Hospital Heaven

So, we all know up front, that nobody wants to be in the hospital. But today I was teasing Lucy that she had it made when the nurse and I were giving her a shower for the first time. I told her that want to be waited on with room service, get to go to the gym everyday, then get a spa treatment (that's what Tanya and I used to call it when we would wash Mom in San Francisco last year). Not to mention all the extras - wait, let's do mention them. So this post will talk about the positives of her stay:

• The staff is amazing. We are so happy with how thoughtful and kind all of her nurses, doctors and therapist are. Even the food service, laundry and cleaning staff are sweet and efficient.
• Child Life - this is a wonderful program here where there have music time, arts and crafts, a huge playroom filled with toys, volunteers who will play with your child if they want, etc. They have loaned Lucy a laptop, so she can Skype family and friends - as well as play Club Penguin online (that is what she is currently doing - so I have time to blog).
• Visitors, visitors, visitors!! I blogged already about some of them. She also has had her Principle, Deedra Devine visit, as well as her current teacher, Julie Olsen. Mrs. Olsen brought in an activity book and candy, as well as a Dr. Seuss Night book bag filled with books from the Librarian, Mrs. Miles. Also, she brought Lucy a pile of homemade cards that the kids in her class had made for her. She was a bit distracted with her friends with Mrs. Olsen came; but enjoyed reading every card later that afternoon. She thoughtfully looked over each one, and talked about the student who made it for her. What a wonderfully supportive and loving school Buckeye Elementary is. That is why when we moved, we made sure to keep the kids there - we love it. She had our good friend Randy Bartlett (Premier Entertainment - why not give him a plug? http://www.premierentertainment.biz/ ) visit - bringing her a pile of activities (create a Butterfly diary, sticker activity book, How to draw book). Our dear friends Cyndi and Donald come and visit with Starbucks hazelnut hot chocolate (for her and Mommy - yay!), as well as a cool light up constellation ladybug, a stuffed Eric Carle grouchy ladybug (which fits her mood sometimes), and a Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy book (where the girl is named LuLu). They also gave Ryan and me an sweet card with an Arco gas gift card inside. She had her friend Abby come back again yesterday, and I think Rachel is coming again today. In addition to Uncle Travis, Aunt Krista, Aunt Cheri and Bishop Melville who have made multiple visits. Poor Grandma and Aunt Tanya haven't been able to visit yet - but maybe will soon.
• Therapy - she loves the playroom and having fun. Although it is hard work, they make it play. When I asked her what her favorite part was, she said "All of it". Kinda like having a personal trainer at the gym, huh? I miss that. Someday I would like to go back to Zack at 24Hour Fitness in Folsom - he's the best! It's tough, but he makes it fun, and I loved the results.
• Room Service - She gets to order off a wonderful menu, and the food is good. When she wants more of something, they get her more. Must be nice. ;-)
• Doritos, Doritos, Doritos (plus Bacon and Turkey Sausage galore). Lucy thought this deserved it's own bullet point.
• Complete package - including a TV, DVD player, VCR, telephone (to 916 & 530 area codes), Internet, Skype, waited on by Mommy and hospital staff, etc.

This is like Christmas for Lucy (and the rest of the family). The family has received meals brought in every night by loving members of Cameron Park and El Dorado wards. My mom's cousin, Mary K is sending a little something for each of the kids at home, who aren't getting Mommy's attention. As well as sweet cards and gifts from so many people (The Funk family, Neldine Valles, Marva and Ed, etc). Yesterday her Aunt Summer's family sent her a gift basket filled junk food snacks and a cute little stuffed kitty, with a Get Well Balloon flying over it. Sweet Becky Gibson even included a Candy gift bag for Ryan and my Anniversary.

The best gift of all is your love, support and prayers for our family during this time, as well as the blessings we have received from our Heavenly Father. Even Dr. Boggan, who came in today, said he was praying for Lucy. We continue to be showered with kindness from everyone. We are so blessed!