Sunday, July 13, 2008

Day 43 - July 13, 2008

Another fine day! Same as yesterday pretty much, but the neurosurgeon drained another 180 CCs of fluid from Kevin's head (they did not put a shunt in as Kev's skin is not healthy enough yet). That's a whole lot of fluid in a 2 day time span and it looks like they are going to put a drain in tomorrow possibly. I think this is giving y'all a good idea of exactly how large Kevin's head is. It is still very big, but removing that much fluid has reduced the size.

This is going to be one very short post as I just want to lay down and watch a movie tonight.

Before I go though, I want to quickly tell Andrew's family (Wendy, Jon, Carol, Stan, Judie and Jodi) that I will call as soon as I can. I have been trying to call Jodi for almost 2 weeks and it's so embarrassing to say that there just hasn't been time (other than late at night and I won't call then). I think of all of you every day and can only wish that we get to meet someday in the future. And Jodi? Thanks for sending me pictures of Andrew. He was so incredibly handsome. This is just such a sad thing...all of it.

I also want to thank everyone for all of the cards and gifts. It is amazing how supportive this country is of it's soldiers. We have read every letter and card and kept every single thing for Kev to see when he is well enough and it appears we are going to need a giant sized U-Haul when we move to Florida, lol.

I will end with 2 little funnies of Kev from today. I have been told by the docs that he may never surpass a 3 or 4 year old level. Well there have been quite a few times where his hand somehow came loose from it's restraint. Well I busted him tonight! I caught him putting his arm straight up from the elbow and shaking his arm in a circular motion to have the restraint fall down his arm to his elbow. This enables him to move freely as he can lift his arm completely then. Does this sound like something a toddler would do? Heck no!

And last, Kev is very determined to scratch a certain graft area. I know it bothers him, but we just can't allow it. So when I told him NO and pushed his hand away - he put his hand up to my shoulder and pushed me. Hard! He was mad that I didn't allow him to do it. And he actually pushed me away from him twice tonight. I had to turn away so he wouldn't see me grin.

Isn't this awesome?!

16 comments:

Vicki Chrisman said...

TOTALLY AWESOME LES!!!

Anonymous said...

Leslie and Brianna,
Woke up and was thinking of Kevin (don't tell my husband, LOL) and what went on today.Yesterday's post was so exciting to read, very tearful. As the nurse said, he is looking for the door, and how exciting how quickly he found it, sounds like he has already opened it, because, honey, he knows you and Brianna are there for him everyday. I just pictured him touching your face, he must have been happy to know you were there. Hope they can cap the trach soon. (that would be awesome) Lots of hugs to you, Kevin, and Brianna.

Anonymous said...

It is such a blessing to hear the "lightheartedness in your voice. I'm so glad you could watch a movie--something "normal". Great news to read. Continuing to pray.

Lin said...

I have followed your blog since your story appeared in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. My daughter is married to a military man and I can just imgine your pain. Your blog is a book in the making. God will give you and your daughter strength to continue on your journey. Your are in my nightly prayers.

Anonymous said...

Leslie, Great push Kev, and think your Mom wasn't even mad at ya this time. I can only imagine how much fluid must have been there in two days time Les. It is amazing what that young man has endured. I couldn't wait to read this morning. Prayers and hugs and kisses and I am sure glad that you took time for you honey you HAVE TOO. Love ya, Pam

Jodi said...

Hi Leslie!

YAY!!! Even more great news about Kevin's improvements!!! YAY YAY YAY!! You keep fighting Kevin, because everyone is pulling for you and loves you kiddo!!!
Leslie, you are very welcome for the pics. Remember, we are 2 hours behind you, so even if you think it is too late to call, it might not be for us. Trust me, no matter what time you call, we WILL answer! :-)
Here is to another great day of Kevin's fighting and improvement!!
Stay strong Leslie and Breezy!!!
All my love,
Andrew's Aunt Jodi

tbehr1018 said...

Leslie,
I am SO excited for all of you! Hang in there and keep believing you will have your son back.
Theresa

Anonymous said...

Good job Ninja... I miss you Brother... Our boys are coming home... Get out of bed the Pub is ready to serve you...

We Love You,

SGT G

Anonymous said...

Wonderful, wonderful news again today. Keep fighting Kevin. We are all rooting for you and we are so proud of you. So happy for you, Leslie and Breezy. Take care, stay strong. As always we continue to pray for all three of you.

Anonymous said...

Wow leslie the past couple entries have just been AMAZING!!!! Not that i didn't think these days would come but it seems like they came so fast. Were getting so close...so close!!!
Love and prays
Ashten

Anonymous said...

AWESOME! I'm so very happy to hear that he is coming along so well. He's starting to sound more and more like the Kev I remember. YAY! The boy never leaves my thoughts. He's always there in the back of my head and I'm always wondering how he's doing right this very second. Haha. That's weird. I know. Oh well. My heart goes out to you and Breezy. Love Always, Nicolette Loose <3

blsnow said...

It's so awesome that Kevin is having more good days! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. I'm praying for you guys every night.

Love and Prayers,

Brittany Snow

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news!! Way to go Kevin!! Thinking of you all everyday,
Michelle Long

Anonymous said...

Great News!!! He knows you both are there and he is reaching with all his might with all he has to communicate somehow.
So glad you took some time for yourself.
Love you, Leslie!

Anonymous said...

That is so great Leslie!!! :-)
I am so happy for you!

Anonymous said...

I love to read news like this! As always, I'm praying for you all.