process by which Aidan filters all of the impurities and waste products from his system. A small amount of glucose solution is inserted into his belly via a catheter. The fluid then dwells in his belly cavity for about an hour allowing the waste products to accumulate. It is then drained and the process is repeated 8 times over a 12 hour period over night.

5-10-09 - Happy Mother's Day

Today is Mothers Day!!! Here are some pictures and video of Aidan snuggling with his Mommy. Daddy also made a very nice shadow box with all of Aidan’s NICU/PICU beads.

Mommy and Me

Card from Aidan

Shadowbox from Daddy and Aidan

5-8-09 - VCUG & Speaking Valve

Today we took Aidan to get a VCUG exam. It is a urinary exam where the doctor shoots dye into him and takes x-rays to see where the dye travels all through his urinary system.

We also took Aidan for a speech evaluation right after the VCUG exam. The therapist was able to give him a speaking valve, which allows him to make sounds more easily. This will help us to learn to communicate with Aidan more easily.

5-2-09 - First Haircut

Mommy and daddy took Aidan to get his 1st haircut today at Snip-Its. He was a very good boy and handled getting his mullet cut very well. He didn’t cry at all. Unlike his dad when he got his cut off back in the day.

First Haircut

Bye... Bye... Mullett...

I look like a little boy again.

Video #1

Video #2

4-30-09 - Leg Appointment

We took Aidan to his 1st foot fitting appointment today with Alicia. It went well and we were able to put his foot on to see if it fit. Later that day he fell asleep in mommy’s arms.

Aidan's first foot fitting.

The best resting spot in the house.