Moving Along

Everything is moving along for Greg. His chest tube was able to come out today and the six pumps of IV medications he had on the first day have been reduced to one and only used on occasion. As of this morning he is still in ICU, but just before I left to come home quick the doctor shared that he could probably move out to the floor today. That is always a good and welcomed sign. Last night Greg started to really feel good for a while and so we had my dad bring up a DVD player and some movies. We tried to have a little date night in the hospital room, but neither of made it very far into a movie before we fell asleep. Today Greg is feeling really tired which is to be expected.

I am eager to have all my boys back home again. The trips back and forth are taxing and stressful because I want to be with all of them right now and that's just not possible. Jackson and Everett are doing great! Jackson has made a full recovery thanks to antibiotics and is having a really great time with Aunt Kim. Last night the boys were able to get together with their cousins for a pizza party and it was so good to call and hear all the kids in the background running, laughing and having fun.

Thanks to Bill, Stefan and Mike for the new addition to our home office. When I found out Greg needed surgery I wanted to convert our downstairs office to a place where he could rest and recover, but not be too far from the rest of the family. Last night these guys picked up a sofa sleeper from IKEA and got it all set up for Greg. It looks great and will be a perfect place for Greg to rest while still being involved in the daily action around here.

Hopefully we'll be moving out of the ICU today and then will have a better idea of when we will get to come home. Although he's not up for talking much, Greg has appreciated the e-mails, phone calls and text messages. Thanks from both of us!

24 Hours Post Surgery

As expected the past 24 hours have not been easy for Greg, but the nurses are doing a great job of managing pain and getting him moving. Greg has been very cooperative with doing what is asked of him and he really looks amazing although he's tired and has bouts of pain. Currently Greg remains in the ICU and may be here for at least another day, but time will tell. Our anticipated hospital stay is 5-7 days and so far recovery is progressing as well as could be expected.

We did learn this afternoon that Jackson has strep. I am so thankful that my sister is at our home with him and was able to take him straight to the doctor this morning. He is currently starting antibiotics and I gave the green light for him to lay around and watch as many movies/shows as he wants. According to my sister he has been very tired and not up for much, but a few episodes of Jake and the Neverland Pirates might help him recover.

That's the status on 2 of my 3 boys and so far Everett is doing well.

In regards to Everett, before leaving the house yesterday Greg went into Everett's room to check on him and as he touched him Everett said, "Pa-Pa" which is what we think he is calling Greg. I went in a few minutes later to also check on Everett and he was sound asleep. Greg felt like God was using Everett to let him know that everything was going to be just fine. This was such a remarkable God moment not only because it gave Greg peace, but also because Everett is still non-verbal and has non specific babbling, but clearly was able to communicate with his daddy in a special way.