Several people have asked us where we are staying and what our days are like so I thought I would expound a little here on the blog.
Henry is still off work, which is a God-send. For the first two weeks, I couldn’t get around much due to the c-section. I was supposed to ‘take it easy, rest, and limit stairs.’ However wrote that on the discharge papers didn’t have a child in the hospital or stay at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) which has about 30 steps leading to its front door! Henry literally carried everything but me for those first few weeks while we spent our days sitting by Ryan waiting for the doctors to tell us what our son was doing.
Now that the girls are home, we spend some nights at our house and some nights at the RMH. It is much like a hotel except with a large kitchen, many refrigerators (we are able to store food there), a laundry facility, and several play rooms.
The girls love the RMH as it has all new toys, other little kids, and we all sleep in the same room. We head to the hospital mid-morning and when the girls get antsy or needs naps, Henry takes them either on a walk or back to the RMH to rest. He’s been their primary care giver and I noticed they are wanting more of him than me. He’s been very sensitive to let me get to Ryan as much as possible. It’s been such a blessing.
However, Henry returns to work soon so we will have to figure out a new schedule and I’ll gind out just how much the girls will tolerate being at the hospital.
People have been very generous in offering help and I can’t say enough how much I appreciate how people are blessing our family. And, I can’t say enough how your comments and emails encourage me. Many times I tear up at the sweet things said, the scriptures listed, etc. One of the readers is working on giving the blog a facelift and she doesn’t even know me. A family friend sent the girls a hospital set which they’ve played with non-stop since opening it. Many have signed up to give us food and just as many have offered to babysit, do laundry, clean and run errands. It is overwhelming how many people are surrounding us and making it possible for us to focus on Ryan and the girls. Thank you just doesn’t seem to cut it in this situation.
I’ll leave you with a few pictures of the girls playing with their new hospital. The close-ups are Natalie’s perception of the adult world.
And when did her hair get long enough for this?
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (13)
I have to say I give you a WHOLE lot of credit for what you are doing. The emotional battle that you are going through alone is alot to swallow. And then to try to balance your schedule to give all three of your children the attention and stimulation that they need is quite a challenge. But I’m sure you remember that when God gives us a challenge in our lives, He has already provided us the strength to withstand those challenges. So when the going gets tough, just remember – it’s not your battle, it’s His!
You are doing and WONDERFUL job! I think of you and your family often and pray that the Lord keeps you comforted. Continue to praise Him through this storm and He will continue to reward you!!!!
I agree you are doing an amazing job and staying strong, and I KNOW how hard that is when you have one child in the hospital and others at home. Many prayers for you and your family.
Later i am going to drop off Ryan’s hat at your house. I’m probably going to put it in a grocery bag and hang it from your door. I’m pretty sure the other blog readers won’t steal it.
Please let us know if you need anything and I mean anything… I know you have a lot of offers but please feel free to ask, even if it’s a ride somewhere because you can’t drive yet. I am continuing to pray for all of you, you are doing an amazing job, even if it feels like you want to fall apart. God gave Ryan just the right family.
You and Henry are such amazing parents. God will provide you and your family the schedule, time and love to go around.
I’m still praying! And you all keep chugging!
PS. My secuirty word down here is Godsjop, which I think is secret way of saying its God’s job to figure this out, and it starts with all those fantastic people surrounding you now! God bless them and you!
I am praying for strength and energy for the days ahead. Remember that it is okay to accept help with ANYTHING! I love the new blog header. Your family is beautiful.
Lots of prayers,
Faith
http://www.hall4bc04.org/Storm.htm
Yes, with God we can sleep when the storm blows!
Love, Marmi
http://www.hall4bc04.org/Storm.htm
Love the new look!
I love the new blog look. Still praying for Ryan and you and the whole gang. How did you get the ponytail to stay in Ainsley’s hair without it being an “ow-ee”?? Can’t wait to see my precious nephew, hopefully end of this week. Love you all!
Leighann, It’s been forever since I have seen you. Not since the days of Henry and I with our business planning at AU. But I read your blog and I can’t believe – let me rephrase – I CAN’T BELIEVE you all have like a real family and all 🙂 It’s so great and your kids look so wonderful. The only problem in the crew seems to be the “giant” but I am sure you keep him in line…lol
To both of you I wish nothing but the best and I am glad to have reconnected with Henry so he and I can catch up.
My thoughts and prayers definitely go out to your family and keep up the good work. You continue to have that same wonderful spirit about you.
All the best…
girl, your blog looks good… I literally gasped with delight haha anyways I’m sure that’s not the biggest thing you care about right now. I loved talking to you the other day and I’m still praying for you guys. Your kids are cute and lucky to have you guys as parents– I know it’s hard but I really respect how you try to give time to each of your kids– I hope you don’t get too overwhelmed.
I love you mucho
I don’t know how you even have time ot blog and give us all this information but I do know from my prolonged time of illness that it is theraputic for the soul. Blogging helps somehow, it makes you feel connected despited the whirlwind you may be inside of everyday.
I am still praying to our Heavenly Father for you and your family. I sure wish we were closer in miles to bring a meal or lend a hand but know that our prayers are powerful! God bless!