Day One

Information overload!  That is about the only way to describe today.  If I can remember just one person's name tomorrow I will consider it amazing.  James, Naomi and I flew down to Orange County last night and then headed to the Ronald McDonald House where we hung out for about 20 minutes while they found us a hotel since they were full.  We had a lazy morning at the hotel and then checked into CHOC at noon.  Since then it has been a flood of people.  We met the day nurse and her assistant and then the hospitalist and intern who have to be part of Naomi's team because we are on the medical floor but for the most part will be leaving us alone.  Then we met with the social worker and her intern for a bit.  Naomi's room has a big sign on the wall declaring it is hers and is decorated in princesses and flowers.  Also on the bed was a blanket from the Joyful foundation.  The best part it is a private isolation room so we get to be alone and with two doors between us and the hall it is very quiet for a hospital. At 2 the playroom opened so we headed down the hall to check it out and had a great time with play dough.  The dietitian and nurse practitioner from the feeding team came and found us there so I chatted with them while James and Naomi played.  After a few games it was time to head back to our room to meet with two of the therapists and have her first feeding session.  Naomi ate way more than usual and drank 8 ounces of Chocolate Boost (that's 250 calories)!  We said goodbye to daddy who had to fly back home, then headed down to the basement where all the rehab stuff is for a tour and to see where Naomi's future sessions will be taking place.  We toured the rehab gym and Naomi was very thrilled with the ball pit, especially the mini zip line that can propel you into it.  Sometime during the afternoon we met with the psychologist too.  After the gym we had a little down time before dinner and we started Naomi's school work and then finished unpacking.  Then she and I did dinner in our room and headed back to the playroom for a little more fun before bedtime.  She made two art projects and took out all the duplos and megablocks before it was time to take a bath, read a book and get in bed.  It took her over two hours to fall asleep but now at 10:30 she is sleeping and we were able to give her her meds and hook up a very small tube feeding of only 240ml.  

Naomi would love happy mail and it can be sent to Naomi French c/o CHOC, 455 S. Main Street, Orange, CA 92868.  Email me for the room number.

Day 1 complete.  Only getting meds and 240ml through the tube!  Weight 17kg