We weren't sure how Drew would react to Grandpa in the hospital. I tried to prepare him some by explaining that there were elevators at the hospital (just like hotels), there were doctors and nurses that were helping Grandpa to get better, and that Grandpa had a phone, TV, and clock in his room (Drew always asks whether our hotels will have these things!). Drew seemed unfazed by the whole situation. He didn't hesitate at all to give Grandpa hugs and kisses and it took him quite a while to even ask about the tubes Grandpa had. I also had planned ahead with a backpack full of things to occupy him: puzzles, coloring, a picture matching game, and his beloved calculators. We went out for dinner that night and my mother thought maybe just she would go back to the hospital after dropping us off at the house, but Drew really wanted to go back to see Grandpa again. He was very excited to go every time we mentioned the hospital (or hostiple as he says it).
Sunday morning we headed to the hospital early, hopeful that it might finally be the day Dad could come home. Unfortunately, no such luck. The medicine they had given him for the clot had made his blood too thin and until that was stabilized at the desired level they couldn't insert his PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) which he would use at home for IV nutrition to avoid further inflaming the pancreas. We were disappointed by that news but also had excitement to look forward to as Grandma Mary had arrived late on Saturday night.
So later that morning we met Grandma Mary, Uncle Mark, Uncle Dave, and Aunt Nancy downtown. Here Grandma and Drew work on one of his puzzles at Uncle Mark's condo.
We went down to Fremont Street for lunch with everyone where it began apparent that Drew was in dire need of a nap. After a bit of a hurried end to the meal, we were on our way back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a nap. And even though his little eyes really wanted to close during the car ride, he managed to hang on till we got him to his little bed for a proper nap.
That evening Mary, Mark, Dave, and Nancy came up to my parents' house for drinks and snacks. Here Uncle Mark has captured Drew's attention by reciting the monkeys jumping on the bed.
Grandma Carolyn and Drew cuddled up on the couch.
Aunt Nancy, Uncle Dave, Grandma, Mary, Drew, & Uncle Mark
Drew and his Grandmas
Aunt Nancy and a little boy in his PJs ready for a delayed bedtime
Prior to going to bed that Sunday night my mom spoke to my dad and he told her that they had been able to insert the PICC line that night. We were very optimistic that this meant the next day would be the day. In fact, it was. Yes, a grand total of 15 days after his admission, Dad was finally released from the hospital. While he still is not allowed anything to eat or drink by mouth (his pancreas still needs to rest), he's obviously feeling much better about being at home and on the mend.
After Dad's big release Monday afternoon, that night Drew and I drove down to Fremont Street to meet Mary and the rest of their crew for a bite to eat and to see what Drew would think about the VivaVision light shows appearing hourly on the canopy above Fremont Street.
Mommy, Drew, and Grandma Mary pose outside of Binion's with the Fremont Street lights in the background (again showing that I am the least photogenic person on the planet)
Drew saw the security guys tooling around on these segways and was highly amused by it.
Drew also enjoyed the light shows. We were able to see the 7:00 and 8:00 shows, which included images of motorcycles, guitars, and playing cards among other things. At first I think he didn't quite know what he was supposed to think about all the loud music and huge screens above his head, but once I started dancing, singing along, and pointing out all the things he recognized he definitely got a kick out of it.
After the first light show Aunt Nancy and Uncle Dave wanted Dunkin Donuts, which we found in one of the casinos of course. Here's a very happy Drew and Grandma Mary.
Drew clapping the powdered sugar off his hands after stuffing his face with 3 donut munchkins.
Tuesday morning Drew really wanted Grandpa to play with him on the floor. We tried to explain that Grandpa was better enough to come home from the hospital, but not completely all better yet. We suggested that Grandpa would be very happy to watch Drew play but that he couldn't make it down to the floor just yet. Drew seemed satisfied with this and made Grandpa this cool looking tower.
Later that morning Grandma and Drew took a walk to feed the ducks and see if the Clubhouse library had any children's books. They weren't able to find any books but Drew did see a puzzle with hot air balloons on it. Unfortunately the puzzle had 550 pieces...a tad advanced for Drew. Grandma attempted to explain that to Drew but once he saw it, he had to have it, so it came home with them and he couldn't wait to dump out all the pieces. Here he is helping Grandma and Mommy separate the edge pieces and the middle pieces, showing particular excitement when one of us found the all-important corner pieces. After we finished separating the pieces, though, Drew left the putting together of the puzzle to Grandma and Mommy while he played with all of his other toys. He definitely wanted to be in on the completion of the puzzle though. When we hadn't finished by naptime, he was very adamant in telling us not to do all the pieces before he woke up.
Before the airport on Tuesday evening we had time to do a little walking around. Uncle Dave had been playing at the Flamingo earlier in the weekend and thought Drew might enjoy seeing all the birds and fish, so we met up with Mary and the gang and that's where we decided to go. I had only been to the Flamingo once before when my dad and I saw George Wallace there. Turns out they have a very nice flamingo habitat and beautiful waterfalls outside.
Grandma Mary & Drew pose in front of the flamingos
Grandma Mary, Drew, Uncle Dave, and Uncle Mark
Mommy & Drew in front of one of the waterfalls
Drew in front of the Flamingo sign and waterfalls
Drew poses for one last picture with Aunt Nancy & Grandma Mary
After a bit of a rough flight on our way to Las Vegas (Drew did not want to wear his seatbelt or sit in his own seat), Drew behaved beautifully on the short flight home and was very excited to see Daddy again. He's already asking how many days until he's going to see everyone again though.
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