All but the Kitchen Sink

O.K. I have been consumed this evening with packing. I feel like I am going to leave something vital to Ash's care, or not take enough ostomy supplies, or run out of clothes and blankets due to the historical past events that Ash has had while receiving chemo. Come to think of it I may go in and pack an extra set of clothes for myself just in case( I'm not quite as cute as Dave is when it comes to modeling hospital gowns). I just hope that I have thought of everything. I have two complete diaper bags(the large ones) packed to the brims with meds, supplies, clothing, and blankets. I have yet to figure out where to fit her toys, books, and DVD player. The hours it takes to get her infusion are not fun so I try to bring enough to occupy her mind. Sometimes all she wants to do is be held, but sure enough if I fail to prepare I am gonna wish I had.

The last two nights I have spent the hour before bedtime playing some type of board game with the older kids, but tonight I had to get things together. I am feeling guilty because I didn't just hang out with them. I wish there were a couple of me on days like today(although I am quite SURE Dave is thankful that there is not!) I just had to get things ready for tomorrow's trip because I need to be on the road by 6:00a.m. Not only did I need to get Ash's things ready but I also wanted to make sure that Blake and Allie's things were together for school and practice too. Anyway, I hope to make it up to them this weekend while there Dad is gone at a conference. Maybe we can go find something fun to do together while Ash is resting up from her treatment. Perhaps we will just sit around and work a puzzle together and bake some of Blake's favorite chocolate chip cookies. Whatever we do I am looking forward to it. I just love being with those two.

I am praying that things go well for our little Ashley tomorrow. She seems to be a little more comfortable tonight. Her blisters are still hanging around, but they are not spreading and they do not seem to cause her any discomfort. While I type she and her daddy have fallen asleep while watching baby Einstein. I know she prefers a good ole episode of Blues Clues, but the child is becoming addicted to that little blue cartoon. She got a good, bubbly bath tonight and she smells delicious. I can smell that little pickle when I step into the room. I just love seeing her all comfy and cuddly in her daddy's arms. How good that must feel to her after being away from him for so long.

Tomorrow is a big day. New doctors, new people, new offices, new routine, new things all around. Of course it always makes me nervous to have to start "cold". I really became spoiled with our team and our nurses in Nebraska. It always felt as though I was there hanging out with friends. I am sure we will make new friends and the faces will soon become familiar to us, but tomorrow we will start over. Please pray for Ashley. I have come so dependant on your prayers and it just seems so odd for me not to ask. I hope you don't mind me asking now that we are home. I would truly appreciate them. I pray that you all rest well and wake to find the beauty that surrounds you. Take care and may God bless you and your families. Trish