April 6, 2006

The past two days have been somewhat better than Tuesday. Leah is not very excited about walking but has done it, despite the many protests. The first time she walked yesterday our nurse Tom took her out in the hall and had her walk back to her bed. She was screaming how it hurt her to walk, but the jumping and stomping she was doing must not have hurt her too badly. It was quite an impressive tantrum, but later that morning she walked from the library to the elevator. Today she has walked a few times as well.

The diet is not improving quickly, but again the surgeons do not think that is odd. She ate Cheerios for breakfast and lunch and then 5 bites of pasta and 2 carrot sticks for supper. Since she threw up after she had milk, guacamole chips and french fries the one day she has decided she no longer likes those foods.

If it were not for her port infection I think we would already be home. They have mentioned that after they have 2 negative blood cultures they may send us home. That would be wonderful. We still have to take oral antibiotics, but that is better than staying here.

I enjoyed my time at home. Chloe was so excited to see me since I surprised her by picking her up at daycare. She is talking a ton right now and told me she missed me over and over again. We were able to take a stroller ride, visit Esther and the triplets and do some playing. Today we went to Target and a consignment shop in Marion for fun. The big thrill of the day is that Chloe is staying over night with Leah and me at the hospital. We shall see how this goes. Leah is not very excited about her one-on-one time being taken up by her sister, but then two seconds later is giggling about what Chloe is doing. I will be alone with the girls til 4 tomorrow night so this could be quite an interesting, challenging day coming up.

Chris did find Leah to be a bit challenging while he was here. She has been trying to exert control in any way she can and we are both struggling to pick our battles and accomplish the items that we must to help her get to go home.

We have been overwhelmed with gifts and cards and many thoughtful gestures. It is wonderful to know so many people are praying and remembering Leah and our family. The benefit is just two days away. Both Chris and I are looking forward to seeing many people that we have not visited with in a long while and those that we see frequently, too.

It should be bedtime now, but Chloe insists she is not tired. So, she is entertaining us all and Leah and Rebecca the nursing assistant are doing a little glue picking.