This afternoon Shawn and I had the awesome, awesome privilege to get to hold our little Kai monkey again. He spent most of the morning still pretty out of it and the focus was on managing his pain. Then around 4:00 or so we asked him if he’d like for Mommy to hold him and he said yes tearfully and reached out. Our nurse helped us unwind the cords and brought Kai to sit with me in the chair. I can not express how thankful I was to be able to hold little Kai again — even if he was giving his signature “stink face”. Kai then asked to eat something and ate an “apple squeezey” and then asked to read books. He even “tickled” my arm. Uncle Colby, Shawn and Maya played a variation of hide’n’seek using the hospital bed, then Kai told me it was my turn to hide and he wanted to sit with Daddy.
Kai stayed upright for the first time in a long time for about an hour. He’s still very weak and his brain, I think, is still just readjusting and recalibrating, but he’s doing really well. The physical therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists will be working with him daily to help him recover. And tonight he even asked to watch his favorite videos on YouTube which may or may not include random Russian videos teaching him how to say construction vehicle names in Russian (side note: does any other parent have kids who seem to find THE most random stuff on YouTube?).
They’re keeping the feeding tube in for now and we will see how he does eating tomorrow. And let’s be honest, Kai had his stink face on all day. But I love that stink face. And I can’t imagine the pain he’s feeling right now and not to mention the exhaustion and confusion. He is still having quite a bit of stretches of pain and it hurts our hearts so much hearing him just moan in pain, but he IS having many good moments too, even if brief, and that is definitely something to celebrate and give thanks for.
Thank you God for allowing us this day with Kai and the many victories and advancements he made today and providing all of you to help us. Thank all of YOU who have filled our Facebook feeds, sent text messages, emails, and virtual hugs. Your prayers and support have lifted us, revived us, and given us the life we need to be able to keep pushing forward.
13 Comments on Sitting Up + the Stink Face
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Apple squeezies and stink faces…that sounds about right! LOVED reading this. Keep it up Slockers – all of you.
Oh how I love his stink face! Sending lots of love and hugs your way. 🙂
GREAT UPDATE! Thank you for sharing.
XOXO
I love reading this. Thank you for the update and for the pictures. Yes he does have the best stink faces. So happy to see him sitting up. You are so loved Kai Kai. Love you so much!!!!! Hugs hugs hugs.
Aki, I am so glad to hear that he is doing so well after surgery! It is amazing the things you appreciate in such a situation! You, your family, and little Kai will be in my thoughts and prayers!
He even looks like he has a stink face here! : ) So glad to hear he is doing well and love the picture. Brought tears to my eyes. Love ya ll!
Oh Aki. I can’t even imagine what you must all be going through. So glad that Kai has such a strong spirit. Sending love and thoughts to you and your family.
Go, Kai, go! Snuggles are a wonderful step.
With love and continued well wishes,
Great update Aki! Stink faces are great progress! Stay strong and know that we are rooting for little Kai!
My thoughts and continued prayers are with you both and little Kai asking that God wraps his arms around Kai during this time of healing…God works miracles!
Such a sweet afternoon seeing him so strong, seeing him eat, sit up, respond to mommy and daddy!! Thank you Lord for giving Kai strength today!
Praying you all will be gifted with the strength to fight this fight – for divine healing…that you will be encircled with the white light … though we may not have the ‘words’ WE’ feel are right or correct – HE hears our hearts, KNOWS our needs and ANSWERS our prayers. Your sweet family, your friends and supporters, and the many who are so saddened and feeling lost as to how to best show our love and support…are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep fighting ‘little monkey’…stay strong dear family…Love, the Savages
We are so glad to hear that Kai is doing better. Our hearts go out to you and Shawn to stay strong and take comfort in each small success.