Day 4 1/2

     Nahum arrived at home late yesterday afternoon.  The 1928 duplex we've rented was, of course, built long before the ADA (Americans with Disability Act), so Nahum had a good challenge climbing the 2-dozen or so steps to the front door.  Fortunately, the current owners completely redid the front concrete work so at least the steps are even and secure.  Michael remembers that regaining stamina to do normal, light activities after his own mid-August surgery so he could relate well to what Nahum faced when exiting the car and seeing all the steps again.

     Hilary continues to be extraordinarily dutiful in support of Nahum.  She went shopping for special items he told her he liked and cranked up the heat in the duplex.  She cooked a dinner of tortellini (a fresh pasta style brand) and broccoli with spaghetti sauce. Nahum was very glad to have a favorite meal at home.  She had also brought the dvd "Stripes" so she and Nahum were able to watch that and relax prior to Hilary leaving for an evening at the Pittsburgh Symphony with the in-laws of my good friend from Blacksburg.

     Normally, Melinda and Michael would have swooned over being able to attend a major symphony concert.  Saturday evening, though, was Melinda's last evening in Pittsburgh so the two love-sick lovebirds stayed home to moan together over their coming departure.  Michael made her take all her stuff with her though she accused him of nefarious reasons for doing so.

     Michael may get to have his first play date today.  One of the local triathlon club officers has invited him out for a run at 3pm today, along with another couple.  And he has signed up for the Jingle Bell Run next Saturday.  So he will finally see Heinz Field, the area of the 5K.

     I spent my usual evening with Shayna and then slept 8 straight hours at the Ronald McDonald unit, after enjoying a repast of Giant Eagle broiled chicken.  (Giant Eagle is the major grocery chain in this area -- no Krogers/King Soopers or Safeways).  This morning has been spent talking with and enjoying Rose, a nurse who is very easy to be around and helps me be involved in various ways (I helped administer "sprinkles" to Shayna.  That's how they call the Prograf, anti-rejection medicine, so the kids that cannot swallow pills yet will think it's fun and swallow the powder sprinkled out from the capsule.)  It's nice to be able to help out a little so I can feel like I'm actively participating in Shayna's care.  I also washed her hair this morning.  The hospital has a special no-rinse shampoo, which amazed me by actually working well.  Now she'll be beautiful for Aba's visit this afternoon.  I am getting quite used to handling her with all the various tubes coming out of her and into equipment around her bed. It's been nice to have such a slow learning curve.  I couldn't imagine having to handle her awake with all the tubes and wires, another gift of a late closing.