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Since Parker returned home from his long hospital stay, there has not been much to report. He remains on oxygen and IV medication 24/7 and has been very stable. He did not grow at all for three months--just lost weight. He has finally turned that around and gained about half a pound!

For continued updates on Parker, go to Jen's blog at romney5@blogspot.com

UPDATE--PARKER'S HOMECOMING

Exactly five weeks from the day Parker entered the hospital for testing and an overnight stay, he finally returned home late yesterday. Jason phoned last night and said all was going well. Amy also returned home yesterday, so the family is going to try it on their own now. They are just relieved to all be home together again. Jason said Parker was all smiles as he returned home. I am waiting for an update from Jason or Jen with some new pictures.

For awhile we thought we'd never see this day. It is the love and prayers of family and friends that got us all through this ordeal. A long road lies ahead and no one really knows where it will lead. One thing for certain though,we have all gained a great deal of faith and courage which Jen and Jason will need as they adapt to Parker's continuing health-care needs. I recall a statement I have often heard: "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." I am definitely stronger in many ways than I was five weeks ago and I believe most of the family would say the same.

UPDATE

Amy reports that Parker is looking better every day. They are still trying to work on the feeding issues (an on-going problem). Monday they are changing his IV medication to one that will be easier to manage at home, requiring only once a day maintenance instead of several times a day. He will be on a pump, something like diabetics. If all goes well, they hope to bring him home on Tuesday, the day Amy leaves.

Connor called today to let us know that he and his Dad are going camping tonight (the father and son's outing)--just what Connor needs. Amy and Kelsey are going to have a slumber party in the living room and watch "The Princess Diaries." To watch a performance of Parker with his new drum, go to Jason's web site http://web.mac.com/jasonromney.

UPDATE

Parker continues to do well; however, Jason is thinking now that it will likely be at least the end of the week before he comes home. Because of his problem with aspirating liquids, he has become a bit dehydrated so they had to put him back on an IV while they work out a way to keep his fluid intake high enough. Jason said they are also adjusting his meds and want to make sure everything is stable and at the right level before they send him home. We're glad they are being cautious!!

Amy arrived last night and says that Connor(age 4) has been doing a thorough job of orienting her. She says they are all going to the hospital this afternoon and she will get to meet Parker for the first time. She will have a fun week.

UPDATE

Parker has been out of ICU for several days now. Jason said that he is now off everything that he cannot go home with, so it is now just a matter of waiting until all the home-health services are lined up. They anticipate taking Parker home the first of the week--Amy will arrive Monday evening to help out.

We have fasted many times over the past couple of months, particulary during the last few weeks. Today we are fasting in gratitude for the Lord's tender mercies that we have felt during this difficult time and for the wonderful blessing we have been given of another season with our precious little Parker. Right now I think that Jason and Jen are still feeling a bit overwhelmed with the care Parker will require once he is home, but I know they will adjust with the Lord's help and will come to know that it is an incredible honor to be his parents and to have the privilege of caring for him. I loved Peggy's comments, "Children are our greatest blesings in life. I firmly believe that little ones who have come to this earth with health challenges are the most valiant spirits. They come to earth to teach us lessons about love and joy and happiness."

A CELEBRATION

from Jen:

"Parker was able to celebrate his 1st birthday Wednesday in the ICU and he had a great time! He even got to taste his birthday cake, which he seemed to enjoy very much. He loved all the attention from us and all of the nurses (I think they all have gotten a little bit attached to him). We were able to decorate his room with a birthday banner and birthday cutouts and we also brought in 3 mylar balloons (the only kind allowed in the ICU). One of the nurses also brought him a balloon and his pediatrician sent him a HUGE balloon attached to an adorable stuffed puppy. He received a bunch of fun presents from us and all the grandparents--he is only a little spoiled . . . .

He is improving everyday by leaps and bounds. We are so grateful that he is doing so well. We were actually surprised tonight while we were at home on our dinner break by a phone call from the ICU nurse letting us know that they had just moved Parker out of the ICU--so now he is in an intermediate care room. Hopefully, he will be coming home very soon . . . thank you all again for your many prayers and support. We love you!"

UPDATE

Parker continues to do well and we are thrilled to be celebrating his first birthday today. For more pictures and movies of Parker go to:

http://web.mac.com/jasonromney