by I have never been on such a nerve-wracking trip! My global challenge trip across the ocean was less intense than today’s flight.
Funny thing is – there wasn’t even a single hiccup. AJ slept through the whole flight, barring a couple wiggles, and his numbers all stayed great. The flight went quickly and smoothly.
He’s not quite adjusted to his new surroundings, but he is all hooked up and the hospital has started their own evaluations here. First things first, they want to try to fix his arterial line.
His room in Iowa City was a single room. Here in Philadelphia he shares a pod with 3 other babies. Visiting hours for parents are 24/7, however we can’t sleep in the room with him, but they do have “sleep rooms” at the hospital where one parent can sleep.
We are still working on trying to suss out our sleeping arrangements for while the pope is here and longer term. While the pope is here we need to stay within walking distance of the hospital since travel will be restricted. And of course all hotels are either booked solid or have jacked up their rates pretty high. We do have our names down for a space at the Ronald McDonald house for a more long term solution and have had a few offers for a place to stay outside of the area.
If any of our Philly area friends know of anyone with connections to a place to crash within walking distance or otherwise easily accessible to CHOP while the pope will be here that we may be able to use, please let us know! I believe the hospital is still trying to help us figure out something that won’t cost us $$$$/night and will still allow us both to get to the hospital, but it never hurts to check!
Otherwise, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the prayers and good thoughts today! I truly believe that everyone’s support is a huge part of the reason we have made it this far today!!! ❤️
