Landon's continuing improvement, Day 2

I feel like I am starting these posts the same way every time, but Landon has had a great day! He had many things removed today and is maintaining very well! The first thing to come out was his arterial line. That came out late this morning I believe. After that, his oxygen was reduced to 1/2 liter per minute.

At 2:30, his chest tube was removed. That has really improved his pain. Despite the chest tube being removed, he had some pain earlier in the day and had to have 2 doses of morphine. That was kind of a step back, but we are okay with it. If it means he is more comfortable, we will take it.

A respiratory therapist came in this afternoon to do a little therapy for him because there was a little something that showed up on his chest x-ray. After she left I attempted some eating and had him sitting up to burp and he coughed at me a little, so her therapy did its job.

At 5:00, his oxygen came out completely! Since then he has been able to maintain his pulse ox at anywhere around 96-98. That is great!

He has attempted some eating today and has taken in only an ounce. We are hoping that he will make a lot of improvements with that now that he doesn't have the oxygen or chest tube in. One more little side note, his cord came off today! We weren't expecting that this early at all! He still has a little bit on his belly button, but the majority of it came off.

He had more visitors today! Aunt Megan, Michael and Taylor came and brought him a Christmas tree. Grandma and Grandpa Bartels and brought his sister Lexi, and Matt and Hayley Jordan visited also. We are expecting a pretty quiet night tonight to relax and try to get him to eat a lot! We really appreciate all the visitors and support we are receiving.

I have to send out some thank yous that are well deserved. Our neighbors, Kurt and Eli Schaefer and Lacey Stoerp cleaned our driveway. My cousin Elizabeth has helped my dad with the dogs and cat. My coworkers banned together and got us several gift cards to eateries nearby as well as cash that will help us pay for the fuel needed to make it here and home. Nick's brother Mike is planning to spend his time off this week working at the shop to make sure things get caught up. My sister Megan has made sure we have everything we need, which seems to be very random items like a razor and nail clipper, as well as bringing us Toppers today! And our parents and family have done a great job making sure that people are informed of Landon's situation and progress and getting us all the prayers we need. And, most importantly, we have had the best staff working with us while we are here. Landon's nurses have paid such close attention to him and have made sure he has everything he needs and is comfortable. Our doctor, Dr. A has been amazing! We participate in rounds when they get to our room so we know what is going on. Yesterday, they were discussing how long Landon's surgery lasted and one person said the surgery lasted about 20 minutes. Dr. A interrupted and said, "Actually, it was 16 minutes. My record is 15 minutes, so I was close." We got a good laugh out of that! I'm sure I have forgotten someone, so please forgive me. Again, thank you to everyone for all the love, support, and prayers!

Landon with Grandma and Grandpa Bartels and Daddy.

After the oxygen tube came out of his nose!