Monday, May 4th

Early post tonight. Clay had a busy and good day. He is starting to sleep all night and likes to sleep late in the mornings. Occupational therapy was ready to go to work at 8:00 and Clay was not fully awake yet. I helped wake him up. He sat on the edge of the bed for a bit and then played with monkeys in a barrel. When this was over he was awake and ready for more. He did several more exercises but my favorite was when he had to move his arms like a chicken. He gave it a good try and I clapped. The O.T. did work with the left hand and I received my first good look. Not pretty but hopefully functional. She had the rehab doctor come and visit with me about the options for this hand. Speech therapy showed up next and Clay really took this opportunity to show off. I always knew that talking was his strong suite. They capped his trach and he said several words and counted to 10 twice. The most exciting part was when he asked to have the cap placed back on and told me, "I want macaroni." Needless to say I went all over the hospital to find him some. After speech left he was ready for another trip to the play room, but we told him he would have to wait until he had walked. He was not very excited by this prospect, but walked to the window and then back past his room and down to Kermit's. As soon as he returned to his room and set down in his chair he forced air over his trach and said playroom. Off we went. After all the activities he was ready for his bed. Arne and I settled him in and he found some good cartoons. At the last visit he had a dinner tray. He was willing to try everything but nothing taste good yet. I am headed back for the 7:30 to say good night and Deidra and Grandma are headed this way to take over here. Carson , Cody and I will try to hold down the fort in Olney until we can return this weekend. Thanks to all and good night.