Judah WILL have his tracheostomy performed tomorrow morning. Doctors and others all insist that this will be more beneficial to Judah. Nobody likes the idea of a hole in their neck, but if it affords him greater comfort...(For more info on the procedure, here's a link: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002955.htm

For those out there who are tech savvy, here's the run down on Judah's numbers:
His PEEP is down to 8 which is great considering that last week it was at 15. His pulse ox is staying around 92% with an Oxygen concentration of 41% (in the evenings he seems to do better with a 45% concentration). Last night his nurse Thelma woke me up to tell me that his blood gasses looked good. His numbers are in line which is a good improvement over before.
I wish I had more news to report, but that is about all. Judah's color seems strong, and he gurgles a little bit when we talk to him. I like to think that he is trying to answer us back.
I cannot state enough how proud we are of Mom for the recognition HUC is giving her by bestowing upon her an honorary Ph.D. We've known for years that her contributions to the community have enhanced many lives, and enriched the culture of Angelinos of many faiths and backgrounds. Many people don't realize that Mom already holds two Masters Degrees, and we will be thrilled to clutter our walls with this capstone(?). In this short life, nothing is to be taken for granted. Not our lives, not our friendships, not our achievements.
Mom will be back here very early in the morning to usher Judah in and out of surgery. She will post his status just as soon as she is able to.
Thanks to everyone who has made these past few weeks bearable. Even in this darkness there have been ample hours of sunlight.