Momentarily emerging to say hello.

This is the first time since Phil came home that I've been able to sit down at the computer and type more than a few word Facebook update.

It appears to me that the recovery from this transplant has been tougher than the first. Phil seems more tired and generally run-down. He also has had a headache since he got home but I'm convinced he's having Mountain Dew withdrawals. No matter... he seems to have taken a turn for the better today, hence me actually having time and energy to post an update.

The two weeks in the hospital went well. Phil spent much more time resting, less time stationary biking. More time joking around with nurses, less time trying to beat the walking record on the transplant floor. Oh, and more time waiting out tornado warnings in the hallway, less time.... well, NOT waiting out tornado warnings in the hallway.

At some point we came to the realization that, while we've attempted to protect the older two kids from the harshness of this whole situation, little miss Ruby has been here through this entire ordeal. First on the inside, privy to all the meetings with our medical team, months of chemo and through the first transplant. Then on the outside, coming to the hospital every day during transplant number two. I think Ruby's presence throughout the last year just adds to our love and appreciation for this delightful new member of our family.


My not-so-subtle hungry baby.

On tap for the next few months... forced rest for Phil. He likes to be social and creative and busy, so resting goes against the fiber of who he is. I get the difficult job of making sure he's napping, eating and wearing his mask when he ventures outside. Plus the added bonus of household responsibilities (the house looks like hell) and full-time kid duty (I look like hell). Speaking of kid duty, Iris decided to start potty training last week when she got off her motorcycle big wheel bike and asked, "Where can I go pee?" which was completely the worst timing in the history of potty training. Caregiving is not for sissies (and thank God once again for my mom helping out and keeping this ship, and me, afloat every day).

I'll be popping in from time to time to update you all on Phil's recovery since he's on internet hiatus until further notice. Maybe I'll even do a video blog or two if children and time permit/s. We'll see.

We're thinking of all of you and hope you are taking the time to enjoy each one of your days.