Eden's Heart: Our BIG Helpers

We are on week four... yes, week four post-transplant, but more importantly, week four of our family members coming to help. Help with what you ask? Well, before you jump up and offer your services (because I know that you all have been dying to drop everything and come to Denver) you should hear about the grueling tasks that we have been happily handing over.

1) Laundry. And not the easy kind... once a week - wash, dry, fold. Oh NO, Eden can easily vomit 3 times a day. This means she is going through several outfits, plus rags to clean up. Did I mention that she is also being potty-trained? Yep, throw in a couple more pairs of paints and maybe a rug. And that's just Eden!

2) Dishes. We do have a dishwasher; however, many meals are being delivered and this requires the added duty of cleaning, labeling, and storing/returning the assortment of pots and casserole dishes. Not to mention my obsessive need to boil Eden's medicine syringes and tooth brushes (don't ask...).

3) Meal Planning. (see #2) Also, good luck navigating through our fridge... who knows what's in there? Actually, a new labeling system as been added to the outside of the fridge (thanks Roberta!) - watch out Dewey Decimal.

4) Errand Running and Odds and Ends. Of course, there is the occasional dry cleaning drop-off and pharmacy pick-up. But don't forget mowing the lawn, going to the grocery store, and manning the phone. Oh, and Chaco! Usually this would mean, a little food, water and a couple of frisbee throws; however, his ear accidentally got caught on another dog's tooth this past weekend so he is also on a twice a day medicine regimen and wearing a protective cone.

So who are these superhuman helpers we have had?

My mom, Eldonna, was here first. She got the brunt of the hospital to home transition, including extreme cleaning the house, a very clingy child (that didn't want much to do with her), and a depressed/anxiety ridden daughter (me).

Brian's mom, Susan, was next. She got all of the above with an added, hefty amount of house projects. Just to mention a few, she painted Eden's room, tackled our unruly yard, and spent many hours cleaning our car.

Then Brian's sister, Erin (Tia), came. She was by far the most successful at taking care of Eden who was finally allowing someone other than her parents to touch her. She also made meals to freeze (which we haven't tried yet, Erin, but am sure they are to die for!) and picked up after her brother - not me of course. Although, the best of all... was when she shoved me out the door and right into the nail salon for manicures and pedicures! What a luxury!

My dad, Stan, and Roberta are here now. Although only two days in, they have already experienced the best and worst of "life with Eden post-transplant". My dad spends most of the day on his hands and knees, right at Eden's level, playing, reading, and just being goofey. Roberta, aka Dewey, came equipt with her own apron and spices (need I say more) and was officially crowned the potty-training queen after Eden's first #2 accident.

Obviously, there have been many more "care takers" and angels that have gotten us this far. For all of your individual efforts, please know that we are so grateful (and will proving it to you, too, soon)

So without further ado.... these are our attempts at photographing our appreciation: