Who knew POOP was so exciting!!!

Cash had a big day yesterday, he got is ventilator out, we both got to hold him for the first time since he ws born, and he made poopy for the first time! The poop is very important in his case because of all the work they've done on his abdomen. Right now the only nourishment he gets is from an IV. He had been peeing well enough, but most of the waste from his food is coming back out of a tube in his stomache because he hasn't been able to process it properly. Now that the #2 is flowing the doctors will closely monitor is intake/output and decide when his tummy tube can come out. Then its onto breastmilk. Once he eats like a normal kid and maintains his temperature he can come home with us! We still don't dare guess when that will be, but the doctors still say he is right where they would like him to be at this point. Please

keep praying for forward progress, healing for kari's tummy and wisdom for the doctors and nurses. thank you all so much. -mitch

Casher-Doing sooooooo well!

This morning Casher is really awake, alert, and wiggly. The doctors continue to systematically take him off of the ventilator. He is breathing very well, but not quite completely ready to breathe on his own. He will hopefully be off the ventilator today! He is still on a lot of pain meds since he had major surgery and there is still a lot of swelling in the abdomen from the the contents being moved, snipped and rearranged. Overall he is doing great and making tremendous progress!!! Thank you GOD. -Mitch

Casher Opens his Eyes!!

Today Casher is doing so well that the Doctors took him off the paralytic drug and he is slowly starting to move around again!!! He had his catheter taken out (much more comfy) and as the video shows-he is starting to open his beautiful little eyes! -Mitch

New Mommy, Casher and Nan

I always knew Kari would be a natural. This evening Kari, Nan, and I visited Casher during care time. Mom was there with me while I took Cash's temp, changed his diaper, and a few other things Kari and I get to do to feel like we are taking care of him. The doctors and nurses continue to be amazing, they are very reassuring, great communicators, and are extrememly personable and professional.

Casher's condition: He is progressing along just as the Doc's expect for a baby in his situation. We constantly thank God that Cash made it to full term, that makes everything he is
going through much much easier.
His pressure goes up then down, he gets dehydrated then he's got too much fluid, his temp is high then low. All the while his care team knows exactly what to do and aren't suprised by anything.
As you can see he is still incubated, the oxygen tube is necessary as the doctors choose to keep him paralyzed so his wound can heal. In the next day or two they will take him off that drug and he will wake up, be breathing on his own, moving kicking and crying. Once that happens his body will learn to operated with all the modifications. Once his digestive system starts working correctly he gets to start
eating breast milk, getting strong and healthy
and be able to come home with us. The doctors tell us it could be up to 4 weeks before he starts eating/digesting...but we have a feeling its gonna be much sooner than that.
You know what we know now...
here is our plea: we need all of you to pray for quick and complete healing for baby Cash. We trust God to take care of him and know He will, we just want everyone to be in allignment on what we are praying for.
Kari and I are doing well, enjoying this warm up period that most first time parents never get to enjoy. More soon... Mitch

a note from mommy and daddy...

Its late friday night, our sweet baby Casher is one day old. We just got back to our room after spending our "care time" with baby Cash. I can't imagine a sweeter more perfect little angel. I want to thank all of you who are following his life so closely. Your love, prayer and positive energy really keep us going, and we can't get enough.
Kari and I have had a lot of time to prepare for our current reality and I must admit it hasn't been nearly as hard as i thought it would be. Though he is hooked up to every monitor imaginable, his condition is constantly changing, and there isn't much Kari or I can do, we feel a tremendous sense of peace due to our wonderful Doctors and Nurses along with your prayer and support. I can't wait for all of you to meet Casher, he has already brought so much joy to our lives. We love all.
Mitch and a very sleepy Kari

Casher Surgery Update

Casher had his surgery yesterday afternoon.  It took just over three hours.  The doctor took her time and was able to get everything back into Casher's abdomen. 

They are keeping him sedated for a few days so that his surgery site can heal.  He is on a ventilator and a feeding tube just until he is able to start moving things through his system without help.  He is back in the NICU and looking pink and beautiful.

Kari was able to make it down yesterday evening to tell him hello and is now frequently by his side.  Mitch and Kari and very thankful for all you prayers.  And feel so blessed that God has continued to watch over them and Casher.

We will keep posting pictures and updates as we have them.  Thanks again for your prayers, thoughts and phone calls.

New Baby Photos