We are HERE.... We are HERE.... We are HERE....

So... from the title it either means we are finally home from the hospital or that I watched Horton Hears a Who one too many times in the hospital this week. But this is how a feel. Wanting to shout at the top of my lungs... "we are here... we are here..."

The doc released Maddux a couple hours ago and all the boys are quietly taking a nap... including their dad who took a 5 am flight out of Spokane this morning. Maddux is still really sore and we will probably have a long week but at least we are home. He has started eating a little better and I can tell that soon he will be running around with his little brothers... but not too soon.... we check back with the surgeon in 10 days but until then it's very.... "go easy." You have to check out the pic of this thumb! We all know he's a thumb sucker but this poor thing. Pretty sure after having it in his mouth 24 hours a day, for 7 days... he had to have sucked off 3 layers of skin. I took many pictures of him sleeping peacefully. I think there is nothing sweeter than a peaceful sleeper.

Big THANK YOU to my wonderful mom. Not only were my kids taken care of but my house is spotless and my laundry is washed, dryed and folded. I am so lucky to have her. Those who know my mom know that she doesn't like to spend any time away from my dad. I don't blame here because he is a great man... so as soon as she knew we were coming home she was ready to go... which was fine because Eric is back in town and besides just not running all over the place we will just hang out at the house for a week or two. Anyway, I was hugging her and telling her thank you and got a little choked up! I told her I didn't know what I would do without her and she said, "you would figure it out... you have great family and friends." I am so grateful to my mom and her sacrificing her week to come watch after the kids. She is always a lifesaver. I could start naming names but seriously... I have felt such an overwhelming amount of thanks for all my friends, family and people in our ward that have cooked a meal, watched a kid or two, chauffered my kids, visited Maddux.... seriously... I could go on and on.

Maddog thought it was his birthday! There has been nummy, warm meals at our home every night this week. I have the greatest ward. My mom has always been so impressed with the compassionate service in our ward. Last time I had Murphy I honestly had to call the Relief Society president to tell her we didn't need any more meals. Our relief society presidency, primary presidency, bishop and Maddux's primary teacher all came to see him. I could ramble all afternoon but I cannot express how much I truly appreciate everything everyone has done this week.

I really did live at that hospital all week. Maddux didn't want me to EVER leave.... I think Eric started feeling the shaft a bit but understood the little man wanted his mom. The Pediatric Unit at AF was absolutely wonderful. All the nurses were fabulous!!! They had the coolest play room there. I know many of you will look at the slideshow and wonder why the boys were there so often but Maddux didn't really have any interest to get out of bed. It really hurt him to walk. He would beg for his brothers to come play and then they would go to the play room for at least an hour. This was a ritual once or twice a day and the nurses were so awesome with all the little boys. Maddux would cry when they had to leave. He loved having Mick come over and play the PlayStation and loved having Macee read him books.

We would "walk the "dog"" a couple times a day (it was a joke for my kids to say this!) Mays was pretty sure Maddux couldn't do this without holding his hand. It was adorable. I know sometimes I would love to tie all these kids down right next to each other and force them to just sit with each other when they are fighting like cats and dogs but it really reminded me how much they all love each other. The older 2 and McGwire were constantly concerned calling whenever grandma would let them.

Anyway.... like I said... I could ramble on forever. I am just so grateful that our little Maddux is home and doing well. He is one tough little man who we love soooooo much. I do have to admit I will miss sleeping next to him every night in that comfortable (NOT) hospital bed. I had my own bed in the room but Maddux made sure I was sleeping next to him every minute. I think I will go in and wake Eric up and tell him it's my turn for the day.

Seriously.... thanks again for everything... your thoughts, prayers, meals, gas (fuel that is).... everything!!!