not that I am counting

but we are 11 days away from being hospital free for 7 months! Weeehooo.

I visited a little one on the pedi floor two weeks ago - and I didn't know all the nurses and they had a new doctor. So we better not have to go back. I am quite content NOT meeting new hospitalists.

But seriously, praise God for a healthy winter! The boys and Morgann have all had this never.ending.cold since the beginning of January. Just snotty/coughy-ness. But they have done well with it. In fact, Miss Morgann is the one who is most bothered by here nagging cough.

Lord willing, we will be heading down to VA again for our February vacation week. I am looking forward to seeing my momma who is recovering from her hip break and surgery. I can't wait to see her and give her a hug!

Looking back.

Yesterday, we met my friend Kris and her two cute kids at our local children's museum. Though the location has changed, it is the same museum that we had a membership to when Morgann was a wee two year old. We haven't gone in about three years. Morgann and her new friends had a fun time, but I couldn't help but feel a bit wistful about how fast she has grown up. She is no longer toddling through exhibits needing my help. Now I had to try hard to figure out where she was while playing. She has turned into such a wonderful young lady. She happily helps me with the boys during the day, is polite, friendly, and special little girl.

But seriously, can we shrink her? This growing up thing has happened all too fast. Where did that little toddler playing the drums go?

Gavin Owens: {Special Needs iPad 101}

This is pretty cool. IPads and special need kids. I want to start saving to get the boys one!!

Gavin Owens: {Special Needs iPad 101}

I heart snow

I love snow.

It's white

It's fluffy

It's pretty

It's cold

It's peaceful.

I love snow.

And today we got

SNOW

20 inches of beautiful white fluffiness.

...but also.....please keep my mom in your prayers..she broke her hip today at work. She is awaiting surgery right now. I fear the recovery will be very hard. But God is good in good times and hard times. I wish we could just drive on down to VA....but there is 20 inches of white stuff...so maybe God wants me here right now. Love you momma.

I am so happy that my little Morgann is much like her momma.

And loves it like me:)

2010

2010 in numbers
11 trips to the ER
4 ambulance rides, I,K,K
9 admissions: I,I,K,I,K,K,I,K, I
28 nights
4 different hospitals: Elliot, Boston,Franklin Memorial, Roanoke Memorial
1 scheduled surgery (I's triple scope, ear tubes)
1 unplanned surgery (I's central line)
111 medical appointments, 2 for Morgann

phew.

Snapshots of a day...five months later

Do you ever look back and have like a snapshot of yourself? Well, five months ago, K was at Elliot. He was sick. Not too bad - but just bad timing. We were supposed to leave for SC the morning he was admitted and I sent Rich and Morgann on to SC. Our friend Diana took Mr. I. I took the ambulance to the hospital. It was one of our ER all nighters. I was EXHAUSTED and emotional. Very very emotional. Did I mention I was tired? So Dr. Crazymaniam of another hospital was stirring up stuff with the Health Dept and with Elliot. (Once again, she was WRONG!) So on top of Rich being gone, having a sick child, having no sleep, and not really knowing where my other baby was, I had Dr. Crazy trying to get K transfered.) I put my foot down and Elliot was awesome and supported us. But I WAS DONE. One of those moments, when you cant do anymore. I couldnt sleep, eat, puke, or think. Though I felt like doing all three. I needed OUT of the hospital. I called my awesome friend Marie, but she was babysitting Mr. I (found him at least!) and another baby and her own kids and they were napping but she could pick me up in an hour or so. I called Kris next. She answered and was able to come to the hospital within a few minutes. I got in her van and LOST IT. Tears and snot and all....totally lost it. Got home. Didn't have keys. So I broke in my own home...nice. I got to the kitchen and just lost it even more. I remember sobbing over the sink. This is my snapshot - me sobbing over the kitchen sink and apologizing to a not present Morgann for not being able to go to SC with her and for all the doctors appointments and stress we put on her over the last year. I don't know what Kris said or did. But she was THERE. Somehow she got me to callm down...and got me to lay down and just breath.. She found care for Mr. I. She helped me find my keys. I dont remember what happened next. Thank you Kris. Somehow Mr. I was delivered to another foster family who lovingly took care of him for a few days. I somehow got back to the hospital - and was sent home by our awesome nurse Lori, who assured me she would call if anything came up and that K was her only patient and she would stay with him all night. She did and he was fine and he came home the next day.

So here we are, five months later. And we are okay. Morgann is fine. She is happy and loves her brothers. K is doing pretty good minus a runny nose and lots of drooling - darn molars! Mr. I is also doing great and finally doesnt puke everything all the time. Rich is a loving dad of three. And me, I am just remembering what we have been through and so thankful that its been FIVE MONTHS. And its been so worth it. And even if we do have some crisis happen and we are in the hospital again on Christmas. It will still be okay. God is good all the time. And all the time, God is good. In sickness and in health. All the time. Even when I am crazy. God is good.

5 months!!

5 months!! Elliot Hospital, we love ya! But its so good not have been in patient in over 5 months!!

This is HUGE for us.

K hasn't had to have daytime supplemental oxygen since May too. Yay for getting healthier lungs.