Our dadio spoke his first words today:)

Sonja, Heidi, Michael & Amberlie met the speech therapists at the hospital today to try and help Dad talk aloud. The respiratory therapist was there to monitor Kirby's breathing while on the trach. "button" and not on the ventilator. The button they hook him up through his trach. allows air flow; fyi. the trach. in his neck prevents him with a "cuff" from speaking aloud. He has been trying to mouth some words for a few days, but he's having to relearn how to even move his mouth. But the speaking valve they put over the trach. allowed air to flow and Dadio spoke our names. His voice was raspy, but soooo good to hear! We were all so excited for him. The past couple of days we've seen some improvements that have given us all hope that he is trying:) Kirby is in "stable condition" now. They did x-rays yesterday of different areas and they all came back fine. No further abnormal bleeding either. He is still being treated for the MRSA & pneumonia, and he's improving daily from those illnesses. They are doing a metabollic study today with the ventilator & they are doing extensive evaluations too. These evaluations will determine if he is ready to move out of the "trama unit" and up to the "Rehabilitation Unit" of IMC today. He will spend about 5 weeks there undergoing extensive rehab. everyday. We will update the blog when he's been moved to rehab. so you'll know where to visit him:) Feel free to write cards to Dad. He likes me to read your phone messages, cards, and blog comments to him. Thank you so much for your love and concern for our father. We as a family are eternally grateful for all of you!!! xoxo Sonja