The tracheotomy has been officially removed! & Kirby is moving out of I.M.C. Hospital on Monday or Tues (3/30)

After days of anticipation, Dad's tracheotomy in his throat & neck has finally been surgically removed. He is having some complications with secretions and "clean breathing", but hopefully those will clear up with time:) Dad is also eating one meal a day (the feeding tube compensates for the rest of the daily caloric intake). He's eating foods like soft pasta, applesauce, pudding, etc. He would sure "love a Jamba Juice, Dr. Pepper, Spamoni? Icecream", and the list goes on, but probably not until April. He's been requesting those items since the day he got his speaking valve on...it's been a fun laugh listening to his very simple requests. It makes us sure appreciate everything. Dad keeps reminding me to appreciate every breath I take & every flavor that I taste. BIG NEWS: DAD IS LEAVING I.M.C. HOSPITAL AND TRANSFERRING to another facility for recovery (most likely So. Davis Regional Hospital in Bountiful). We will find out if that is official on Monday, so check this blog for updates. We'll keep you posted.;) Call me or Dad's cell phone if you have any questions. Thanks for your support, love and prayers! xoxo Sonja

It's the Luck of the Irish Day!!!

These here are some of the yummy chocolates staff brought by to my Dad today. They were NOT gross! Not at all! Dad even wore GREEN pants today! I was so Impressed! He said he still got pinched though. I guess wearing green isn't a guarantee!
Dad enjoyed a gymnastics show brought to him by Hallie and Brinklie! The stayed as close to his doorway as possible in the hallway and would perform and repeat as long as Grandpa asked them to. They loved it and so did Dad! Definitely a good change of pace to see little girls limbs flailing about! (Hallie doing her famous fast cartwheel!)
Brinklie is flexing her mighty impressive biceps to spare here!
This was funny! So Dad FINALLY passed all of his tests and was able to EAT his FIRST meal since JANUARY 15th! Can you believe it? That was forever ago! He was so excited that he kept rolling his eyes with pure satisfaction while he chewed! Then...to him something magical happened! We gave him Coke! Now, this was in place of his long desired Dr. Pepper with lemon because that just wasn't available! Oh, and we had to thicken it so that was special too. However, you will see him drink it in this pic and then you'll see his reaction in the last picture. So funny!We were all laughing (me, his o.c.therapist, social worker, and Linda). I showed him this pic and he thought he looked like he had serious brain trauma! hahaha...I told him I'd explain that he still has his wits about him and he was just excited for the FIZZZZZ!!!!!

Where'd your voice go?

After days of singing songs from musicals and talking up a storm, Dad has officially lost his voice =( Aside of that, He is doing quite well. He is improving everyday and is remaining very positive. He has remained very optimistic throughout this whole experience. Very impressive, Dad! Thank you for your good attitude. We've appreciated & admired ALL your efforts during this difficult situation. You are alive because of your strong will-power & faith. Thank you to everyone for your prayers too! Dad feels the power of your prayers & is so appreciative!! xoxo Sonja