It wouldn't surprise me if no one ever logged onto this site again. After this extended "hiatus," which has consisted of a stay for Ryan at the hospital, a debilitating virus that rendered me useless for five days, and a litany of computer problems the rehashing of which angers me to no end... I now begin again with the daily updates. Hopefully, I'll be able to allocate my time and keep this site fresh.

Where to begin? Last Saturday evening, Ryan was out of control. Not just crying... howling. I changed his diaper around 9 PM and noticed that his scrotum was large enough to sell advertising space. My first thought was that he had aggrevated his hernia. We took him to DeLand Hospital, and they also thought it looked herniated. Off we go to Florida South. The pediatrician instructs the ER team to administer a minute dose of morphine so that Ryan will relax and he could push the hernia back. Long story short, no hernia... good news. Ryan stopped breathing twice... decidedly not good news. He was literally dying in my arms before the ER team revived him. This results in a three day observation, and about four hours of sleep for me. The nightmare was relived every time I closed my eyes. So I decided not to close my eyes. Hence, the body wearing down... and finally giving in to whatever microscopic depth charge made its way into my system.

As I compose this entry, Laura is sleeping next to Ryan's crib. He's getting fussy, and the 3 AM feeding is around the corner. I pray that my makeshift quarintine was successful, and that Ryan will not be inflicted with whatever ailment accosted me. His immune system is compromised as is, and this past week or so has been taxing on the whole Long clan.

There is so much occuring, so quickly, that it's difficult to keep track of events even as they transpire. Pictures haven't been taken, because we've been too busy living it.
Ryan is over 7 lbs, and is starting to assert himself. His personality is forming, and it is so awe-inspiring to be around for all of these "God shots." For those wondering what the phrase "God shot" means; it's just a way of saying that we're getting a glimpse of God through these moments with our son. The feedings, the baths, the one-sided conversations during a diaper change, all of these snippets are irreplacable. One day I hope to tell him all about it.

One day...

Posted by: Paul @ 2:23 AM