Maybe getting out today

We are still waiting for rounds to find out if Elizabeth will be discharged today or not. Everything is on track for discharge. Elizabeth's blood cultures from 12/18 have NOT grown out, so that is really really good news. If they did grow the bacteria, then we'd have a serious issue going on of antibiotic-resistant blood infection. Then getting out in time for Christmas would be a minor problem... much less compared to dealing with such a life-threatening infection. Thankfully, it appears that this infection is being treated with the meds, and hopefully we can focus on making this Christmas as happy as possible for Elizabeth.

She has been in good spirits lately. When we arrived at CHLA to pick up Elizabeth and Dad for the Make-A-Wish Holiday Party, Elizabeth was so happy to see us--even happy to see her stinky brothers! She had saved little gifts (from the many she is receiving inpatient--'tis the season that different groups come daily and distribute goody bags or toys to the patients) for each of them and was happy to give her presents to them. She happily hugged Matt and Danny, which is a rarity even under the best circumstances. It was so nice to have the entire family together, even if it was at the hospital. Elizabeth was feeling so happy. It was so good to see her happy again--it has been quite a long while.

She enjoyed the party, but quickly faded after about an hour. Barbie was there for taking pictures with, so that was a nice bonus. And the party was at CBS Television City studios, so the kids had fun going up the freight elevator and seeing all the Price Is Right sets. The actual party room was the Price Is Right stage (they had curtains drawn to hide the audience chairs, but we peeked), complete with decal flower on the floor! I got a huge kick out of being on that stage, something I've dreamed about since being a baby--who doesn't want to spin that wheel? I wish I could've gotten to place a bid on something, though... The Make-A-Wish foundation of LA did a great job putting it all together, and the kids had fun. Elizabeth (and Dad) were happy to be out of the hospital, even if it only was for four short hours.

Elizabeth is walking around, dragging Dad to McDonald's every few hours for cinnamon bites (they are new and quite tasty). It always starts as a "walk", but inevitably as Elizabeth leads the walk , they always end up at McD's. She definitely knows what she's doing... she's had quite a few Big Macs, too, from what I hear from Dad. Her appetite is returning, so things are headed in the right direction.

I'll update once we get her home again... hopefully today!!