Happy Turkey Day!

Well, this is definitely the most non-traditional Thanksgiving we've ever had - but at least we had turkey! Really good turkey!! Our new friend Jennie dispatched her brother & his girlfriend to the rescue; they brought us a whole Thanksgiving meal that was sooo good. Just what we needed! However, we ate it in secret, when Karly was sleeping, because she's still not allowed to eat.

Every time she wakes up, that's her first question. We say "How are you feeling? How's your pain?" And she says, "Good. Can I eat now?"

And we have to tell her, "Not yet." Because for right now, she's still only allowed water. Soon they'll allow clear liquids, which include Jello. She's still been requesting popcorn, though!

We had a bit of a rough night, they had Karly up every hour. The good news is she can walk & move really well. She really has a very high pain tolerance and is recovering nicely so far. She's amazing her doctors with how well she's putting up with everything.

Karly had some elevated calcium levels in her system. They weren't sure if the tumor was causing this or it was a separate issue. Well, since the tumor was removed, the levels have already gone done! So, it appears the tumor was releasing hormones that caused extra calcium in her system and it's NOT a new health issue. Good news!

What I am thankful for today:

• We are so thankful that we live so close to Children's Hospital. An hour and a half is not bad, when you NEED to be here.
• GOOD HEALTH INSURANCE. Enough said.
  
• For Dr. B, who knew Karly just wasn't herself & ran test after test until she found out WHY.
• For Dr. B again - because she takes such great care of Ruby-do, too!
• That Ruby is such a good baby and has been just wonderful - she slept through all the beeping & noise last night.
• And Braden has been great, too! He's getting a little stir-crazy, but has discovered the joy that is Nintendo Wii. Come to think of it, Dad has discovered that joy, too. Want to place bets on if we own one by the end of the year!?? I think we might have to call Santa on that one.
  
• My mom jumped on a plane EARLY Tuesday to be here with us for Karly's surgery. Brian & I used to call her our "Karly-wrangler" when Karly was younger, because nobody makes Karly happy and calm like Nana! They really have a very special relationship.
  
• Brian's job is flexible and his bosses and co-workers are helpful & understanding - through crisis after crisis.
  
• I'm thankful for Brian, too - that he's here, that he can take over with the little kids - or pass them off and be there for Karly. It's been a juggling act - but we're managing.
• We still might be going home this weekend!!
  
• For all our family & friends who are reading this & thinking of Karly & emailing & calling & leaving comments. THANK YOU! I'm so glad we still have so much support. It's been a helluva year, ya know? Thanks for hanging in there with us.