Conor eats !

Sorry guys I didn't post this last night .... a couple of phone calls and the next thing you know ... it's time for bed.

Yesterday was a very good day. The chest tube was removed but they noticed a small pneumothorax (pocket of air surrounding the lung). They have him scheduled for another x-ray this morning to monitor it, but they stressed that it was very small.

Conor was very animated yesterday....and showed even more of the personality he's renowned for. Drum roll please .... the sarcasm is back! Some of his facial expressions ... keeping in mind the incredible level of morphine he's getting ... were vintage Conor. Some of his beautiful words yesterday:

Mum, I'm bored
Mum, when you leave --- can you sneak me out
Mum, I don't know why I'm here
Mum -- pull my finger

Yup ... Mum pull my finger --- ever the Lacey! He had a great conversation with his brother about setting up hip MP3 player with the appropriate music. Ciaran was on it as soon as he got home --- donating his own device 'cause Conor's is broke. Hopefully, all I have to do is plug it in when I get to the hospital ... that's the extent of my knowledge of the bloody things!

As you can imagine, Conor's mouth must feel like the inside of a bird cage. Yesterday, the nurse gave him an ice chip and he was able to swallow. Another reflex that has returned. I had to leave the hospital shortly thereafter and when I returned, Jeff D was standing there with Conor. The nursed asked Conor to tell me what he just had .... and Conor replied .... a popsicle! An orange popsicle!

The nurse also asked Conor if he would like to put on some underwear. Conor appeared mortified ... you mean I don't have any on. He was able to assist the nurses in covering his parts and rearranging the catheter --- and may I admit ... I was grateful. Enough of the flashing!

Later in the afternoon, Steve B and I were with Conor, when Conor asked for ice cream (completely out of character for Conor --- but cleverly a bit more substantial than a popsicle). Conspiratorially, the nurse admitted that popsicles were not "in the orders" --- but what the hell. A cherry popsicle is handed to Conor --- he's having a hard time focusing on it --- but he's on a mission. Straight to the mouth --- the mouth closes around it --- and Steve and I were able to witness a look of his face of pure unadulterated joy. Don't anybody talk ... just let me relish this. Steve and I giggled at his obvious enjoyment. The nurses are hopeful that the feeding tube can be removed shortly and Conor can expand his food options.

Also at the hospital yesterday were Kim L, Jill D, Nancy and Kathy, Tommy and Kayla. He was pretty worn out when we left ... and I was walking on air. A very, very good day!

Keep those good thoughts coming ... and close your eyes and imagine the taste of a popsicle after 8 days without food ... I know you'll be smiling too.