Inpatient Day -7 Admission Day

Today is what they consider day -7 Inpatient, they will continue to count down. Day 0 will be her new Bone Marrow Birthday and then they will continue to count up as BMT + days. (Just wanted to explain so when you see our weird numbers you will know what they mean.) We started our day just by packing last minute things to take to the hospital and getting ready for the day. We went out at 10:00 to catch the shuttle with all of our luggage to move into the hospital. I asked Ariauna if she was nervous and she said "No, because nothing is happening today to be nervous about". What a smart girl!

Once we got to the hospital we had to stop by the admission office and get all the paperwork done to be admitted. Then we had to stop at security to get me an admission badge so I could even go up the elevator. We headed up to the 4th floor which is the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. There are 24 rooms for transplant patients. This is how we found Ariauna's bed.

She was so excited. She named her new pillow pet "Spotty" and she loved her new blankets and pillowcase. The nurses all came in to welcome us and immediately started going over paperwork. Ugh! That was long and boring. We were told we had to be there by 10:30 to get admitted and then we could leave on a pass for the afternoon until 9:00 p.m. I thought we would only be there for a couple of hours, well I was wrong. They drew her blood work, and we waited and waited for the doctors to make their rounds and visit us before we could be let out on a pass for the day. So we made good use of our time and started unpacking our stuff. Here is pictures of her room all decorated. We have plenty of pictures all over and lots and lots of pictures of our family at home.

These rooms are amazing. Because Ariauna's immune system will be suppressed and her bone marrow and blood cells will be completely wiped out, these rooms have a special filter in them that filters the air. The system was made so that when the door opens the air in the hall is not allowed to swirl in, so there is an alarm on the door to the hall and if it is opened for more than a minute or two it alarms to make sure you shut it. It is amazing to me everything they do to make sure these rooms stay germ free. We finally got tired of waiting to get out on pass, so we ordered lunch. Ariauna loves to be able to order what she wants, anytime. For lunch she ordered a cheese pizza, goldfish crackers chocolate pudding and chocolate milk. Silly girl! (every kids dream meals)

Finally about 2:45 we got permission to get out on a hospital pass. Ariauna was excited. One more day out in the real world before being confined to the hospital. Ari and I headed downstairs to wait for the shuttle to come. We headed back to the Ronald McDonald house, ran in and repacked one of the suitcases with some more stuff to take to the hospital and headed back down to meet the Chidester's. They had planned a few days ago to pick us up and take us to their house for dinner and another blessing for Ariauna. Lisa and Macey picked us up. Ariauna was so excited to see Macey. We drove to another sweet families house in Lisa's ward, the Anderson's. We all introduced ourselves, I have been chatting a little bit with the Anderson family and their friend Tuesday that lives with them. It was good to finally meet them. Brother Anderson and Brother Sellers gave Ariauna another beautiful blessing. I could feel the spirit so strong in their home and through that blessing. What wonderful men to be willing to bless my little girl when those who normally do this for us are not able to be here. We were so grateful to them and their willingness to give Ariauna a priesthood blessing. I am so grateful again for the sweet angels here in Minnesota who have been willing and able to touch our lives forever. We visited for a few more minutes. Tuesday is from London and has a beautiful accent. Tuesday has the American girl doll Felicity, so her and Ariauna had fun sharing dolls with each other. Ariauna was able to hold the Anderson's new baby girl (imagine that). Ariauna loves babies and was so excited to be able to hold her.

 Then we left and went to the Chidester's home, it was beautiful. We helped as much as we could with getting dinner ready. Lisa shared one of her bottled pickles she just did, they were delicious. We ate dinner, Baked Ziti, green beans and a salad. The girls played for awhile and then we went on a walk around the block and stopped to water their community garden.

After our walk outside we came back and had cake and ice cream. Lisa got out her folder of DVD's and let us borrow a bunch to keep us busy the next little bit. While we were there, Lisa got out the American Girl doll horse that a friend's daughter donated to Ariauna. She was totally thrilled and I am sure it will get lots of use and love and care at our house.

 Then it was time for Ariauna and Macey to say goodbye. Here they are with Ari giving her huge hugs and loves. I am so grateful for the Chidester family and their taking the time out of their schedule to spend the afternoon/evening with us. What a sweet family! I am grateful that Ariauna had a good last day outside enjoying the weather and friends.

Lisa was kind enough to drive us back to the hospital. We were suppose to be back at 9:00 and we pulled up in the parking drive at almost exactly 9:00. We got back up to our room, got all settled in, the nurses came in and did another set of vitals and took her weight and height.

 Ariauna got ready for bed. Because everything during the transplant needs to be so sanitary and germ free. I actually am not allowed to use the bathroom in our room. So I stepped out and when I came back in Ariauna was crashed. I think she had a fun, busy and tiring day. Love this girl!