Today was a successful day! An x-ray this morning showed that there is no longer an air pocket in his lungs. Finally, a nurse decided that there is no need for him to be on oxygen and took it off. He was so happy about that! His cheeks, of course, are blistered red but at least now he does not have to try to rip it out all the time. He also decided that he did not need the peripheral IV that was in his foot. Somehow he pulled that out. But thankfully they do not think that they will need to put another one in.

They also decided that if all goes well, he will have his pigtail tube taken out tomorrow morning. Then only 1 more left! The right pleural one that is left is still draining quite a bit. So I'm not sure how much longer he will need that one.

PT finally came in today too. They were so pleased and surprised at how well he is doing. They did not think that he would sit up by himself as much as he does. He also is grabbing for toys in midline which typically does not happen so soon after surgery. He does have a lot of tightness in his neck, shoulders, and hips, which is expected. They plan to see him every day until discharge! I was happy with the way that they interacted with him and the gentleness that they used.

OT (occupational therapy) came by, as well. The swallow study is scheduled for the 17th at 2pm. I offered him a bottle with only 5ml of Enfaport through a normal flow nipple. Enfaport is much more bitter tasting than Neosure, so I was apprehensive at first (and yes, I tried it). He took a few sips but was not enjoying it. He played with the nipple like it was a toy. But for being the first bottle in a long time, I think he did very well. OT wants me to offer a 5ml bottle at every feeding that he is awake and alert for. This will help him to get ready for the swallow study. My only concern is that he is already accustomed to Neosure and I want to put him back on that. I just don't want to create a negative connotation towards feeding because of the taste of Enfaport. I guess we will just see what happens...

Overall, he looks great, is laughing, playing, and starting to talk again. I can tell that he is feeling much better. Once the pain from the tubes is gone, he will be very close to discharge!