AND we are HOME!

Home Sweet Home!

Bright and early this morning the first doctor made his rounds.

He was satisfied with her progress and mentioned if all went well the rest of the day we would be going home!

YEAH!

The main doctor, Dr. F arrived a bit later and was happy with Elizabeth's progress as well.  She was taking less med's and had transitioned to oral medicine easily -- which is AMAZING for her.

He said we would be going home if all the equipment arrival and training was complete!

Elizabeth was so excited.  

Although, she wanted to know when and continued to ask about the time all day!  She made a BIG step and actually RESPONDED and TALKED to the nurse.  

Daddy had to go home for a bit.  Plus, he had to get some of the WRONG equipment that was brought to our house so it could get exchanged for the RIGHT equipment.  

She got dressed, bathroomed, hair done, ate and moved into a wheelchair.  She really wanted to go 'touring!'

Ready for a ride.  Her shirt says, 'CREATE HAPPINESS'

Unfortunately, that took longer than both her and I wanted as the harness (for the car) trainer arrived.  REALLY, I had to be trained to use it -- it is a PAIN!  

ALTHOUGH, I was thankful as the way the doctor's office explained how Elizabeth would be in the car was WRONG.  We were able to plan a bit better.

Finally, we got out for a spin :)

One of our favorite spots, a BIG window on the 7th flour.  You can see all over the city!  The sun was shining on us this morning!

We visited the gift shop where we found an AWESOME pair of sparkly slippers.  Unfortunately, because of swelling in her foot she cannot wear the one pair of slippers she brought. 

SO -- we just HAD to find something fun AND warm to wear for her to get home ;)

Back to the room -- look at those cute slippers!

We came back to the room and chilled a bit.  Actually, we turned on a movie and she fell asleep -- and I did, too!  She woke first and informed me I missed my phone ringing -- which was right in my lap!

She thought that was pretty funny!  YEP, I'm tired.

She finally ate lunch. She took another nap.  I went to get my lunch but when I got back I dozed again!

Finally, I ate AND she decided we were going to go for another little tour -- 

this would be our last.

She said, 'Dad should be coming!  We are going home SOON!'

Sure enough Dad arrived WITH My Darling!  YEAH!

They finished our training and discharge orders.

We got the harness on for the car.  This was CRAZY!  

The equipment company arrived for the exchange.

We loaded up and went to the van.

She's ready!  You can see that the harness is already on her.

Putting her in the van --- well, that was interesting.

4 adults took 10 minutes to get her in and adjusted properly.

Neither of our vehicles make transporting her easily.  Well, I'm not sure many would!  We just won't be able to places very often.  AND we won't all be riding in the same vehicle as we just won't fit.  SO -- 2 vehicles everywhere we go -- boo!

We got all of our STUFF loaded and OFF!

Elizabeth was pretty uncomfortable but decided to just fall asleep. 

She's in -- it's not very comfortable, though!

The ride was CLEAR!!!  No snow -- nice roads -- traffic, YES!  But we made the ride quickly!

OH -- nothing is better than home!

My mom left chili simmering on the stove.  The boys helped get Elizabeth in.  We unloaded.

AND

ALL collapsed on the bean bag.  Elizabeth LOVED being on her tummy.  We all layed around her and crashed for a bit.

Dinner, visitors, a movie -- part way through she wanted to go to bed.  

 No problem.  I got her ready and she fell asleep IMMEDIATELY!

BLESSINGS!

1.  HOME!  We are HOME!

2.  Pain is under control.

3.  Her spirits are up.

4.  She is TALKING a bit.

5.  All the kids are helpful with everything that needs to be done.

6.  I have a strong and willing son!  The lifting is going to get me!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.  Continued pain control

2.  HEALTH -- for the ENTIRE family.  MD is not feeling well.

3.  REST -- for all but especially for Matt and I.

4.  This pace our life has to be now -- slower -- is a hard adjustment for the kids AND me!

5.  Continued good attitudes by all!

YES, it is work to CHOOSE JOY through all circumstances.  God did NOT promised ease!  BUT we are going to do this with help from HIM, others and LOTS of prayer!  

Thank-you for praying for our family!  

PLEASE continue!  We could not do this without it!