CHOC Day 11, 12, and 13: Busy, Busy, Busy!

I do apologize for the lack of the blog posts for the last few days, it has been a little hectic, with Stephen finally here, our weekend out of the hospital, and trying to focus on Caitlin eating.

SHE ATE AN ENTIRE BEEF TACO FROM TACO BELL!!

We got some GREAT news on Friday, Caitlin will be getting her g-tube out for good on Tuesday March 8th which just so happens to be Mardi Gras :) We will be celebrating! She is also holding steady at 17.6 kg (38.8 lbs), and her week average calorie count last week was 2400 calories a day!! I wish I could eat like that! So because of all of the great she is doing they are not going to be weighing her anymore while shes here, because they dont want to be focused on the numbers, and they dont want her to develop an eating disorder by being obsessed with her numbers and with calorie counts.

AT KIDS DISCOVERY CENTER

Saturday we went the the Discovery Kids place near CHOC, and it was a blast! She got to pretend she was a hockey player and score goals in a virtual game, she was able to run around and see how weight works on the moon, and how past she could pitch a ball. She had a great time, and then retreated to one of our family's favorite spots, Barnes and Noble. Stephen was able to get Caitlin to eat and enjoy and Basil Pesto Tomato Caprieze Sandwich on artisan bread. Its insane how he gets her to try these things, I think she trusts him to not lie to her or trick her, and hes always very honest about whats in it and the texture.

AT KIDS DISCOVERY CENTER

Today was also a fun day, we headed over to the Irvine Spectrum to do a little shopping for the little munch kin who had gained about 4lbs since being here. She made out pretty darn good, with new shirts, now in a size small from xsmall, and size 6 pants, not size 5 or 6 slim, and dresses in small instead of xsmall as well. My sister Haley came with us and kept having to remind me every time I picked it up that it was in fact small she was wearing. We ate at the cheesecake factory, and Caitlin had about a 1/2 cup of fettuccine alfredo, and some yummy chocolate cheesecake. YUM! After lunch, thanks to my wonderful husband we headed to Nordstroms to pick me up a pair of TOM Shoes. I must say they are about the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I love them.

AT THE IRVINE SPECTRUM

I headed back to the Ronald McDonald House early tonight, because I am exhausted. I have been laying in bed since about 8 just waiting for it to be quiet enough here for me to fall asleep. Tomorrow is a big day for my husband who takes over feeding duties for Caitlin in therapy. Its going to be interesting how their relationship changes and grows because of this experience. I know Caitlin and I are closer than ever, and it was gradual but I'm not stressed anymore around her, and our relationship is so much more positive than it was before. The feeding team has done a lot in just a couple of weeks, and its already started being life changing.

EATING AT BARNES AND NOBLE!

I cannot wait for next week, not only because she gets her tube out, but we leave on Friday back to our house, our dog, and our life. I have to say Stephen and I's relationship is better because of this experience, we are a team now when it comes to Caitlin and I cannot wait to put that into action when we get home!