AJ was able to have his left pleural chest tube removed this morning. The X-ray showed that he still has an air pocket in his lungs. Even though he does not need oxygen, the nurse practitioner felt that it will help push the air out. So who knows how long he will continue to be on oxygen. He has 2 tubes left and he is ready for them to be gone! It really is so difficult to hold him and enjoy it without worrying if you're going to step on a tube.  

He finally sat in his Bumbo chair and played with his toys. He definitely enjoys sitting up rather than laying down, as usual. I also requested for him to start receiving PT (physical therapy). The same nurse practitioner seemed to be apprehensive of it because she did not think that he was receiving PT at home. Apparently, she must not have looked at his chart. Thankfully, she has worked for the last 4 days and will not be around for the next few. Regardless of where you go, there are always people that give off bad/negative vibes. She is one of them. But that is okay. I continue to be positive and will not let the small stuff get to me.

On the bright side, AJ's digestive system is working very well. They finally stopped giving him Miralax because he has been leaving multiple stinky presents for the nurses on a daily basis. Apparently, they thought that we gave it to him regularly, not just as a PRN. Now they know. :)

The opening where the tube was removed started to drain out today because the suture was no longer on it. The nurse covered it with gauze and hopefully it will not drain as much. These tubes have caused a great deal of chaos for the little guy. Yet, it barely phases him. He acts like himself minus the fun baby talk. He still does not have his voice back so he moans and groans. And he is always itching at his chest-trying to rip everything off-typical AJ behavior. :)

I just can't wait for discharge day. It will be a relief to be at home, close to our friends. I miss our normal routine and I'm sure he misses it too. Soon enough though. Soon enough.