Beanie's Blog: Gearing up!

We had a long day at the hospital today. Selene was AMAZING. Like, charming, delightful with the nurses, didn't flinch during two, yes two, blood draws (10 vials total, she's a champ!), and even occupied herself with crayons and a little Disney Jr during our 2 hour meeting with the transplant specialist.

We heard lots that we already knew, but it was wonderful to hear the reassurances from our doctor. The risks are scary but he expects all to go well. We're in the best case scenario with a healthy start and a perfect sibling match.

We took a tour of the transplant unit. The rooms were much smaller than I imagined they would be. And the sleeping is either a small couch or a pull out chair. My pregnant self had really hoped for something else. Maybe I'll get a chance to duck out and get to my chiropractor a few times ;-) And my ever thoughtful husband bought me a massage for Valentine's day. So we'll survive!

The other bummer was that because we are doing this in the winter we are visitor restrictions. Which means we can have 4 people on our list and that's it. I know our sisters had planned to come help but looks like the grandparents take precedent and we'll work with that. Ainsley will only be allowed to visit on donation day, so we will have lots of FaceTime in our future.

I was amazed at all the services they have for families. A small room with water/ice, a fridge and freezer and microwave right in the transplant unit. Then across the hall in Oncology is a Ronald McDonald lounge with snacks and drinks stocked and catered dinners donated twice a week. Upstairs is a family center where they have a really nice lounge, coffee (with a continental breakfast twice a week), a library where I can sign out movies and best of all....NAPPING rooms! I didn't see what the beds looked like, but I foresee lots of time spent there when Dad or a Nana is visiting.

One of the little boys was in art therapy in the playroom while we were touring, he was making tie dye shirts! Selene was excited as he waved at her through the windows. They said she's a bit young to do the art, but obviously they haven't met her and her art easel. So I'll do my best to get her included in that. But while he was there his Mom let us pop into his room. Again, not as much storage as I expected but it will be fine. I just have to go in organized and stay that way. I don't do well in cluttered small spaces. Then there's the whole thing with keeping everything clean :-)

There were also tons of huge mylar balloons tied to people's room doors. Beanie was losing it over them, so I guess I know what will be tied to her door next week. Mommy and Daddy are suckers for making this kid happy right now!

We go in Thursday for Ainsley's blood work and meeting with anesthesia and then meet with the other nurses who will be working with us, learning about nutrition and some other things. I'm excited about that. I want to know ALL THE THINGS!

Then next week we move in. Everyone was really sweet and great and excited and I think our time will fly, as long as we have no super scares from infections or complications.