getting better each day

Well - what can I say?

Tyler continues to improve a little bit every day. His strength and stamina are slowly getting higher.

The one thing that hasn't faded is his smile and his jest for life.

Here is is lying in the hospital bed after Dad read him "The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy" and all he can do is smile.

Even with six EKG wires attached to his chest, a blood pressure cuff attached to his arm, an IV in his wrist and the CPAP machine attached to his trach -- he always has a smile for anyone who says 'hi.'

You gotta love this kid.

happy birthday Tyler

Another birthday for Tyler!

He's 24-years old now. Every day we've spent caring for him has been worth the little smile on his face.

Unfortunately he had to spend this birthday in the hospital.

However, in true Tyler fashion -- he had all the female nurses doting on him all day.

Just after lunch I brought in a yummy chocolate cake with whipped cream icing. The doctors, nurses and I sang "Happy Birthday" to him and he lit up like a Christmas Tree.

He kept pointing to himself just to let everyone know whose birthday we were celebrating.

Earlier in the day -- Craig and I started at the hospital to get his special day off to a good start.

This photo is of Tyler hamming it up for the camera. Of course his buddy - Wrinkles - had to be in the picture with him.

small gains

First of all I need to apologize for not posting for a few days. The computer at my house hasn't been able to receive a signal from Cox Communications.

Tyler was home for a day -- experienced another severe asthma attack and had to come back to the hospital.

Between the doctors, nurses, respiratory staff and Craig and I -- we're racking our brains trying to figure out if something in our home is triggering the asthma.

Well -- apparently not. Last night while Craig was at the hospital with Tyler -- he suddenly experienced another asthma attack. Staff members quickly put him back on C.P.A.P. and he came out of it quickly.

That shoots down the 'environmental' issue. The doctors were actually thinking Tyler could be allergic to my kitties and they would have to go away. :(

Well since there aren't any kitties in the hospital -- Allie and Bernie will live to see another day in the Bell house.

Now we're talking about a home-ventilator program to assist him as needed. If he needs C.P.A.P. at nighttime -- he'll get it. If not, he'll stay on the mist collar.

Either way he'll be home with us were he belongs.

The photo shown above was taken during a 'play' session between Christi and Tyler. Christi would often times dress Tyler up in girl clothes. Obviously Tyler didn't give a rip. As long as someone loves him -- he's a happy boy.