Full of Energy... as always

Nana and Gaga are currently at the hospital with Parker while my wife and I are having a relaxing few hours before we go back.

Now, that I am rejuvenated, I have been back to my active role at the hospital. I spent most of yesterday with Parker and my wife which was very nice. In addition, Parker and I got to hang out last night during my night shift. I think the little monkey was excited that I was there because he decided to extend bed time by two hours. He watched me from his crib as he walked around its inner perimeter. Through the bars I could see him tackle his pillow every few minutes. I decided to grab a few shots of him as he roamed his domain.

Parker has the quirkiest little position he likes to be in lately. He sits in his crib like Robin Williams did in Mork and Mindy. With his bum high in the air, Parker rests all of his weight on his feet and head. His hands are not used one bit to support him. Where are they? Sometimes trying to touch his feet, sometimes behind his back. I get a big kick out of looking through his legs to say hello to him.

Parker had a nice visit today from the clowns that visit the children at the hospital. As mommy held him in her arms inside the isolation area, they did their bit from just beyond the imaginary door that separates us from the isolation area within the big room. They sang, and made him smile. Although the only thing that let us know that they were clowns was the red nose they had over their masks it was definitely a nice change.

Parker's neutrophils rose today for the first time since they started dropping. For the past few days, Parker has been severely neutropenic with his neutrophils below 500. This has been good since they wanted to see the neutrophils drop below 500 as it is an excellent indicator that the modified cells (BM CD34+) will have a sufficient unfair advantage over the cells currently in his bone marrow. Today, Parker's neutrophils increased by 100 which could indicate that his neutrophils are finally beginning to increase to their initial value of greater than 2500. This could also mean that they may stay at this level for a few days before increasing. Or, they may drop even lower before increasing. Regardless, we are happy that they did drop to a level that was wanted by his physicians.

I better go and start dinner, so I can get back to the hospital in time. I am going to be hanging out with the little monkey again tonight. Tomorrow Nana gets the job.