Life as a Leach

Do any of my SLES friends picture little school buses on popsicle sticks rolling down a little construction paper road?  No, just me?  Okay, nevermind. I've got SLES on the brain after I visited there for a little while today.  It was awesome to visit with my kids (hellllllllooooooo to those of you who are reading this, now that I know you have the site!) and chat with the staff for a while.  It almost made me feel somewhat normal.  Almost. Anyway, I digress. Tomorrow, we are officially transferring to Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital.  There, we will be trained on trach care, how to use the vent, and trach CPR.  They also will help us set up private duty nursing care for Abby.  In addition, it will be a place where Abby can grow and get regulated on her CPAP settings.  It's one step closer to home!!!! This probably won't be a quick stop before our final destination, however.  We're still planning to be at RM...

I really hate goodbyes.  I always feel awkward-- do I hug, do I not?   Plus, I can't keep my emotions in check long enough to be able to say a sincere goodbye without crying.  If it's the least bit sad or bittersweet, the tears will start a'falling.  It's guaranteed.  Now that we're probably going to be transferred to Mount Washington at the end of the week, I will be having lots of goodbyes to say. Goodbye to the amazing nurses who have taken such good care of Abby.  Goodbye especially to Megan, Carrie, and Wendi, who have gone above and beyond in taking an interest in my girl and our family. Goodbye to the sweet respiratory therapist, Natalie, who loves Abby so much and tells her often! Goodbye the the desk staff whom we have seriously grown to love! Goodbye to the security guards--the gruff and not-so-gruff! Goodbye to my wonderful nurses from my lengthy stay in the anti-partum unit (which is right next to the NICU, so we see them all of ...