Pneumonia

As many of you know, Maya has been under the weather for the last several days. What started as a stomach bug about a week ago has progressed to coughing, fever, and some difficulty breathing. During an appointment with our pediatrician today, Maya’s blood oxygen level was 80, a pretty low number. Maya was quickly referred to the emergency room at Dell Children’s Hospital for a battery of tests. After checking her blood oxygen levels again, starting an IV and drawing blood, administering albuterol to increase air flow, taking a urine sample, and doing a chest x-ray, the ER doctor diagnosed her with pneumonia. They’re still not sure whether it’s bacterial or viral, but it’s definitely pneumonia.

Although it’s been very difficult to see our little eight-month old breathing through oxygen tubes and plugged into machines, it’s a relief to finally have a diagnosis and to begin treatment. The last several days have been a challenge to say the least. Maya hasn’t been her perky, playful, talkative self. Seeing a loved one is pain is always difficult, however, it’s particularly hard to care for a sick baby. Without any way for Maya to sooth herself or tell us what hurts, we’ve felt more frustrated and helpless than at any other time during our brief stint of parenthood.

The silver lining for me during this entire ordeal has been the opportunity to watch Katie reach a new level of motherhood. Throughout the numerous bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, the extent of Katie’s compassion and caring for Maya is awesome. This week Katie has prepared to defend her dissertation, managed a hectic work schedule, and even hosted some of our friends from out of town, all while making Maya’s health her top priority. I’m in constant awe of my wife and am reminded about the fact that I’ve truly married up.

As I listen to the oxygen humming behind Maya’s hospital crib and check her vitals, I recall how we swore at the end of 2008 that we would have a cancer and hospital-free 2009. That clearly was not in the cards. But thanks to the amazing medical staff at Dell, including the Florida Gator pediatrician on duty tonight, as well as Katie’s unending love, Maya will get better soon. Thanks for all the notes, thoughts, and prayers.

We’re going to try and nap now on the little pull-out bed in Maya’s room. Big day tomorrow.