Great Visit Tonight

Ryan is becoming more alert. He was only on pain medication when we saw him at the 1 o'clock and 8 o'clock visit. His complexion is rosy and he is starting to breathe almost completely on his own with very little ventilator assistance. His eyes are consistently open during visiting hours when he's in the company of his parents and friends. While he has been opening his eyes off and on for a few days, he was able to focus on us and make strong eye contact for the first time this visit. You can tell that it is very exhausting for him to focus for too long, but he is really trying. It's such a great feeling to talk to Ryan and get the sense that he can hear and see you.

The nurses have had his feet propped up since he's been in the hospital with foam "booties." They finally took them off today and Ryan crossed his ankles on his own. This was great news as it's the first coordinated movement he's done. With his ankles crossed, it looks like he's just laying back and chillin.

The doctors have also indicated that his incremental improvements over the past few days are in line with their expectations. All encouraging news and overall great progress.