January 9, 2012

So in the first post today I mentioned I would elaborate on how we have gotten reacquainted with Children's Hospital here in Birmingham.  We spent a good deal of time here when Clayton was in the NICU as an infant, so in a weird way it was comforting to come here even though this visit will be a whole new ball game then our last stay.  Last time he was in the NICU where the nurses would kick us out from time to time and we had to leave at night.  This time (just like at USACW) someone has to be here with him around the clock.  Of course here in Birmingham, we have nothing else to do (no work or house to care for).  This stay is definitely highlighting the differences between the two hospitals.  Some good, some bad.  Here are some of our favorite things about Children's:

• The Go Store- they have a really awesome "convenient store" downstairs with lots of good treats.
• The cafeteria-  their cafeteria completely rocks my world.  Lots of options.  They do a good job of creating an environment where you don't have to leave the hospital to get a good meal.  They've got a pizza bar, a fried food buffet (chicken tenders, french fries, etc.), a home cooked side (with veggies and meats), a salad bar, a fruit bar, and pre-packaged options too.

• They treat the parents so good here! (It was not like this in the NICU)  We are considered to be in Tower 4 and we have our own parents lounge with a fridge, microwave and a washer and dryer just for our area (no other people from anywhere in the hospital are allowed in there)! AND the nurses have a food lounge with drink and snack options for the parents here and there.

• The room itself isn't a favorite feature, but the fact that the room has two chairs that unfold into beds is awesome!  Since we first started spending time in the hospital, I have spent every night except for three sleeping in the bed with Clayton and since he usually sleeps in the middle, my back and hips were thrilled to have a space to call their own.

 I'll leave you with a glimpse of our glamorous lifestyle:

For this week at least this is our home...24 hrs...every day...