Monday Monday

When you've been in the hospital for 17 days, things start to get a little monotonous. The drone of the machines, the perpetual chirping from heart rate monitors, the ebb and flow of constant door knocks and needle sticks. When boredom sets in for a fidgety 2-year-old, only the most creative of Mommies can bring on the laughter.


Fortunately for Everett, he has Heather.


First, there are the costumes. Nothing is quite as much fun as a little make-believe with Mommy. We've seen Super Everett, Doctor Everett, and today we meet Nurse Everett--Patient Caretaker A-Go-Go. 

When that gets old, it's time to tap into the numerous resources provided by the hospital. The toy room, arts and crafts...you name it, and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital has got it.

When it's time to go back to their room, Heather has to get really creative to keep Everett busy. They've received lots of gifts from very generous friends and family, but you can only keep a 2-year-old excited about the same toys for so long. So Super Mom grabbed some stickers and did what any Super Mom would do...a photo shoot, of course.

But if you want to get a true smile out of a hospitalized toddler, play the "midnight wagon ride" card. It's conspiratorial, it's breaking all the rules...it's the most fun secret, ever.

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Update on Everett's Progress: We've hit just a bit of a bump in the road. Everett's doctors took him off of the medication helping him urinate yesterday because they worry about dehydration. Our little man still isn't eating and drinking the way he should, and until he is, the staff will be diligently watching him to make sure he doesn't plummet into severe dehydration again. This may prove to be a bit of a set back for Everett's release this weekend, so let's send lots of positive thoughts their way today, in hopes that someone will wake up hungry!

If all goes well, the family has been told that Everett may be released on Friday or Saturday. They have been asked to stay in San Francisco for the weekend, though, so they can test Everett's blood before he heads back to Eureka. We're keeping our fingers crossed that the hospital will pay for any extra days the family has to stay over in order to take Everett and Heather home. 

Your donations are crucial now more than ever!!! Let's make sure the family has enough funds in their bank account to get Everett and Heather back in their own beds!! Remember, there are two ways to help out. You can click on the Donation Information tab at the top of the post to read about how to donate directly to Heather through Pay Pal. Or you can participate in our awesome Mary Kay fundraiser by visiting Leslie's shop and making an order! All proceeds will be donated to the family.

Today we close by reminding Everett that he's one of those lucky kids whose Mommy knows her way around the kitchen. We know that hospital food isn't the best, buddy. Just close your eyes and pretend it's something your Mom whipped up, just for you!! You can do it!!