Alex's hospital stay - Day 4

Alex has spent today shedding some of the things that have kept him tied down to his bed.  He was finally able to get rid of his oxygen, heart monitors and IV medications.  Things are looking hopeful that he will be able to come home tomorrow.  The last thing he has to get rid of are the fluids that he is still receiving via IV.  He hasn't had much of an appetite while in the hospital and those fluids have been his only source of nutrition.

I took the kids up to see him again today.  They each had fun taking turns feeding him some apple sauce so that he could take his pain pill.  We actually saw a smile because the kids were cracking him up trying to feed him.  Smiles from Alex have been rare in the hospital.  A smile generally leads to a laugh and laughs lead to a sore belly.

Jaime, Adam and Ethan also had a chance to make cards, pictures and other items to hang in Alex's room.  I think it makes his room feel a little more personal and special.  Maybe we should've done it a little sooner than the day before he goes home.

Alex gave me permission to share the following picture.  This was the first glimpse I had of the incision because they were changing the bandage that has kept it hidden.  The incision is about 4 1/2 inches long, begins just above his belly button and has 17 staples in it.  The hole in his intestine that made this surgery necessary was about the same diameter as a pencil eraser.

Hurts now, but a cool scar and football injury story later.  We love you Alex.