Ethan and the Discharge

Sleep was abundant last night as far as a hospital goes.  Annalyn and Ethan woke up in good spirits which were enhanced as doctors began speaking the best "D" word in a hospital vocabulary, "Discharge." Ethan was a little slow this morning trying to make a decision on breakfast but he eventually settled for french toast.  The room service was a little slow this morning as well.  They were substantially late for breakfast so Ethan started with a bowl of cereal the nurses had in the break room.  In addition to bringing the breakfast for lunch, room service doubled parts of his lunch order because the speech pathologist needed food for his final swallow test.

Ethan had another opportunity to play in the Forever Young playroom which wore him out.  He passed all his final tests and was approved to be discharged.  

Our final instructions were to be PATIENT!  This can be difficult for a family whose children only seem to have one gear, running, but I'm sure we'll make due,  The next few weeks and couple of months are critical to make sure both feet are planted and he doesn't bump that head again.  Two feet on the ground is the saying.  No biking, climbing, contact sports, sledding, scooter, running, polo, cricket, etcetera. We also have to stay close to him around the house especially going up and down stairs as well as meal time.

The next few weeks are going to be an adventure.  We have the opportunity to meet many new people.  Moving forward we'll probably just update you after doctor's appointments or major advances.  We will also be posting other non-related fun we've had in the past decade.  Until this accident we were not the best at posting. So, those that have been reading we again thank you for your love and prayers. If you're interested in the rest of our posts you're welcome to keep on reading.  If not check back now and again and catch up with our boy wonder.

Steve

Ethan and homesickness

Today started with a clear longing for home.  Ethan was a little sad that he was not able to go home.  He's a trooper and continues to show small improvements.  Ethan has shown a large attachment to mom and will not let her go.  If that how he is coping we'll gladly indulge him.  Seth and Ellie are also missing him.

He did continue to move forward.  His second day with the speech pathologist went well.  She upgraded his menu plan and worked through some memory exercises. He received a couple special K9 visitors which really brightened his day not to mention he keeps receiving gifts like it his birthday.  Yesterday it was a book of "outrageous verse", a puzzle, balloons, a stuffed bear, a couple of coloring books with crayons.  Today he got a couple more hot wheels.

He also visited the Young Foundation Playroom walking all the way.  He is enjoying being out of his bed with appropriate naps.

Still looks like we need a few more days before the medical professionals release him, and we'll have to be sensitive to his need to stay safe.  If anyone knows where we can pick up pillow sumo suit with helmet let us know.

Again thanks for your concern.  We too have had many come to our aid.  We're grateful to neighbors who have come to help with a frozen pipe, one who noticed our van dome light was left on which could have likely killed the battery.  Teachers and office staff at Whitesides Elementary who have shown love and concern, sent those special furry visitors and gits, and offered many payers in our behalf. In fact we have felt the love and support and healing affects of countless prayers from all of you.  We are well.

Steve

Ethan and the Swallow test

What a terrific day today.  We advanced through many phases today on our way back to recovery.  It was the swallow test to see if Ethan was ready to take on solid foods.  He did just what the doc said and really like the Cheeto's that were given last in the test.  After he passed in the room he was given the opportunity for a repeat with an X-ray making sure nothing was going down the wrong pipe.  Give that boy a diploma for best swallower! At least a meal of Mac & Cheese with chocolate milk to wash it down.

Other Milestones today include improved speech, loss of the neck collar, recognition of colors, things, and people, wheeling (in a wheel chair) around the hospital, he was even able to tell jokes and laugh tonight.  There is still a delay in his thought process especially when sleepy, but overall it has been a very promising day today.

Steve

Ethan and the Minivan

As a family we are all very grateful to the love and support of family, neighbors, and friends.  We are blessed by trials so we can grow; fortunately our's is much smaller than it could have been and it is supported by all you.

The Story:

Monday afternoon Ethan, from what we can tell, missed his bus home from school.  As a proactive young man when he sees a problem instead of complain he looks for a solution.  Despite our instruction to call if he needed a ride, he simply decided walking home could solve the predicament in which he found himself.  As he approached the reason for a bus, Fairfield Road, he may have misjudged or not seen a minivan coming in his direction.  He was hit on the left side.

At the time of the accident Annalyn had already mobilized neighbors and the School to look out for Ethan.  It was his teacher that notified Annalyn of the incident.  As Annalyn arrived "on the scene" the ambulance had left the scene transporting Ethan to Primary Children's Medical Center.  Annalyn had the Sargent on the scene contact my work.  I rushed home and together we made our way here (The Hospital).

The first major blessing was Ethan did not suffer anything life threatening and through multiple tests it was determined he had a skull fracture and broken clavicle.  It's a good thing I've always taught my children early on where their clavicle is located.

Our initial optimistic (and the Ogden Standard Examiner's) assessment was met with reality and through an MRI we saw not a simple goose-egg  but a flock of geese.  It is apparent that his brain suffered some sheering (Over-stretching of the nerves) and will take some time, weeks even months before he returns to normal whatever normal is.

The last two days we have watched as he has slept and moaned, today (2/2/11) however he has become more aware and is communicating 100 times better.  We are excited by the ongoing improvement and comforted by the next great blessing that however long it may take his prospect for a full recovery is excellent.

The moral of the story: Kids listen to your parents and cross the road safely with an adult next to you.

We will continue to update this blog daily until we leave the hospital probably sometime next week.  Thank you again for all your support.  We feel very loved indeed.

Steve