We're here.....finally

We're now settled into the Baltimore Radisson. It's a beautiful hotel just a couple of blocks from the Inner Harbor & a few minutes from JHU. Everyone has been really great so far and they're very accommodating to JHU patients. We've already seen a few patients in the lobby & cafe. We're in a little bit of sticker shock (no public parking only valet & we tipped 3 times before we even got to the room) But they do offer deep discounted rates to JHU patients (our room reservation was made by the hospital) & we're staying on the Plaza Club floor which takes a pass key to get to it & we have complimentary morning breakfast & afternoon cocktails & appetizers. So I think JHU hooked us up. It would be really grand if we only didn't have that whole hospital thing to deal with!
Ben did really well on his trip down but he didn't eat anything all day except for graham crackers sticks. So, we took him to dinner downstairs @ 9:30pm. I'm sure it was later than the Dr's would like but I just wanted him to have something a little more substantial than crackers before his 2 day fast. His last "regular" meal was grilled cheese & fries. He really only ate a couple bites so I don't feel so guilty feeding him so late. He kept asking for crackers & Ted told him he could have them later on. He didn't tell him he may have to wait two years for them!
Knowing Ben, he'll remember & ask again in two years!
I really want to thank everyone who helped out on our vacation. My family really tried to make sure we all had a great time & I have to say it was a wonderful week. Every helped out so we got to do all the things we wanted to do & also chill out when we wanted to. Some of my family came to visit us,so we didn't have to get back in the car & drive to see everyone. My parent's next door neighbors, the Egans, were also really sweet & lent us the use of their townhouse so we had plenty of elbow room for the whole gang. It was really a great week together with everyone.
I'm still really grateful to my family for their help. My sister Ann took Grace home with her for the week. I miss her already but I know she's having a great time b/c her older cousin Emily dotes on her. My mom went with Ann to help her out since Ann recently had foot surgery (I can't believe she took Grace, she insisted it was no big thing. She now has 3 kids under the age of 11 @ her house & she has her foot in a splint!) My oldest sister Sue took time off to come with us. We have daily classes to learn about the diet and Sue will stay with Ben to keep him company. She's already been a huge help to me with packing, directions, & planning, etc. She's also really helped to keep me calm & add a little bit of fun to this trip. Ted & I will alternate staying with Ben overnight in the hospital. Whoever has "the night off" will get to do a little sight seeing with Sue. It'll be a big help to break up the day & decrease the stress.
I'll try to update the blog as often as possible. Please keep us in your prayers. We miss you & can't wait to get back home.

Love to all,Meg