Preparations continued. Gramma, Bill, Bailey and I attacked the house with vigor this morning. Steaming floors, cleaning windows and blinds, vacuuming dog hair, dusting everything. Less than 24 hrs left now, and all I can think of is a quote from the movie Jaws, hidden in the background of a scene. A woman exclaims with a heavy whine “24hrs is like three weeks!!!!”

Gramma is happy to be back to smothering Trevor and can’t wait to smother Brendan with kisses too.

Gramma and Trevor went with me to the hospital to see Brendan. Every time I see him there, I keep thinking how much better off he will be at home.
He says “I get to go home tomorrow?!”

He shows Gramma how he plays with Calamari

Trevor says, “I just need to figure this thing out so I can help take care of my bro”

Trevor’s shopping trip was a good time. He had fun grabbing the bars on the cart with his toes like a little monkey.

You have to have a frozen coke at Sam’s Club

I am exhausted tonight, I didn’t even feel well enough to go out for my birthday with Bill. We stayed in and ate chocolate cake and ice cream and I am going to lie down and watch the rest of Jaws.

We’ll be going to the hospital early tomorrow to work on Brendan’s discharge. He has to be brought to the house via ambulance. It ought to make for an interesting day! Lots of pictures to come tomorrow, probably late!

Busy busy busy busy!!! Bill’s campout with Brendan went very well. Bill had to get Brendan through an epic meltdown this morning because he was not the least bit interested in his nebulizer treatment. But rocking and patting and talking got him through it, no drugs.
Trevor and I went for the day and had lots of meetings. We got the tubing parts problem sorted out and will have the stuff he needs to come home. I met with another home care nurse that will be available for some day shifts and ride alongs to doctors appointments. We made more check marks on our check sheet of things to learn and do.

Gramma made it safely and we picked her up from the airport, took her home and then immediately Bill and I left her with Trevor and went out on the town for some alone time. (truthfully, we went to Walmart for some last minute necessities for Brendan. Walmart is such a great place for a date.) We had Lou Malnati’s Chicago style deep dish pizza for dinner, thanks Aunt Holly for the birthday surprise! It was perfect for tonight, we are saving the chocolate cake for tomorrow.

No matter how busy we are, Trevor never misses his bath time. It is the key to a happy day. These pictures could have been taken any day of the week.

Brendan charms everyone he sees with his smile. He works it too, he knows how to make everyone act silly and do his bidding.

My facebook wall is loaded with talk of cabins, lakes, boating, BBQ’s, camping, fun, family, and relaxation. I spent the first part of my weekend camping out with my baby boy. Sure, the hospital bed was about the same as sleeping on the ground in the woods! I had a great experience with Brendan (technical difficulties yesterday aside). Bill and Trevor showed up this morning, so now Trevor and I have come home and it is Bill’s turn for his campout.
He got to do a therapy session with Brendan and teach him some rolling skills. Tomorrow we get to interview another home nurse to do a few day shifts during the week as long as we can get coverage for it. We also get to meet with the home equipment company rep again and try to get the supply order right. Then we go to the airport to pick up Gramma!

Brendan must have learned from Trevor that biting his hands helps with teething. It is a race to see who will get the tooth first!

Brendan has made some good progress developmentally these last few weeks. He is looking at toys and reaching and grabbing now. He seems to get a tiny bit stronger every day! AND.. I am not sure I am able to believe it, but the scale last night said that Brendan weighed 16.9lbs!! His chunkle thighs are not so far behind his brother.

“Nice to meet you, Captain Calamari, how do you do?”

Grabbing at tiger – it seems like such a simple thing, but it is so nice to see him learning new skills.

Bill and I both get to camp out with Brendan, so we didn’t want Trevor to feel left out. We made a tent for him in outer space.

He showed me what he thought of his tent!

Watch Trevor the Magnificent escape from the dangerously treacherous mind boggling outer space tent of doom! It is a video full of nail biting suspense. Will he get out in time? (time to eat that is) Actually the laugh track from some stupid sitcom on TV in the background kind of kills the suspense.