Austin's Recovery- Pictures

Austin had a very hard time the first 24 hours following surgery. He wasn't able to sit up and had to remain completely flat in his bed at all times. This was frustrating to him, and he was also not tolerating the heavy pain medication very well. However, he turned a corner on Tuesday afternoon when the nurse was given the order to raise the head of his bed. This was much more comfortable for him, and the heavy pain medication had worked itself out of his system by this time as well. Here he is with a capri sun watching TV with his sock monkey.

Enjoying his first real food- a banana. I thought it was funny that he was eating the banana instead of the monkey.

Austin had a good sleep on Tuesday night and woke up to the good news that if therapy went well he would be going home sometime on Wednesday. He was so happy to get out of the bed. Here he sitting in a chair for the first time eating his breakfast after walking for the first time.Daddy happened to walk by the playroom on his way in from work and got to see Austin playing. He was like a different boy from when Joseph left the night before.

Austin had a good time playing with his Ninja Turtles balloon.

After all that activity, we had to encourage Austin to take a rest. Here he is watching TV again. It was so good to see him smiling again.

Here Austin is sleeping in his own bed again. He is so happy to be home.

Resting with Daddy on Thanksgiving.

Friday morning, painting a picture. Other than needing to rest a little more than usual, he is back to his normal self. I don't know how many times I have had to remind him not to run, jump or climb since we have been home. We have to keep an eye on his incision and make sure it doesn't get rubbed or dirty, and he is taking a muscle relaxer called Baclofen. We got a prescription for Tylenol- Codeine, but he hasn't needed it. We give him regular tylenol a few times a day when he is looking uncomfortable and before bedtime, but it is amazing what a trooper he has been. Not once has he complained or cried about pain. He just come up and wants a hug sometimes when he isn't feeling well. I am so proud of our little boy.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement this week. God has been gracious to us.

P.S. I am 30 weeks now. That is farther than I ever went with Austin. We are so thankful for God's protection over this second pregnancy.