The Incredible Journey Home

The Surgeon said we could go home today. At first I toyed with staying another night, because of the inclement weather, no car, and no husband with a car. Eric and the kids are in Portland this weekend, and we weren't expecting to get out today!

I called my friend Bibi whose husband is a taxi driver. He had chains on his car and was willing to come and get me. Unfortunately, he never made it to the hospital, because his chains popped off his car and left him stranded on Capital Hill. I figured it would be about April by the time AAA arrived to help him.

The hospital staff was so gracious and tried calling around for a taxi, a medicab, ANYTHING that could get me home. The next taxi was available at around midnight tonight. CRAZY! The nurses told me that they'd get my room set up (again) and rip up the discharge papers.

Meanwhile, my knight in shining armor--Eric Showell--called the Mark and Tricia. Apparently Mark's actual words were, "FINALLY someone needs to be rescued." Born and reared in Wenatchee, Mark has few opportunities to show off his extreme snow driving skills.

He got us home safely. I am so grateful that I am home and my baby is healthy.

The Tube is In!

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Here is a before and after shot of Oliver's belly. The surgeon said everything went fine. The third picture is right after his surgery. My wonderful husband took the photo and then asked if I knew that my jacket was inside out. No wonder the Starbucks barista gave me funny look.

We had a rough start this morning. Someone---I won't reveal his identity---left the dome light on in the van last night. So this morning we had lots of snow and a dead battery. My amazing husband fixed the problem and got us to the hospital 10 minutes early.

Unfortunately, my cell phone charger didn't make it with me. If you need to reach me, you can call me at Swedish Hospital at (206) 215-2165.

First Christmas in America

Alex, Isaac and I had a blast last night teaching seven Burmese kids how to decorate sugar cookies. The two oldest girls also made cupcakes from a box mix. The parents were impressed with that crazy contraption we call an oven. Funny what I take for granted. I guess they didn't do much baking in the Thai refugee camp!

A couple families from our church brought Christmas gifts for the kids. It was so much fun watching them open up their very own presents. The youngest girls, 3 & 4 years old, refused to put down their gifts the entire evening. I can't blame them. If you are the youngest of 7 kids, you have to be scrappy to survive.

Just got a call from the hospital. Check in for tomorrow's surgery is 8 a.m.

Another Belly Button for Oliver!

Okay, Okay. I give up! The G-tube is going in on Friday. Ollie and I met with the surgeon today, and we are good to go.

I called Oliver's pediatrician this morning. She said that since Oliver just can't manage to gain weight with all we've done so far, the G-tube is the logical next step. Since we have her blessing, we think this is the best option.

Best case scenario is that we'd be out of the hospital on Sunday evening. Even Oliver giggled when the surgeon mentioned that. I am hoping we are out by Christmas Eve to celebrate with my extended family.

First Snow

Oliver saw his first snow tonight. This is a photo of Alexi's snowman. The photo is grainy because it was taken on a camera phone at 9:30 p.m. Most parents have their children in bed by now...but not us!

Oliver actually is in bed. He did better today. Yesterday he ran a fever and vomited all day long. Hopefully the bug has passed through his immune system.

This Can't Be My Child...

Oliver had a check up today. He's been out of the hospital for a week and hasn't gained any weight. At Swedish he gained 2 ounces a day. I am frustrated. Ollie is throwing up several times a day. Besides this problem, however, he is sounding and looking great.

I am drafting my letter of resignation. If anyone would like three cute kids...

Back to Normal

Today we paid IKEA a visit. I promised Isaac that when he was potty-trained, he could finally play in the ball pit at the kid's area. There wasn't a happier kid in Seattle today!

Meanwhile Oliver and I wandered the store. In the cafeteria I met a young man with Down syndrome. He was charming and articulate. Our conversation encouraged me greatly.

We are looking forward to a visit with Lo Lo this weekend.

The Artists in Action

Gingerbread House

Last night was absolutely wonderful. We had yummy Thai food (thanks Sundee!), and then Alex and Isaac decorated a gingerbread house. They are such talented children, and it turned out just like the one in this picture! If I can get my act together, I'll post the video later. Right now I'm de-stick-ifying everything.

There is No Place Like Home...

We made it out of baby jail! I know I threatened fictitious posts, but this is true. Yippee! Thanks for your prayers.

The 12 Days of Swedish (Hospital)

On the first day of Swedish my True Love said to me, "I'll see you in a day, or two, or three." Little did we know that we'd be here 12 1/2 days later!

The doctor just updated me on the sleep study results. Oliver doesn't appear to have apnea. She thinks he still needs oxygen because his lungs are still recovering from the RSV. It is, however, rather discouraging to keep posting, "Oliver is doing great, but we are still here," so tomorrow I'm going to write absurd fictional posts.

I did have a great day today! Susan, my roommate from Children's Hospital, and I chatted about the joys of G-tubes over breakfast. Our conversation about suctioning traechs and stomach surgery probably grossed out the other diners, but it was entertaining for me!

Alex, Isaac and I had dinner together and then saw the Gingerbread House display at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel. Meanwhile Eric and his World Vision team served dinner to the Seattle street kids at New Horizons. (Eric and I met 7 1/2 years ago at New Horizons!)

It is nearly 11 p.m. and I'm off to sleep in my cot. Visions of my pillow top mattress and down pillows dance in my head.