Tuesday, January 29, 2008

WE ARE HOME!!!!! We got home yesterday about 1700. Elijah told us in the hospital that he didn't want to go home, but we knew deep down that he really wanted to. We got in the car and started to drive home and when I looked back at him, he got a huge smile on his face. That's when I knew that it was going to be good to be home. Elijah mostly wanted to lay on the couch, but he seemed very sore from his bone morrow. They did the bone morrow at about 10:00 yesterday morning, and it went so much better than the last one. They gave him different medication than the last time, and after they were done he was as high as a kite. Funny, happy and all around just nice. It was nice that the staff at the hospital got to see that side of him before we left. It took us several hour to pack up our one bedroom apartment (haha), and we managed to fill the suburban completely. Can you imagine what my house looks like right now. Santa came on Saturday, so nice that he could make a late trip for us. We were able to have our little Christmas, even though it didn't feel like Christmas at all with the 50 degree weather. Unfortunately, Elijah was on one of his down swings, but I was able to get a few good pictures and it will all be a memory to look back at. Elijah ha an okay night, about what I expected. Even if he was up several time, I know that we all got better sleep than we did at the hospital. I got into bed and just melted, it was so nice to feel comfort again. I almost forgot what it was like. I am giving Elijah an IV antibiotic through his PICC line every 8 hours. It was so hard to wake him up last night when he was sleeping so nice. Alivia was glad to be home too!! I think she may have been a little spoiled this last month, judging by her needing to be held and have my attention every minute she is awake. It is a tragedy if I walk away without picking her up. We will have to slowly detox her. She is too cute to not hold!! Today with Elijah has been night and day from the hospital. He still has some hard times, and definite mood swings, but he I haven't seen him happy for as much f the day as he is today. He has asked several times to get off the couch and find something to do. He still has a little trouble getting up and down and walking, but the fact that he wants to do it is a huge improvement. I know now that it's just going to take a few weeks for him to rebuild his strength. It is so nice to be home, I can't even explain it. Now the trick is staying home. We do have to go to the outpatient clinic to start his second round of treatment (consolidation phase) on Friday. We just need to stay away from being admitted. Lets pray for NO FEVERS PLEASE!!! As weird as it sounds, this already seems routine to us and it truly is our new normal. That's all for now, someone is needed some attention. Love you all!! Please stop by to visit , if your not sick of course. Bye for now.

17 comments:

Ben, Rebecca, Natali, Isaac, Spencer said...

That is so great that you get to be home! I can't imagine how that must of felt. Yeah for you guys & Elijah!

Robyn said...

Welcome home! There truly is no place like it. We will be sure to pray for no more fevers! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Love, Mons Family

Anonymous said...

What good news! To have hopes of a discharge so many times before, I can only imagine how nice it must have felt to leave the hospital with Elijah. Our prayers join so many for a healthy future for him and your family.

Much love,
The Garricks

Laura Bernard said...

OOHH! What good news! We will pray for no fevers. I can't even imagine how nice it was to arrive, to sleep in your own bed! I'm so glad he's happier and feeling a bit better. It's so nice to see those smiles.

Anonymous said...

Thats Great!!! Glad to hear you guys are at home as a family. Good luck, no fevers, and keep posting on the blog every now and again. Isaac and Emma had lots of questions about the dog at the hospital. Isaac wanted to know if they were the same ones that visited Grandpa Niederklein in the hospital. We'll keep you in our daily thoughts. The Henry's

tonya said...

There is nothing like the comforts of home. Your kids look so cute, they are just growing. I hope all goes well for you. I am so glad to see that you are adjusting so well calling it your norm. You are all so amazing we truly miss you and send our love. I just wish I could make you dinner, I know it is naive of me but I think dinner just makes things a little better.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you guys to be home now! Tava & Cael pray (as do we all) for "Elijah to get to go home" every day! Now they'll have to change to NO fevers! Please let us know if you need anything! We miss seeing you guys! Hopefully we can get healthy here so we can visit! Again - Congrats on getting home! It must feel wonderful! We love you all and will continue to pray for Elijah's health & strength for you all!
Love,
Jack & Stephanie Ruby - & kids

Launi Walker said...

Congratulations! What great news!

Heitmann Family said...

Good for you guys!! I am glad you are finally home in your own space. We still pray for continued success in Elijah's treatments. Alivia is adorable, love those cheeks!!

Anonymous said...

So wonderful to have everyone home. And here's praying that it stays that way, no fevers or anything else to send you back to the hospital.

Unknown said...

We are so glad to hear that you are home and doing well. Our family is finally on the mend and will come visit as soon as we feel it is safe. We will pray for no fevers and a happy Elijah...he deserves that. I am sure that it is so nice to have Alivia home and your family together again. Give them all loves and I hope that we can get over soon.
Love
The Katchers

Anonymous said...

It was great to see you guys this weekend. I am so happy to see you got to go home! Maybe Ryne and I could come visit sometime, I am sure he would like to play with Alivia!

Sarah Copple

Theresa said...

Way to go, Elijah!!!...Glad to see that you are home at last......
We are all pulling for you. Dr.Lonzarich and Tami
Walnut Creek Peds


Now this is your neighbor across the street...I was so excited to see you pull in the driveway while I was watching my daughter come home from school!! I'll have to come meet Elijah again when I'm sure I'm not carrying any bugs! Would you like a meal? I'll bring one over sometime. My family has been praying for you since Christmas Eve.... Theresa

Natali Jolley said...

Hi,
I look at your blog often, but hardly ever comment. I want you to know that you are in our prayers. Your blog makes me cry and laugh. Thanks for all your updates.
Natali and Bryce Jolley

Anonymous said...

Wonderful - You will probably be amazed at how well Elijah does now that he is at home. It will take a little time, but things will start to fall into place for you
Hang in there KIDS - we love you all.
Aunt Keryl

Anonymous said...

Hey Amanda,
Carrie Dodds(Sullivan) here. Jamie and Carmyn just told my about Elijah and I just read about the amazing journey. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers and we wish you nothing but the best. I am back in Iowa so if you EVER need anything don't hestiate to call.

Launi Walker said...

I keep popping in for an update. I hope all is well.