Happy New Year

We have decided that we want to ring in 2011 in Mexico instead of Mercy! I was going kiss Nurse Tabby at 12:00, but I didn't want to steal the thunder from her cutie pie hubbie!

Tabby

So, much to everyone's dismay (i say that to raise my self esteem!), I left Des Moines today to come home to my kids. I know Dad was glad to finally have Mom all to himself because when I went in to say good-bye, she was rubbing his back. He had the same glossy eyed stare that he always gets when she scratches.

The good news is that there is not a lot of new news. Medically speaking, Dad is pretty much where he needs to be...in fact, some of his numbers are better than when he went into the hospital. He continues to have little trouble breathing on his own and has been off the vent for a couple of days and nights now. He is spending more and more time sitting up in the chair and working with the physical therapists.

Although the x-ray swallow test will not be until Monday, Dad's nutritionist (aka: Tiff) is keeping him fed on all his favorites. Apparently the pumpkin pie I got from the cafeteria was not adequate enough for her. Instead, she brought homemade rice pudding made just the way he likes it...with Truvia and without cinnamon. I have a feeling that she will be cooking up a storm so if you have any special requests, you may want to put the bug in Dad's ear because she doesn't just cook for anyone!

If Tiff is the nutritionist, that naturally makes Elisa the entertainment director. She has added number 16 to the Top 15 Ways You Know You Have Been at the Hospital Too Long. When Loni (the super nurse who likes to give Dad grief) was looking at a pic of Elisa's new babe, she said, "So, this is Isabelle Grace?" Elisa replied, "Yep!" Um, no, the babe's name is Avery!

Loni (she will claim she is Dad's favorite!) She is a trouble-maker which is why we get along so great!

It seems that the plan is for Dad and Mom to transfer to Chicago for rehab in the next 7 to 10 days. After the long holiday weekend, we will know more about the time line and specific details. Actually, the timing for the planning will work out okay because Dad should have a different tube in his trach which will allow him to talk. After all, he is the expert in this field.

We'll talk soon.

xxxooo etc.
Suz

P.S. While posting the pics just now, Lonnie said, "What's with all the hot nurses there?" I think he is starting to feel a little queasy and wanting a trip to the ER.