Paw prints in the right direction

Ari is still resting well under heavy sedation on the ventilator. Today we saw a few slight improvements. He remains awesomely cute.

(Thank you to Arkansas Down Syndrome Association and Easter Seals for the wonderful decor and Ari's Mimi for styling the photo shoot.)

If you didn't already know, the name "Ari" means lion. We had a few potential names picked out for him when I was pregnant. When he came a month early and so fast that we couldn't get to the hospital, naming him after a roaring lion seemed fitting. It also helped that he was born with a full head of dark hair (though in a clear act of mom betrayal, he soon turned blonde like the rest of my family).

Ari is breathing a bit more on his own with the help of the ventilator. He has reacted some to being messed with and even opened his eyes briefly this morning. Though we don't expect much response with all the sedation, it's sure nice to get some feedback from him. He has some kidney and liver damage but the docs think he can recover. They discussed the possibility of dialysis for him this morning but decided against it and put him on some medication instead.

Here are the beautiful parts: Ari's skin is a beautiful soft pink and no longer etched with deep purple mottling, his toes are no longer blue, and his chest no longer heaves with every breath. I firmly believe that he is resting and healing. He is still in critical condition. He is still in the danger zone and there are many mountains he still has to climb, but his feet are pointed in the right direction and his baby steps are looking good. I am very proud of my little lion fighting so hard.