Anes plows through Day 3 and 4

Anes continues to do so well. The VEEG is off and he is out of the PICU. He is now on the pediatric floor and doing better each day. Day 3 was probably the "worst" for him in terms of general recovery. He was more awake and aware and started to run a temperature (which is generally normal for the hemi kiddos post-op) and you could just tell that he was feeling crummy. After some Tylenol and pain med, he was feeling a lot better and was able to sleep. Of course, because of the fever, the medical team collected blood to culture just to be sure. So far, they are clear. Oh, and no sign of the "s" word. YAY!!!

Yesterday, he was really looking great! His right eye is now fully open and he is trying to smile in response to the silliness that we all give him. He is making all these little vocalizations when he is upset and cries, which he does now. Aldina said he did not do these things before. And while it is tough to see and hear him cry, it is so good to see him have this completely 'typical' response. We take that as a good sign of the things to come !

Oh how I wish that I could share a picture so that you can see how amazing he looks. You just have to trust that he is looking great. I am so proud of him...such a tough little guy! He is drinking some from the bottle again (after not wanting to on day 3 probably because it hurt to "suck") and eating baby food from a spoon. He is taking all his meds orally, though he really doesn't want to swallow that yucky tasting Topomax. He lets you know how much he dislikes that!

Last night we brought dinner over to the hospital. Since the cafeteria food is not-so-good, they has been going to the Hardee's across the street and had had just about all the burgers they could stand. So, we decided to bring Italian (spaghetti, chicken parmesean, chicken canolloni, etc) over and all have dinner together in the room. I think it was a nice change of pace and we all enjoyed the chance to eat together and talk.

It has been awesome to see so many people step up to support them over these last few weeks. Every interpreter that has come to assist has fallen for Anes and Adis and Aldina. Now they just come over to check up and hang out with them all of their own accord. It is so great to see that. The human spirit...moved by a child. Thank you Ruzica, Milan, Marko, Tina, Josh...you all have been such great support and comfort! And now, I suspect, life-long friendships have been made!

That's it for now. I'll update later after I check in on them all. Have a great day!

Much love,
Aunt Holly (that is what I call myself now...Anes' US aunt..haha)

P.S.: My own Sweet Pea turned 4 years old on Friday! Hard to believe...where did 4 years go?