Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Getting Settled in

Well, it seems that we are finally starting to get settled in to South Davis. Transitions are always difficult for me, but so far this one has gone very smoothly. I must say that the atmosphere at South Davis is much different than I expected. It is a long term acute care facility. The majority of the residents are on ventilators with a traech, or are confined to wheelchairs. Most of them have significant developmental delays as well. In a way, it feels like Elaina doesn't quite "fit in". That said, I think we're going to like it here. Rooms are shared, but the other bed in Elaina's room is empty, so she has the bed by the window. So far it's been fairly quiet and it's nice. The nurses are on teams, and the teams rotate every 8 weeks, so there is quite a bit of consistency of care. Someone comes into the room every 30 minutes to check on her, so she seems to get quite a bit of attention. I have a "get to know you" care conference on Thursday, so that will be good to make sure everyone is truly on the same page. She is such a content little thing! She rarely cries, and if she does, there is a good reason for it. I think she likes that she's not getting poked as often! I had a good day holding and loving her, I keep the no-no's off the entire time I'm there. I was getting ready to leave, so I put her back in her bed and put the no-no's back on. I turned on her mobile as I was walking away (it breaks my heart to leave...) and she flashed me a beautiful smile! I think her mobile inspired her, but I still had to stay and take a few pictures while she was willing to give those precious smiles away, so enjoy!

"You almost caught me Mom!"


There's the smile!


getting some sun from her window


Happy girl :)


I LOVE THIS SMILE!!!!!

15 comments:

The Hood's said...

Glad to hear that she is getting settled. The pink is definately a better color for her to lay on! That smile is precious!

Kathy said...

She's such an angel.
Love on her bunches!!!
and charm those nurses into checking on her more than the others!

Kristine said...

I really believe that you're both starting a new chapter in your lives! Seeing the sun on her face and that SMILE! What a great day! She must feel so relaxed and calm after the hospital setting...I know it made a big difference for my daughter.

Mami Adame said...

Her smiles are precious! Glad you are settling in well.

XOXOXOs
Ana

Stephanie Ellinger said...

I came by the hospital for a bunch of appointments with Nathan and was so elated that you guys had left! She has such a beautiful smile. I had a question for you... is Elaina on a cpap or bipap machine? Is that the reason you have to keep the no-no's on? How did see adjust to wearing it? The sleep doctor and ENT said the sleep study came back with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Would you leave a comment on my blog about what your experience has been with it and any advice you could pass on? We're wanting to take that option instead of doing more surgery to remove adenoids and tonsils (no one is comfortable taking away those since he looks like a 22q 11 kid and might have a weakened immune system.)

I'll have to make a point to come and visit you up there some time! Elaina looks so much happier about the situation!

Eliza said...

Hollie...I cannot believe the day finally came either. I am glad that she is not getting poked as often, but I want you to know none of us ever did it willingly. We all thought it was too much. I am glad she is happy though. You all deserve the best. Good luck with everything.

The Portas said...

I'm so happy to hear Elaina is settling in nicely.

What a BEAUTIFUL smile! It's so good to see that. She knows she's out of that yucky hospital.

Give her some loves for me! xoxox

Tina:0) said...

So glad to see such a beautiful smile on her face! She truly looks like she's happy.

Praying you're on your way home sooner than anyone expects!

Lady said...

She is so beautiful. :)

Valerie said...

Oh, it's so wonderful to see her smile again! She's looking so good, Hollie!

Nic and Ashley Haws said...

What a doll!!! I'm so happy you guys are FINALLY out of Primary's! I hope South Davis treats you well. Heavenly Father most definitely hears and answers our prayers.
Love, Ashley

Megan said...

Precious Pics
I am so glad she is settled in.
Thinking and Praying for you always
Megan

My Three Sons said...

What a beautiful smile. I'm glad to see the transition is smooth Keep it up so you can go home to your mommy.

carolyn q said...

I know for me that transition would be hard and so I am glad it's going better than expected.
She looks very good in the pictures and happy. I love the smile.
Heart Hugs,
Carolyn

Unknown said...

What a beautiful smile! Give her some love from us please.