Wednesday Morning Update

Hi Everybody,

Giving the "horns." From Lauren Klonsky

Newsflash: Courtney does not like being pinched. Why is that significant? Because she's responding to pain today, she's got some very basic motion and Dr. Gorman has noted she's made progress since yesterday. I nearly jumped out of shoes early this morning because I was bedside holding her hand when her neck, mouth and chest began moving around. The nurse jumped in a second or two later to calm me down (by this time, I think I could have used some anti-seizure meds). It turns out she was just coughing, about the quietest cough I'll ever hear. For the moment she's got a tube down her throat to suck out saliva and buildup, so she's unable to making that "hacking" noise that's practically a second language for Burlington residents in cold season.

Thus far Courtney is beating my ass in thumb wrestling matches, 4-3. I'll admit my pride's a little hurt, but I'll get over it. When you push on her thumbs she really pushes back, she'll twitch her arms (I think she's flexing, there are two tickets to the gun show available if anyone needs them) and will curl her toes if you rub her feet, just like the Babinski reflex that infants experience. These are just baby steps, Julie says her daughter has been a late bloomer, so we know Court's getting stronger day-to-day.

As it turns out I mugged the wrong Suburu Outback with Maine plates and UVM stuff strewn about that was parked over at University Terrace yesterday. Sorry to whoever the owner is, let me know if need your CD's back. Not a bad collection though, right now Court is listening to Jack Johnson, I figured we'll start softly and work our way up to guitar solos and synthesizers. If any visitors want to bring some albums by, its an open jukebox (I had just told Liz and Meg over Mexican food how I hate the word "jukebox," so of course it filters into my writing).

At about 2 p.m. Court is scheduled for her tracheostomy, this will allow us to see her pretty face again, no more tape and tubes. She's looking much better, her hair's been washed and she isn't puffy at all. I will be back later in the evening to let you know how she's feeling and how everyone's doing. Many of Courtney's close friends have been in touch with us asking about visiting rules and whatnot. Thus far we have not, nor will we ever turn anyone away.

By the same token we need to be respectful of the medical staff's guidelines. To give visitors a general idea: 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. are when the nurses shift so those times are closed door to us, she has cleanings a few times a day and the doctors need some time alone with her on occasion. So if we can agree to be patient, it may be 10 minutes or it may be an hour in the waiting room, we would love for you to come (perhaps in smaller groups of two or three and any notice you can give ahead of time would be helpful).

We Love you Courtney and we can't wait to have you back safe and sound.

-Sean