It's not unusual, it seems, for the second and third days after surgery to be harder than the first, and so it has proved for Ivan. He's been pretty uncomfortable with reflux, hiccups, and related gastric woes; an NG tube was inserted this afternoon, which should bring some relief.

But his general recovery is on track; he has no problem sitting, walks sturdily, and is healing well. He snoozes when he can, and the time will pass.