Basking in Freedom

It is still AWESOME to have that trach tube out! Eyes still open in the morning with a big smile...for all of us...when we realize it is really for real. Harrison is learning quickly how to cough (crash course with double pneumonia...more on that in a sec) and even that makes him smile!

And yes, I did say double pneumonia...inevitable of course, and probably worse just by the fact that the trach is gone, we cannot suction it to help him clear all those secretions, and he is just learning how to cough it all up out of his mouth (yum). A few nights in the hospital and a few more sleepy days at home and he is back to 100%. Happy within a day of those IV antibiotics...as long as he's got his godmother to cuddle...

And happier still, a week later, with his... god-sister? My god-daughter, his god-mother's daughter...yes, god-sister!

He had a wonderful time with their whole family over Memorial Day, at a peaceful lake in CT, where he was the most popular kid at the party. All of these people whom I barely knew were fighting over who gets to watch him, and that just made my heart feel so big and warm! I am very lucky to have some good people in my life, who are nice enough to share their friends, more good people.

Unfortunately John was not able to join us. We missed him, but it gave me the oppotunity to do something I have looked forward to since Harrison came home...just plop him into the car and drive.  Just me and him. No chaperones needed in the back seat with him. I think John is excited for me to be busy so he gets his turn!  Once we joined everyone, I could leave Harrison with anyone there who was willing so that I could ride in the paddle-boat, run up to the house to make his lunch, whatever...easy. Wonderful! Relaxing. I'm still relaxed...

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

We are 3 weeks with no trach, no suction machine, stress-free baths, rash-free neck, and FREEDOM! Harrison is doing amazing and he is so happy, and he still wakes up with a smile when he realizes it is not a dream. And that goes for mom and dad too! 

Life is still stressful, of course, and frustrating, but it doesn't seem to matter...rather, it is easier to get over those stressful and frustrating things, because my mind eventually comes back to our new life. Every time I look at Harrison's neck I linger. It is just so cool!

We saw the doctor and he said the hole is 90-95% closed, and since then it seems to have closed even more. It should close completely on its own, but if we have to in 6 months we will have it stitched up, very minor. For now, it looks like he has an extra belly button... on his throat- how cool is that?!