Carter with his breathing tube...
A free man!Well, they reduced Carter’s sedative drug at 5:15am this morning. And by 6:00am he was wide awake and ready for the day. Throughout the morning he was irritated by his breathing tube and the nurses kept commenting that he really is too awake now to have it in. The plan was once he was more alert after the sedative was reduced, he would be breathing more on his own and they could take out the tube. After the doctor’s finished their rounds in the morning, the tube came out! Carter did a great job. I’m sure it was very uncomfortable, but I think he was so relieved to have it out. Later in the day, he got his catheter and blood pressure IV out as well. He is slowly shedding the tubes and attachments. The doctors continue to say Carter is doing remarkably well, and remind us we shouldn’t expect such a smooth road the entire time… “This is a liver transplant after all” said one of the surgeons. But Matt and I keep having faith that the liver was perfect for Carter, he is a fighter and everything will be okay. Carter continues to amaze us with his strength, resilience and demeanor. He was cracking jokes and singing to Matt and me throughout the day. We know he is feeling more like himself because when I wanted to sing with him he said, “No Mama!” with a smile of course!
Matt and I wanted to give a very big thank you to my aunt and uncle for letting us use their apartment up here. It is beautiful, comfortable and so nice it is about one mile away from the hospital. It has been a great place to run and take a shower and get refreshed. We are SO lucky! THANK YOU!!
Also, we wanted to thank Matt’s mom, Grandma, for being with Bennett. We have no doubt he is feeling like the most special boy in the world right now, and we find so much comfort in that. Thank you, thank you for being here!!!
And we continue to be touched by all the hundreds of emails, blog postings and notes we are receiving. Thank you everyone! Each one of you has made this journey a little easier for us!!! Keep cheering on Carter, we aren’t done yet!!...but we DO see the light!
Yeah!! He looks so cute and what a trooper!!! I am so impressed with his resilience and happy attitude throughout all of this. We do have a lot to learn from him! You all really have won another battle and we are thinking of you always and of course, sending our prayers often. You guys are amazing and have been so impressive throughout all of this. It brings tears to my eyes knowing Carter has his new healthy liver and is on his way! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThe Helms
Brings tears to my eyes!! tears of joy! Love and hugs, Julie Weaver
ReplyDeleteOMG I cannot believe he is awake and the tubes are coming out...thank you Jesus! He is truly a miracle and I am so happy for you guys...you so deserve it after what you have been through. Just know we are continuing to pray and are ready to help with anything you may need. Kara and Matt we are so thrilled for your little man. His eyes look like he knows more than any of us. Big hugs and a good nights sleep for all the Kipps. God is good! xoxo Cindy and John
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you see the light!!!! Tears and chills again as I read your blog. You are a strong family and Carter is lucky to have you fighting for him. Your family is in our prayers! YOU ROCK CARTER!!!
ReplyDeleteTHE WALKER FAMILY
wow he looks so good...so amazing...keep up the great work carter!
ReplyDeleteOf the many postings I have read, this is truly the most amazing...the miracle shines in Carter's eyes. Your entire family has endured so much, yet you have given the world of people you have touched such incredible inspiration. You are a gifted and expressive writer, and we truly appreciate the effort you put forth to bring us all together each day. Love, Chris Carver Barlow
ReplyDeleteWOW - Carter looks fantastic! Its so great to hear that he is easing back into his normal self. We hope that the recovery continues to go smoothly. You guys continue to amaze us with your strength and grace...glad you can see the light at the end of the tunnel...you're almost there!
ReplyDeleteXOXO,
Shan
Praise God, Praise God, PRAISE GOD! How awesome the breathing tube is out and Carter is rebounding! God's mighty hand is still upon him and your family. As for prayers, there was fine print that most folks don't read....once you are on the prayer list you never come off. CWL is still keeping your family as well as the donor family before God's throne of grace. We are sending love and blessings across the miles. We each are daily praying and praising. Somehow I am the one that gives the bi-weekly updates...so please keep posting on how Carter and the rest of you are doing...we love the updates no matter how small they may seem as we love praying and praising! Many gentle hugs for Carter....many regular hugs for each of you....abundant blessings be upon your family in Jesus' mighty name from your family in Christ. CWL (Church Without Limits)
ReplyDeletethat is so awesome. So many people are rooting for Carter and thinking about him. You are such great parents and he is an amazing little boy. We continue to pray for him and encourage everyone we know to do the same.
ReplyDeleteLove,
The Crary's
wooo hoooo carter!!!
ReplyDeletehe looks so great today in his pictures! and you're right kara... this liver was meant to be for him! you all deserve nothing but a smooth road from here on out, so i have faith that carter will continue to do so well!
what an amazing family you are!!! you should be so proud of all of you!
big hugs, many prayers, and positive thoughts flowing your way.
bethie olson
Thanks for the update I have been waiting biting all my fingernails off wondering about you guys. lots of love to that brave and lovely family of yours!!!!
ReplyDeleteKeri (schneider, now Siry)
go, carter, go!! =)
ReplyDeleteMatt, Kara and family - We are so relieved to hear of the transplant. A gift of so much worth. We have been praying and thinking constantly for this time and hope that his recuperation is speedy and filled with lots of smiles :)
ReplyDeleteHelen (Johnson) Ungerman
Kara, Matt, Carter & Bennett-
ReplyDeleteYou guys are AMAZING! Carter looks incredible, I can't believe it. Yay, yay, yay!!!! I've updated others in my world that are praying for you guys that we need to keep it up to continue the recovery in just as awesome a way as it has gone so far. Tears and a smile are on my face right now thinking of all you've been through, and it's just so incredible that you're now on "this side" and just know that there is no stopping you.
All the best-
Jenny Mavros
oh and that light is sooo bright for you guys!!!! The end is near!!! Go Carter!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch an exciting post! I am glad things are going so well. Continue the positive attitudes. .. I really believe that makes a huge difference!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news and great pics. Hoping for a smooth road in the next few weeks as you prep for #3. Thinking of you daily..hourly...every minute.
ReplyDeleteITB, Sarah Leer Frey
Awesome, awesome, awesome news!
ReplyDelete