The Ronald McDonald House

Since Caydence was transferred to Stanford, we have been staying here in Palo Alto. The first couple days I was admitted to the hospital too so of course I had a room there. After I was discharged we had to wait a couple weeks before getting into the Ronald McDonald House. For those first couple weeks we had to stay at the hospital in parent sleep rooms. I don't think I can even find words to describe those sleep rooms... picture a large room with windows all around and 2 pullout couches on each side of the room. It was already hard enough dealing with Caydence just having surgery and all that came with that, then we get thrown in a room to try and sleep with 3 strangers right next to us. Pretty crazy. At least we had a place to stay because getting a hotel here in Palo Alto was pretty much out of the question. If you aren't familiar with this town, let me tell you...it is expensive!! We were so thankful when we finally got the phone call from Juan at the Ronald McDonald House that he had a room for us. Not only did it mean we didn't have to stay at the hospital anymore, it meant we could have Tanner come stay with us. He had been staying with my mom or Eric's mom while we were here since he couldn't stay at the hospital with us. It was still kinda awkward being here at Ronald McDonald because all that you really have that is private is your room and bathroom. We have a community kitchen and dining room, TV room, and laundry room. Our room only has a full size bed (which is not comfortable at all!) a couch, and a bathroom. I can't complain too much about this place because for 1- it is a cheap place to stay, 2- they really offer a lot here like dinners donated by restaurants, companies, and families, 3- Tanner loves it here. They have a playroom with volunteers to entertain the kids. We've been lucky that we are here during summer time because they have the Ronald McDonald summer camp. We can actually leave Tanner here for 4 hours during the day and he gets to play, do activities, and have all kinds of fun. The only hard part is trying to get him to leave. I'd have to say that one of the best things about staying here at RMD is the people you meet (well, some of the people you meet). We met some really great people here that we were able to share our experience with that could actually relate to what we are going through.

Heather, Greg, and baby Austin

James, Rachelle, and baby Jayce

These are the 2 families that we became the closest with. They are really great people that I am sure we will be friends with for a long time. Unfortunately, both families left us on the same day. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy for them to be able to take their babies home, but we sure do miss them a lot!