Nov 4th - Colton update

2 days ago

3 min read

💙 COLTON RYAN — WHAT A DAY!!! 💙

I could seriously cry happy tears right now. Actually, who am I kidding? I already have! 🥹💙

Today was ALL about our big boy Colton, and I am so incredibly proud of him!

After everything this little man has been through over the last nine months, today was another BIG day. Another surgery, another trip to the operating room, another day of holding our breath and praying that everything would go smoothly.

And guess what?! OUR BOY DID AMAZING!!! 🙌💙

Surgery Update — G-Tube Placement

Colton officially has his G-tube!

His surgery went beautifully! The surgeons were able to place his G-tube laparoscopically, and everything went exactly as we had hoped. His stomach looked completely normal, the tube was placed successfully, and there were no reported complications.

For those who aren’t familiar, a G-tube is a feeding tube that goes directly into his stomach. This will allow Colton to receive the nutrition he needs without relying on the feeding tube that has been going through his nose.

And if you know Colton, you know this boy LOVES his food! 😂

Food, naps, and snuggles. Those are his three favorite things in life!

This is such a big milestone for him and another important step toward eventually getting him home.

🫁 Bronchoscopy — THE NEWS WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

One of the biggest reasons for today’s procedures was to take another look at Colton’s airway.

For months, we have been working toward getting him ready for a home ventilator. It has been a slow process, with lots of adjustments, challenges, and waiting.

Well, today we got some REALLY exciting news!

We may be trialing the HOME VENT as early as NEXT WEEK!!! 🙌😭💙

I cannot even begin to explain how much those words mean to us.

Now, before everyone gets too excited, this doesn’t mean Colton is coming home next week. We still have a road ahead of us, and there are plenty of things that need to happen before that day comes.

BUT THIS IS HUGE!

Getting him onto a home ventilator is one of the biggest hurdles we have been working toward. The fact that his team feels we may be ready to start that process is something worth celebrating!

One step at a time. One milestone at a time.

And today, we are celebrating this one BIG TIME

👂 ENT Update — More Good News!

While Colton was under anesthesia, ENT also took a look at his ears.

And guess what?!

NO EAR TUBES NEEDED!

They gave his ears a really good cleaning, and everything looked great!

No additional procedures needed, and we don’t have to follow up again for another six months!

Can you believe it?! More good news!

💙 Our Strong Little Fighter

After surgery, Colton returned to the NICU in stable condition.

His respiratory status has been reassuring, his blood pressure and urine output have been good, and his team has been happy with how he’s doing.

I know surgery is never something any parent wants their baby to go through. And trust me, after nine months of procedures, surgeries, setbacks, and uncertainty, I would be perfectly happy never seeing another operating room again.

But today felt different.

Today felt like progress.

REAL progress.

For so long, we have been living day by day, sometimes hour by hour. We’ve celebrated the tiniest victories because, in the NICU, those tiny victories are everything.

And then there are days like today.

Days when you finally get to hear GOOD NEWS.

Days when you can see the next chapter starting to come into focus.

Days when the tears aren’t because you’re scared, overwhelmed, or exhausted.

They’re HAPPY tears. 🥹

( well maybe both… but this post isn’t about Declan…. Hahahah)

Colton has fought so incredibly hard to get to this point. From a tiny 1-pound baby born at just 27 weeks to the big, strong, stubborn, snuggly little boy he is today.

He continues to amaze us.

And I am just so proud to be his mama.

🙏 Thank You for the Prayers

To everyone who prayed for Colton today, checked in, sent messages, or simply kept him in your thoughts….THANK YOU!

We felt every single prayer.

We are so grateful for his incredible medical team and everyone who continues to fight alongside our boys.

Tonight, my heart is just so full.

We still have challenges ahead. We still have work to do. And we know better than anyone that this journey doesn’t always move in a straight line.

But today?

TODAY WAS A WIN!!! 💙

A BIG one.

God is SO good.