Butterfly Kisses: June 2009

I can not even begin to imagine what it would be like to one moment have a happy, healthy baby boy and the next moment find yourself in the PICU praying incessantly as your little one's body works to recover from some very scary injuries.

This is Ian's Story (as told by his mom):
On April 15, 2009, our precious 7 month old son, Ian, was taken to the hospital from sustaining an injury at our babysitter's home. By the time we got to the ER, he was seizing a lot and "very sick," as the doctors put it. They had the entire ER working on our sweet little boy for over 3 hours just to get him stabilized to move to the Memorial Hospital for Children.

We found out that he had a brain bleed and swelling on the left side of his brain. He was placed under drug induced paralysis and put on heavy narcotics to keep him asleep for 6 days.

After being 'awakened' from his drug-induced sleep. He was not moving his right side much at all. He was taken off the ventilator 2 days later. The neurologist examined Ian and determined that he has some issues with vision in his right eye and only time will tell what will heal the lack of movement in his right arm.

We spent 2 weeks of tiring nights at the hospital. A huge strain on our sweet little 3 year old's life as she couldn't quite understand what had happened to her little brother, and why mommy could not come home and be with her. She kept asking when her "baby brother could come home."

Praise God, he is healing my son, and we are so thankful that we were able to return home almost 2 weeks to the minute of Ian going to the hospital. We are thankful he is here!

We still have a long road as he exhibits problems with some right-side weakness and vision issues in his right eye. He is requiring physical therapy and medication to prevent seizures. We do not know what his long-term affects might be from this. Again, only time will tell.

Being a family that has utilized two incomes, we are now reconsidering how to proceed. I've been home and plan on staying home until our son is, what I would consider, stable which could be a very long time from now. We will be under financial strain, but we have no other choice at this point.

As a friend of Ian's family, my heart broke when I heard what had happened. I ached especially for Ian's mom. Like I said above, I truly can not imagine how terrifying and difficult those 2 weeks were.

Her family's strong faith has been so admirable during this ordeal. As Ian fought in the hospital to recover, there were many of us praying, and I tell you what, little Ian is proof of what prayer can do.

Here is Ian two weeks later........

Yes, he had improved significantly, praise God!!! However as his mom stated above, there is still a long road ahead.

Here's where you come in.......

I have decided to hold a giveaway for Ian here at my blog. I am hoping that by gathering together some fun prizes and asking for all giveaway entrants to make a small donation, that perhaps together we can help Ian's family as they pay continuous medical bills.

But, I can't have a giveaway without prizes.

If you have a product you would like to donate for the giveaway, please email me: butterflykissesblog(at)gmail(dot)com.

Thank you for your consideration, it means so much to me.

Together, let's help Baby Ian.