Day +3

Today is day +3. Naomi came to spend some time with Anna while I stayed home with the little ones, and Craig took the older four boys over to Bremerton. He had a couple of appointments today, several errands to run, and the boys had Boy Scouts this evening. One of the meds Anna was scheduled to take today we knew made her really sick the last time she took it so Anna knew that if she needed me, I would come in an instant.

On the home front, school went on for Julia and Lydia as normal. Okay, as normal as possible right now. Abby and Zeke drew pictures for Anna and enjoyed "helping" mama fold clothes. Selah was ready for a nap, so I put her into the playpen and shut the door. Next thing I know, I am hearing the turning of the door nob and a precious but naughty little girl is standing there with her THREE special blankies in her arms and a huge grin on her face! Too cute, but, being the good mommy I know I need to be, instead of smiling at her and telling her how adorable and clever she is, I scooped her up and let her know that in no uncertain terms, she MUST take her nap...thus she must stay in her bed! Again, after the door was closed, I heard that familiar sound..the turning of the door nob, the three blankies in tow, the huge grin on her pudgy face. Scoop number two, you MUST take your nap! Sigh...The third time I heard it I was in the dining room and didn't get up right away. I instead quietly got up and peeked around the corner. She was laying on her tummy in the hall by the kitchen with her 3 blankies and huge grin. When she saw me with my phone taking a picture, she sat up and grinned even bigger...uh oh, I was caught! So this time, I scooped the little munchkin up and hauled her to my bed, where we BOTH took a little nap...and she stayed put.

As I woke up from my little nap, Naomi was calling me to come for Anna. She was feeling pretty lousy and needed her mommy. So, we all piled in the car and headed to Children's. I went up after saying good bye to all of the little ones who were very sad they didn't get to come say hi, and traded with Naomi.

It is sometimes hard to keep that smile when you feel lousy, you want to be home, and well, you just feel lousy! I held her precious hand and stroked her fingers, telling her how much I wished that I could take this from her! After a bit of time, the smile was back, tears were gone, and we were laughing together remembering the night doctor's corny jokes. Laughter really does do good like a medicine! As well as having mommy there to comfort you! Anna was able to stay awake for quite some time and she actually asked for a bite of FOOD! She ate 3 bites to be exact! And so far, she has not vomited! Yay for small victories! She was able to get freshened up with a shower and then tucked back in a freshly made bed. Then we Face Timed with the family at home. This was medicine for her soul! She enjoyed watching the little ones clamor in front of the computer, taking turns to express their love for her and how much they missed her! Zeke was so excited he almost spilled the beans about a special birthday surprise waiting for her! They were all quickly gathered and admonished to not tell the secret so Anna could have a surprise! Then it was loves, and kisses, and "hi's" all over again! When Anna got off of the Face Time, she was all smiles and a few yawns. She was all tucked in, her sleepy anti-nausea meds kicking in, and ready for much needed sleep. "Mom," she said, "I love you. Thank you for being here. Now go get yourself a bite to eat at Starbucks." "I love you too, it is my privilege to be here with you, my love! I'll get food when you have gone to sleep, until then, I'll be right here by your side. Good night sweet heart." As she nodded off, I slipped out of the room to get my dinner. Since then, I've been here, using her computer to catch up on some blog reading of my own, and post a quick update for everyone out there.

Thank you all for your love and prayers! God is truly giving us the strength we need on a day to day/moment by moment basis! I have a wonderful husband who has the support of a wonderful church to be able to stay here and take a huge portion of the hospital stay upon his shoulders. He affords me the luxury of sleeping in my own bed at night and he is always making sure that I don't over due it. He also makes sure the other children get lots of mommy time while then getting over to give them daddy time as well! I am truly thankful. We are also very blessed by every opportunity to minister to others that God is giving us! We have a very long prayer list that grows daily as we meet more people. Our hearts are breaking for the souls here who are hurting beyond measure! It is a love only our loving Saviour could instill in us. Thank you, Lord for this trial in our lives, that gives us true understanding of what other's suffering means to them! Thank you for breaking my heart, keeping me dependent on you! As in the words of the famous poem, "Footprints", it is when we are in the biggest trials that you are carrying us...unlike the author, I KNOW I am being carried, Lord, as I feel your arms around me all of the way!