Ronald McDonald House

After 2 days staying with the Host for Hospital couple, we finally got the ok to check into the Ronald McDonald House in Philly (aka the Nugget House). The room was pretty decent: two full beds, armoire, tv and full bathroom. It was so much less stressful knowing we would have a place to stay the duration of our journey. We got our own little cupboard in the kitchen and a basket to hold our food in the community fridge. There is a common room, workout room, game room, laundry room and two awesome rooms for kids to play in.

Every night a different organization volunteers to cook for all the residents and, for the most part, the food is pretty good. Since we checked in around Christmas time, we definitely had our share of ham and turkey to last awhile. Tacos seem to be the new trend, but we can't complain. The staff here is so nice and really go out of their way to help. There are definitely some residents who take advantage of the charity and we try just to remain grateful to even have the option of staying here.

I've set up a mini office in the room so I can continue to work. I've got a little table and rocking chair, filing cabinet, shelf and place for my printer. It keeps me busy and makes the days go by a little faster. I wish I could say the same for Brian- for him, it's been quite a change. He went from working every day installing commercial carpet in NYC to being stuck in a room with nothing to do. He runs errands, does laundry, some cleaning and anything to keep busy. Neither one of us are big into reading, but he has been reading a lot lately and is actually enjoying it. I guess desperate times cause for desperate measures.

The weird thing lately is that almost every time Brian does laundry, he finds at least one piece of newborn baby boy clothing in our basket. We've accumulated hats, onsies, socks and t-shirts. It's hysterical and my mom swears Brian is setting it up-but he isn't! It's the little things that make these days better.

I'm not sure if I ever could have made it this far without Brian. For anyone who knows him, he is the most caring and accommodating person you'll ever meet. Even before Spina Bifida became an issue and I was completely nauseous from the pregnancy (literally from 4 weeks until the surgery), Brian did everything for me. He understood I couldn't cook or clean or even manage to get myself off the couch. Since the surgery, he's literally done everything from helping me shower and get dressed to making my bed and bringing me food. He rents movies, buys groceries and has walked in the snow and rain for whatever I was craving. I never could have imagined being with someone who loves me as much as him and can't wait to marry him in October. He'll be the most amazing dad and I'm so grateful God has given him the patience and understanding to handle a situation like ours.

The Philly RM House will always have a place in our hearts. It's our home away from home. It's where I first felt Brent kick at 22 weeks, the place we watched my belly expand and our baby grow and the place that supported us in this very trying time. Between the House and CHOP, we know we are safe and surrounded by people who sincerely care about our welfare. But as much as I appreciate it here, I CANNOT wait to get home to our family, friends and puppies and start this new and crazy chapter of our lives.

                                                                    Kloe & Levi