Things I've Learned

Riley's Hospital is an amazing place for children and families. The hospital was packed day in and day out with families waiting to hear how their child did. It makes me realize how little I knew about it until I needed it. I will definitely be a pop tab collector and will add a Riley's license plate to my Jeep when I get the chance.

The nurses play a huge role in making the hospital the way it is. They treat their babies like they are one of their own. They sing, rock, pat, and love just the way you do. We returned to our room on afternoon to find Stella not in her bed. We looked down the hallway to find two nurses at their desk on the computer. One with Stella in her wagon loaded with toys and the other had a baby on her lap. Our babies aren't just patients to them. They really do care about them.

It takes days for not only the patient to recover, but for the parents as well. So if you are still sleeping every chance you get days later and your house is a mess...it is okay. The experience is emotionally and physically draining.

If you have to spend an extended period of time in a hospital you and your spouse will gain weight. Especially when McDonald's is the only thing that is open 24 hours. Brian's theory that "calories don't count while in the hospital" is not true.

Qdoba's Mexican food is very yummy. A burrito from Qdoba weights approximately 2.6 pounds (verified by the nurses on a diaper scale). Another reason weight gain was inevitable.

Everyone has more people in their lives that care about them than they will ever realize. It is an overwhelming feeling to get showered in emails, cards, texts, and prayers by family, friends, and people who you may not even know.

Never ever to take your children for granted. They are a gift from God and so very precious. Love them to pieces every day and give thanks to God for giving them to you.

Lean on your spouse in difficult times.....it strengthens your relationship. Allow him/her to see you cry and let them know when you need him/her. It is much easier to go through such an event with your spouse peacefully. There is no time and it just isn't worth it to argue about the little things.