WHAT A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE!!!

Yesterday about 5pm they extubated Cooper. Things seemed to be going well and we were so excited to see that breathing machine gone. By 8pm they told us they were probably going to have to put him back on the breathing machine because he was not doing so well. I took this very hard because it was a step backwards and not where any of us want to go. They continued to monitor him and Terry and I spent the night at the hospital. Slowly his stats started to improve and by this morning they were great and they did not have to put the breathing tube back.

The rest of this morning was crazy. First they came in and removed both drainage tubes from his heart. This was a big step!!! Next the removed all but one IV and his catheter!!! Then the real shock was when the said we were were going to go to "the floor". This is what we had been waiting for. "The Floor" is the 4th and final floor we have to go to before we are out of here. We were so excited. By 2pm we were telling the PICU goodbye which is a big deal because Cooper was a favorite patient and we really liked our doctors and nurses there. Next we went to meet our new nurses and doctors and to see our new home away from home. Boy were we pleasantly surprised. As everywhere else here, the doctors and nurses are fabulous!!! The room is a big step up. We have a bed, bathroom, TV, DVD player, refrigerator, sink etc. It feels like a resort :) The best part is I finally get to be a Mom. I get to feed and hold Cooper and even change his diaper. I could not be happier right now. The rest of our stay is all about his recovery. The faster he learns to eat, poop and generally breath, the faster we get to go home. Imagine if we are home for Christmas!!!! It would be the best Christmas ever!!!

Raelynn is doing great as well. She came to visit us yesterday and she and Terry played and danced around the hospital. I took her in to see Cooper before his breathing tube was out and she had many questions but handled it very well. I will never be able to thank my family enough for all they have done through this all. Mom has basically put her life on hold to make sure that Raelynn's continues as normal as possible. She is amazing!!!