The new "normal"

When we left the hospital, the social worker told us that we would be coming home to a "new normal". Yesterday was our first real look at it.

Eric went back to work, and Alex, Tessa and I hung out at the house. We watched Scooby Doo, and played with toys all day. Alex really misses his friends and school, and we are hoping that he can return to his friends soon.

One thing to remember: Alex's visitors need to be up to date on their vaccinations (for their age), *and* have a flu vaccine - parents too. If the flu shot is given, then Alex can be around immediately. If the flu vaccine is given in the nose (flu mist nasal spray), that is a live vaccine, and Alex cannot be around the person for 6 weeks. So, I'm going to have to check with Alex's school, and make sure all his classmates have had the flu shot, or if they want the flu mist, that they do it as soon as possible, or it will delay Alex's return to school.

I'm trying to find a routine to keep the house extra clean (bathrooms, laundry) so that we keep Alex as healthy as possible. I think we'll all be a little OCD by the time we are done. I don't even know how many times I washed and sanitized my hands yesterday!

Alex's appetite is increasing - all he wanted yesterday was Salami - and this morning it was bagel pizzas, along with one egg and two sausage - the steroids are working!

Since the sun was out yesterday, we went for a walk around the block. Alex took his " bat copter" (his red jeep), and Tessa-Lynn was in the "bat mobile" (the red wagon). It was nice to get out, and just enjoy the day for a while. Last night, Alex was cleared to go to a basketball game with Eric - they had so much fun! Tessa and I stayed home, and watched for them on TV (no sighting).

This morning, Alex had a *really* hard time taking the Prednisone again. We had to hold him down while we gave it to him - it just breaks our heart! I am going to get "mini" M&M's today, to practice with Alex to swallow a pill. If he can successfully swallow a pill, we can put the crushed up Prednisone in a gel cap, and he wouldn't have to taste it at all. With Alex's mood swings though, it's really hit and miss on when he will be receptive...

It's a rainy cruddy day, and we will have to start getting real creative to find things to keep Alex occupied (instead of watching TV all day). Any suggestions are welcome! - I have to keep Tessa-Lynn occupied at the same time...

I hope that once Alex's friends are healthy, they can come over and play - Alex would love it!