Day 27, 9 p.m. medical update

Sage has had another day of rest along with sure and steady steps along the path of healing and recovery.
The most exciting update to report is that Sage got vertical on the bed this afternoon!
With the aid and support of Nurse Diane and Maureen, today's Physical Therapist, Sage was scootched to the edge of the bed, able to look out the window at the still green trees, and sustained holding up her head.
This is the first time in what seems like - and is - a long time for Sage to be in a position other than lying down. She did great. The physical effect of being in such a different position, along with a deeper sense of realizing just how much strength has been required of her to get to this place, did cause Sage some real frustration and pain. But in her inimitable style, she pressed on and held on.
From a neurological standpoint, Sage today is making improvement (the words from her medical team on rounds this morning!). She wiggled her right toes slightly and lifted her right knee. Her right index finger has responded to touch and there was an ever so slight, very slight squeeze from the right hand, when asked for it. Sage responds to questions such as "squeeze my hand (left) if you want your glasses on" or "squeeze my hand if you want to listen to your ipod" by either squeezing or not. Tomorrow's goal will have to do with nodding yes or no, but there is a theory that Sage might just use a certain digit for 'no' and a thumbs up would be enough for a 'yes'.
We even saw the trace of a smile cross her face while she watched the antics of her brother and father, as evidenced in the photos below.... Nathan and Mark, sadly, had to leave DHMC today to begin their journey back to Germany.
Sage seems to be getting 'used to' the trach collar, if such a thing is actually possible. The numbers on the ventilator continue to decrease, as does the amount of sedation medication Sage is receiving - again, two very forward steps in the right direction. The NG feeds continue very slowly, as Sage had a bit of an episode twice today with not being able to keep it down. This might just have to do with the fact that she has had very little in the way of what might pass for "food" in her stomach for the better part of a month, so it could be an entirely appropriate response. The question will be asked tomorrow, in regards to this.
Sage continues to get rid of those extra fluids - the other exciting news being that she is only two kilograms above her admission weight! and this is remarkable and wonderful, for so many reasons. It lets those watching know that the kidneys are working and all is well in that department (and therefore others), or as Gramma so noted, "I like this pale yellow urine...." Wait 'till Sage hears that!
Yay Sage! Go fluids go!
Thanks and gratitude to all both near and far, who continue to hold the circle with Sage. It is completely and profoundly appreciated.
Peace, blessings and a restful night for all.
(postscript: it has taken two hours to get this post up because Sage is waking up and boy is she pissed! :) the sedatives have taken off the edge and Peter Rabbit got tossed off the bed! by Sage! and she shooed her own mother away from the bed. Ha! never would we have welcomed such a response to affection.)

how did these two get in the country?

it's not looking good....

oh god. get me more sedatives please...

ah joy, how sweet it is...