Two sides of the coin

Up and at 'em early this morning. Night not too bad; slept in about 3-4 hour increments between feedings of the baby in the room and taking vital signs. The ear plugs and eye cover really helped dad!

Ben is doing fine. He seems to be adapting to his surroundings, and with the wireless internet here he is now able to watch his youtube video favorites - firefighters at work, demolition sites, and drummers. A shower and a shave have him feeling (and smelling) "human" again.

So apparently there is a initiative with Navy sailors stationed in the area for them to come to the hospital and play with the kids. "Operation White Hat." Sailor Josh came to the room to ask if Ben wanted to do something, so they're off playing video games. I must confess that it feels pretty awkward given the fact that we firmly believe that the military represents commitments antithetical to the kingdom of God. But then again serving one another and building relationships is right on with the K.o.G. Josh seems like a fine young man, but we really don't support what it is he's chosen to do with his life. For now, Ben appreciates the activity and diversion, and we do, too. Sometimes our gratitude and our protest are two sides of the same coin.

The Janice and Kimberly Brown Family Life Center here is FANTASTIC! Activities, friendly space, books, videos, games, lots of artwork the kids have done, projects they can work on, a wall with posters and signatures of lots of famous people that have visited/volunteered, and a whole team of volunteers to keep things fun. And there's a huge lego project of a hotdog with all the fixin's, although it's not a true Chicago dog with all that ketchup on it!

The waiting continues. Thanks for waiting with us!