Things that go beep in the night...

Nate bragged that he got almost 6 hours of sleep last night, and I just don't get it. Our IV beeps every 2 hours, our neighbor's IV beeps every 2 hours (and of course we aren't on the same schedule), nurses check vitals every 4 hours, Anara gets respiratory therapy every 6 hours, Tylenol and Valium every 4 hours, Zantac every 12 hours, Keflex every 6 hours, turned slightly to one side every 2 hours, her tubes get flushed every 6 hours, kids in other rooms scream, and of course her monitors periodically remind us that she is alive. With all that commotion and beeping staggered throughout the night, I don't see how anyone can keep their eyes shut. I might be exaggerating slightly - sometimes they do try to get several things done at once and avoid coming into the room constantly. Still, this is no place for a light sleeper to get more than a 1/2 hour at a time. I shouldn't be complaining because I have yet to spend two nights consecutively. I have been alternating every other night. Maybe I should continue this schedule after discharge because the every other night that I sleep at home is really a good night of sleep.

Today it was decided that the only way to transport Anara home, and then later to and from the hospital for visits, is an ambulance. Our developmental pediatrician wasn't quite satisfied and wants to try one more car seat expert. I called our insurance company and they will pay for ambulance transport provided that it is deemed medically necessary. I guess it is either an ambulance or we stay at the hospital 4 more weeks (and that is not an option). From a surgical standpoint, the doctors are very satisfied with how Anara is progressing. The developmental pediatrician is still concerned about her left leg (lack of movement) and she wants answers to several home care and transport questions before we are discharged. I would anticipate just a few more days in the hospital.

Today Violet came to the hospital in her princess dress. My mom made Violet a beautiful dress with expensive material and several layers of crinoline, and Violet doesn't like the dress. In fact, Vi didn't smile the whole time we had her trick or treating around the hospital. It can't all be blamed on the dress because she is terrified of costumes, masks, beards, and all things that alter appearance or hide the face. She made Nate carry her around to the different stations to collect her prizes. Speaking of beards (or typing of beards to be more exact), there is a man (patient family) on our floor with white hair and a white beard. He has a round little belly that shakes when he laughs like a bowl full of jelly. He wears Santa suspenders and has a "Kris Kringle" identification card. Kids have been sitting on his lap but Violet finds him terrifying. She won't go to the activity room when he is there and clings to us if she catches a glimpse of him.

Anara is having a pretty good day. One of her ureteral stents didn't drain today and emptied urine into her reservoir. She was a little uncomfortable until we irrigated and pulled the urine out. We think we fixed all her tubes so that they are back to draining appropriately. Hopefully tomorrow we will come back off the IV and get closer to having a home care plan.

Thanks again for the emails, prayers, gifts, visits, and encouragement. Hopefully I will be able to thank everyone individually, but I have done a crappy job recording things and my brain cannot be counted on right now.