1 Week!!!!

I got a phone call about 2 hours ago from the psychologist from CHOC, and it suddenly got really real. I am so stinking excited for the 22nd.

I almost cried when I got off the phone with her, because it is finally happening for Caitlin. I must say I really liked Rady's Children's until I learned that they had a feeding program all along and never spoke about it to us. I would think that would be your first thing to do with a child with a feeding problem, not just stick a tube in them. We have since moved all of Caitlin's medical stuff to CHOC, because the staff there is amazing, and really takes a genuine interest in Caitlin's eating and they have this amazing program to help children eat instead of be dependent on feeding tubes until god knows how long. Rady's told me Caitlin would have her tube till about 11 or 12. At 6.5 years old, she has a real possibility of getting out.

I have talked with Caitlin a lot about the upcoming hospitalization, and possibly getting her tube out, and that kid has the best attitude of any kid I have ever met, about eating. She wants to get strong, she wants her tube out and in her words she want to "wear a bathing suit and not have her tube sticking out". I don't blame her lol. Although shes worried about being in the hospital I *think* I have calmed her fears a little bit with all the fun stuff they have to do there.

I am also excited because people who know us know, that Caitlin for all of her life has seen doctor upon doctor, and been in and out of hospitals, and now there is a possibility that this is it. This could be the end of everything that we have been through as a family for the last 6 years. I thought that day would never come, and now that I know eventually it will be here, I am ecstatic.

I am also excited, because they are going to give us the tools to help us understand her eating problems and how we can help her get over her fears and eat normal meals. To be able to understand, and be able to help her, I know will be an amazing feeling.

I am so proud of what she has accomplished thus far. I do credit her karate teacher and her therapist with a lot of the motivation behind her eating. Caitlin wants to get strong for karate so she can do a demo with her Sensi on April 20th, with weapons (lord help us) lol. Her therapist has been a huge help to Caitlin and us, because she is so positive with Caitlin and her eating, and she has taught us a lot about positive reenforcement when trying to help Caitlin with her eating.

Whew sorry so long winded, but I just cannot wait. I am excited like I am going to Disneyland or something, but this is such a big step in all of our lives.