I'm fading fast so bear with me.  I'll start with pictures from yesterday.  Meaghan's day started with play time with Mommy and Miss Tiffany (Child Life Specialist).  Since being admitted we discovered a game by Play-Doh called Toy Time Race.  It is really cute and Meaghan just loves to squish her opponents.  That was all leading up to the dreaded PICC line dressing change.  We thought we were ready for a quick, quiet change.  Everyone knew what was going to happen.  This is when I remember what Jason likes to say, "Man plans, God laughs."  Our plan flew right out the window and 7 of us were all doing what we could to keep Meaghan still so as not to lose the PICC line, kick a nurse or contaminate the site.  It was AWFUL!  I had a moment to regroup after the event because Miss Tiffany was helping Meaghan tear up tape.  It was evident to anyone in a 4 floor radius that Meaghan was ANGRY!  Half stripping her bed then tearing tape gave her somewhere to direct the anger.  Within about 30 minutes calm had returned and we could move on to our big goal for the day, winning at BINGO.  I am very sad to report that Meaghan did not win.  She got a prize for playing and that helped make her feel better.  After BINGO it was time for a bath and hair washing.  It has to be done all differently in the hospital.  We can absolutely, positively NOT get the PICC wet!  So I can only wipe her down but this time we got this cool shampoo cap.  A few seconds in the microwave and you have a warm soapy, no rinse solution to regular washing.  It worked out great and I would like to kiss the person responsible.  That really sums up Wednesday for Meaghan.  It wasn't a good day.  Her labs weren't back with any definitive news for us and her belly took a turn for the worse.

Today was far less stressful.  No needles or removing/redressing anything.  The hospital clowns came by her room and had her laughing hysterically.  Her belly seems to have improved a little through the day.  The nutritionist is making another change in formulas tonight so we have to wait and see what tomorrow morning brings.  I did find out today that the lab reported there is some bacteria growing in her cultures.  It is possible that it is pseudomonas.  We still have to wait to know for sure.  I don't know how long and even thinking about it makes my head hurt.

For the first time Meaghan was able to leave her room for physical therapy today.  Once she heard she might, she looked forward to getting out of her room all day.  Daddy came to see her again today.  He brought her her favorite treat, McDonalds french fries. She finished the whole bag in plenty of time to go to the gym.  She made the most of the time she had, she was working with the same therapist who has worked in hospital with her before.  They have a great chemistry and Meaghan adores her.  She had lots of fun jumping on the trampoline and working through an obstacle course.  Afterward the three of us played one Play-Doh game before Daddy had to leave.  I think one of Meaghan's favorite things today was talking on the phone to her brothers.  She and Jimmy did great, Jonathan was another story.  Meaghan had a hard time understanding something he was saying and from my perspective it was like watching a Three Stooges episode.  Jason and I had a good laugh when they were finished.

I guess it is still possible that we come home tomorrow, but it is doubtful.  In order to be sure that the dietary changes we're making are in Meaghan's best interest we need to stay a few more days.  I sincerely hope that when we leave here we just finish our antibiotics at home and make it back to school before Thanksgiving.  Wishful thinking but that is my goal.

Thank you for the continued support.  Hugs.