Divide and conquer VA to Ohio

Yesterday was nothing less than exhausting for the Bishop home. We had opening day at the baseball field, tball pictures, tball game, soccer pictures and a soccer game. All the while it decided to snow in VA making the day miserable for all of us outside all day. Between our games and pictures, we managed to finish packing the bags and our car so we could hit the road as soon as Annabelle's first tball game was over! 

I rode in the backseat with belle for the first couple hours, we watched The Sandlot and ate snacks while daddy drove. She asked often why we HAD to go to Cincinnati and we answered her honestly. She wasn't confused on this trip, shes remembering our hospital visits much better each and every visit, but she still has anxiety about them. Her biggest fear are getting pokes. She pleaded for us to not have to make her get any pokes, or perhaps for us to ask the doctor for some sleepy medicine so she could go to sleep while they do the pokes (how clever! That sure would be nice, heck I would sign up for that myself!)

Annabelle fell asleep in the car around 9p and by 1030p we decided it wasn't safe to drive much longer. The temperatures were below freezing and we were driving in and out of snow storms as we wrapped around the mountains of West Virginia and Kentucky. We were both exhausted so we stopped shortly past Charleston, WV to get some sleep. 

We got back on the road by 7a and were Cincinnati bound. Annabelle continued to ask and negotiate about going to the hospital, and we continued to answer her questions honestly but provide excitement about the trip, "we also get to pick out your wheely chair while we're here this time! AND mommy and daddy have a big surprise for you after your surgery tomorrow!" She was pleased, but still so anxious and disappointed. Watching a broken 4 year old process the fact she's being forced to a hospital for painful procedures is something a parent should never watch across their child's face. It kills me...... I always have to look away..... There's nothing I can do about it either...

We arrived at the hospital on time and were admitted quickly. Our room was personalized for Annabelle and we met so many familiar faces on the GI Surgical Floor. It's like we're 'home' again. 

Before we knew it, it was time for the dreaded poke. Everything leading up to it ignites her anxiety.. Getting undressed, taking off her own clothes, putting on a gown, sitting in the hospital bed, child life and all their distractions - every level of detail is another element that brings her closer to that needle and she knew it. 

I asked for an IV team to help with the stick. Not because we didn't trust our nurse, but because Annabelle's arms are building so much scar tissue that were having to stick her 2-3x each time we attempt labs or an IV. If I can subside just an ounce of her anxiety and fears from the pokes, I will take it. They brought in the queen of IVs and she is accompanied by her ultrasound machine that helps her place the IV. It was super cool. They scrubbed Annabelle's arm, and while child life distracted her with pictures and stickers, the nurses watched her veins on ultrasound and incognito made the stick. The moment Annabelle moaned ouch, we pointed her attention to the ultrasound machine and she smiled Bc she could see what was happening. 

She didn't have one tear. Not a drop. She didn't cry or once complain. In fact, when the nurses left, she told us it was the best day EVER Bc it was the first time the poke didn't hurt! I could kiss the IV nurse for what she did for Annabelle. Relieving her from this stress and anxiety was every bit of my prayer for today and she made it happen. 

Once the IV was placed, it was time to begin running the meds to flush her GI system. Unfortunately though, the nurses couldn't get their feeding pumps to work. We tried using our own extension sets (tubing) and finally after two hours and them trying all her equipment and supplies, I offered for us to just use our own equipment and supply. They agreed. (I really feel like I should be getting a credit on our bill for this) 

The evening has been smooth. Annabelle made a trip to the playroom to paint a few pictures, we did a puzzle, the second was a different puzzle than the box it came in and frustrated the ever-living out of her so we gave up ;) we watched Inside Out a few times and before we knew it bedtime was here. 

At present, we've had two blowouts equivalent to that of an atomic explosion. I look forward to the rest of the night following suit.. If she continues to move stool at this rate, fingers crossed that we won't spend the entire night doing painful rectal irrigations. 

Sweet dreams world