Hello All,

An update on Brett and his recovery from the second surgery. Surgery went well. Additional bone graft on the back of Brett's neck and additional stabilization plate on the back of the spine.

After a hasty exit from St. Anthony's Central, life at Craig Hospital resumed. There is a complication~Brett has developed a few infections. Two on the skin (incision area) and one inside the wound. Three different bugs are trying to make a home at Hotel Brett. Rest assured, the doctors are being aggressive with testing, oversight and treatment.

As the wound nurse said today, "this is something that we need to be patient with, treat, watch and see, change course of treatment as needed". Stay tuned.

On the positive side, the pain (post surgery #2) is now being managed well. Brett has been able to participate in OT and PT this week. To quote him today, "I finally feel like someone kicked my ass." Great news he is regaining the strength and mobility in his arms that he had before the second surgery. In the next few days, I suspect I won't be scratching his eyebrows for him.

Brett now has a computer in his room that he is learning to use with voice activated software. It takes a bit of practice and patience, but he is looking forward to keeping up with the happenings outside of the hospital and to sending and reading emails in the coming week(s).

On the home front:

My Mom and Hank flew into town for Cole's Birthday. Hank graciously offered to "fix the landscaping in the front". Well that set things in motion, and I called in every favor possible. Subsequently, those people called in favors and a daisy chain of good people with good hearts took over.

Purdom Yard Beautification Project was a HUGE Success!!!

Rich and Shannon Bradley took charge of the ENTIRE front yard, from sod to trees and plants, the whole set up is new and amazing! Sarah Christian a Stapleton resident, was key to the design of the project. Todd Miccio and his son Anthony took charge on the relocate Maggie Dog to the side yard project and created the cutest garden fencing.

Check out the new pictures!

We also celebrated Cole's 3rd Birthday on the 4th of July. He had a party at Central Park with his friends after the annual Stapleton 4th of July Parade, and another party at the hospital in the evening.

Thank you to all the people that keep life at home as normal as possible. We are so grateful for all the love, smiles, hugs, meals, house cleaning, dog walking and errand running, when we need them.

Brett loves to hear the comments posted on the blog. Keep him laughing, smiling and looking forward to life after Craig Hospital.

Much love~Kelly