Tubin'

After almost a month, Austin had his ET tube removed tonight during a quick trip up to the operating room.  The procedure went well and he 'graduated' to what is called a nasal trumpet.  This is a much smaller tube that goes through his nose down to roughly his throat for the purpose of keeping his tongue from blocking his airway.  He is still requiring some oxygen, so the nurses put him in an oxy-hood to enable oxygen delivery without the full-blown ET tube (see pictures below).  At last check Austin was doing great and seemed to be adjusting to life without a tube down his throat and a bunch of tape on his face.  Here's a few pictures and some video links of the latest.

Before Austin went to the OR, we had to get him looking good so Mom gave him his first bath.

Austin....are you ready to get that tube out buddy? 

His new 'look'. 

And finally, his new 'home' for the time being
















Here's a video of the nurses working up a way to keep Austin's nasal trumpet from coming out

http://photos.imageevent.com/yurina/austinlouis/DSC_0244.AVI

And Austin enjoying his new-found freedom before we left for the night.

http://photos.imageevent.com/yurina/austinlouis/DSC_0262.AVI