10/24 Update

I apologize for the late post. I started working again as well as made a trip home to pack a suitcase and as a result, I have not found time to post until now.

Overall it was a good day. We got a little nervous as Jack went up again (and still remains there) on his oxygen requirement. We were continually reminded however that his increased requirement is due to removing more and more support and his ability to now wiggle a bit. If push came to shove, they could sedate him and his need for oxygen would go back down. It is fun to see Jack moving around again. I missed it, but Kristin and the night nurse saw him get one knee under himself and then lift his bottom up in the air. This kid doesn't quit. Awesome...for now!

The other big news for the day is the urinary catheter and the chest tube were removed. The chest tube is the big one as it means they have confirmed his lung is no longer leaking air. Tonight, the plan is to give him a blood transfusion and remove one of his PICC lines. He is making measurable progress daily, but it could still be a couple weeks before he is back to where he was.

Eli also had a good day. He is doing better at breast feeding and practice time is over. Starting tomorrow he will no longer receive all of his calories from his feeding tube. This is a big step in getting home. He now weighs in at 5 lb 15 ounces so tomorrow could be a big day for him with weight too as he has a chance to get to 6 lbs. For those keeping track at home, he is now 17 3/4 inches.

The picture below was taken by the night nurse care team last night. They were sure to emphasize right away that Eli only got to visit, but not touch Jack. A great picture for sure.