This is the life....

Elaina is LOVING being at home. Probably just as much as we're loving having her here! She's keeping me busy, but I'm loving every minute of it! We got to go to my sister's house for Easter and Elaina was even able to have some play time with her cutie cousin Adam. Adam just turned 6 months old and the first thing Elaina did was to give him a kiss on the cheek. :) Super cute! Ben is out of school for Spring Break this week, so we've got lots of time to get things done and get settled in. I still don't have most of her things put away, but we've been having lots of fun playing and snuggling and enjoying this time!

We are pretty much home-bound until May. Her wonderful doctor has told me that I am not to take her out to Church, shopping, etc. until he gives his okay. Hopefully the weather will cooperate so that we can at least go on some walks or to the park, otherwise I'm sure we'll go stir crazy. Just a side note on her doctor. Dr. Black was assigned to Elaina the day she was first admitted to South Davis. He has been the doctor that has signed all her orders, adjusted her meds, and basically helped her to this stage in her life. I am VERY fortunate that in addition to his patients at South Davis, he also has a private practice in Bountiful. I am so glad that Elaina will be able to continue in his care. He's also Ben's pediatrician now that we've moved. I feel very good about having a doctor that fully understands our situation and knows Elaina's history so well.

This is just a quick post, but I wanted to tell you all Thank You for all your prayers and well wishes! What a journey this has been. I am so looking forward to this new chapter in our lives. We still have some obstacles to overcome, but I'm ready for the challenge (I think!).

I will leave you with a few pictures from our Easter weekend!
HUGS!!!! Thanks for checking in on us!
Hollie, Ben and Elaina

Word of the Day

HOME!

That's right! You heard me!

All the orders have been written.

The room has been packed up.

Miss Elaina will be giving her final farewells to the wonderful staff at South Davis Community Hospital this morning!



My emotions are ALL OVER THE PLACE! It seems like I can't stop the tears from flowing. What a journey this has been... She's been admitted either at Primary's or South Davis for nearly TWO years! (Her last official stint at home was in May of 2008).

I've had the pleasure of meeting many, many, many fabulous nurses, CNA's and Respiratory Therapists. I've had the opportunity to meet many wonderful families and make lifelong friends. With that said, I am so excited for this new chapter in our lives!

Elaina was able to spend the last 2 weekends at home as we "transitioned". She was an absolute joy. Such a happy girl. She KNOWS what home is. She KNOWS she belongs here. In fact, she's showed me in no uncertain terms that she did NOT appreciate me taking her back to the hospital. She is going to be SO thrilled to be home to stay. Ben is super excited to have his sister home. He's on her side, you see. He did his best the last two weekends to convince me that Elaina didn't have to go back to the hospital at the end of our weekend visits. I heard him whisper to her when she was upset about being back in the hospital "I told Mom not to bring you back here. It's all her fault..." Little stinker.... :)

I've hesitated in making this announcement, because of the Jinx factor... In the past, every time I mentioned the "H" word, something would happen and instead of coming home, it would slip further away. But this time it's real. She's coming home to stay!

Wow. We're going to have so much fun! We're going to make so many wonderful memories, and actually get to LIVE without so many wires and monitors!

Well, I've got to GO. My little Bug is waiting for me. :)

HOME........ where the Heart is!

Love,
Hollie, Ben and Elaina