Friday, March 9, 2012 3:00 PM PST

Cole has had a very big day so far. It started out with a visit from the neurologist who determined Cole is ready to begin the process of losing the feeding tube (something Cole's been diligently trying to do since he got it) and start eating and drinking on his own. The neurologist ordered an evaluation by the speech therapist, who determines if Cole can chew and swallow well enough to eat and drink on his own.  The speech therapist started out by giving Cole small ice chips and by the end of the 30 minute evaluation, Cole was eating bananas, crackers, applesauce, diced fruit and drinking apple nectar. Cole was able to feed himself with a spoon and take drinks using a glass with some assistance. Needless to say, Cole passed the test with flying colors and can now start eating real hospital food (yum yum). Until Cole becomes a proficient eating machine, he will remain hooked up to the feeding tube.

Cole also received a bath today and finally got his hair washed. He really wanted to keep the drealocks but mom and dad weren't feeling it.  He was a little more alert during the bath and was very helpful by responded to verbal commands and holding the shampoo and soap.

Next the physical therapist arrived for a workout with Cole and what a workout it was. With a lot of   assistance from the therapist, Cole walked out of his room to the nurses' station and then back. The left side of Cole's body did very well but the right side need assistance from the therapist. Later, after Cole was back in bed, Rhonda heard Cole actually say that his arm hurt. These are the first words uttered by Cole since the crash.

Probably the most emotionally charged moment of the day was when Cole voluntarily sat up, scooted to the edge of the bed, laid his head on his mom's shoulder and put his arm around her and hugged her. It was an emotional embrace.