Well, if you have to spend Christmas in a hospital, I think the best place to be is the MATTEL Children’s Hospital. The staff and volunteers here did a wonderful job putting on a big Christmas bash for the pediatric patients and their families. Eventhough Rudy was unable to attend, the rest of us enjoyed the fun. To be honest, it has been a strange day of fun and fatigue…our dear friends Patsy and Darlene brought the kids this morning just in time to see Santa who came especially to see Rudy before his big appearance at the party. We noticed something familiar about Santa’s gait and the timbre of his voice as he spent the better part of the day walking around the units and attending two Christmas parties for patients and transplant recipients. We also found it strange that a dedicated and friendly doctor like Dan Levi wasn’t anywhere to be seen all day. Hmmmmmmm?
It was great to have the kids here as we hadn’t all been to visit Rudy together since before Thanksgiving so we’re very grateful for Patsy and Darlene making it possible. So here we were in the midst of all the festive fun but also feeling worn and fatigued. Rolf’s continued back pain and the weekend of waiting for the next, highly anticipated test that will hopefully yield some helpful information were weighing heavy on both me and Rolf today. It’s kind of hard to function in such extremes of emotion at the same time and yet I’m glad for today…
The Child Life Play Area on our floor was turned into a winter wonderland complete with festive decorations, craft tables, a Hot Wheels race ramp, and a yummy buffet. Wilson was a good sport and attended the party for a little bit before retreating to Rudy’s room with a big plate of mashed potatoes for some peace and quiet; in typical Max fashion, he enthusiastically participated in all the activities and stayed long after the rest of us followed Wilson’s lead back to Rudy’s room. The highlight of the day for Olivia (and Rolf, too, I might add…see picture below) was meeting Barbie herself – in the flesh!!! Wow! Poor Santa got a pretty cold and timid reception from Olivia but as soon as Barbie walked into the room, she was in heaven!
The highlight of the day for me and Rolf was the visitors we had trickle in throughout the day. Santa and Barbie came to visit Rudy which I know he appreciated deep down inside. Dr. Brian and his sweet family stopped by on their way in between parties and I was excited to see Baby Logan (who was discharged 2 weeks ago) and his Mommy (Rayme) and big sister Emma who came back to join in the holiday fun. A real special surprise was a visit from Cesar and his mom Maria and sister Liz. They had been to the heart transplant recipients party and we were so blessed they took the time to visit us…they were eager to hear how Rudy is doing and, as always, encouraged us so. Cesar looks FANTASTIC and is just as charming as ever.
On the Rudy front, he has continued to handle his nutrition well, so thank you for the specific prayers to that end. They have upped his feed rate one cc each day so that he is now up to 5cc per hour. He’s never gotten anywhere close to this before and tonight they are going to start to scale back the intravenous feeds so they can continue to increase the feeds to his tummy. He’s had a peaceful day otherwise, though he may have something to say about having to endure his first Christmas worth of “Rudolf” jokes.
Rudy's Beat 
Rudy, I like your antlers and red nose. I wish I could come see you. How come Barbie and Santa got to come in but I can’t? Love, Austin Kenyon.
Poor Rudy. No way to defend yourself against these holiday pranksters. At least your older siblings aren’t dressing you up in a red wig and pink tutu! I’ve seen pictures. It ain’t pretty.
Too bad Ken didn’t come, Trish, for a “chummy” picture with you…
The most beautiful reindeer I have ever seen. Im glad some holiday cheer came your way. Happy Holidays
Y’all know that the most adorable reindeer of all is going to make you pay for these reindeer games when he is Wilson’s age! I am glad you all had a little fun – not too much fun, Rolf!
Oh, my! Darling, Rudy, please get well before the next holiday–no telling what costume your parents will design for New Years!
How nice that Santa and Barbie came to visit you.
Thank you, Mattel and the party planners and staff, for this special treat to all of the children and their families. Merry Christmas to all!
We all know Jesus is the reason for the season…………
Great photos! But where was the photo of you, Trish? We get it! You didn’t want to show Barbie up!
Hi Guys it was soo awesome to see you all yesterday. I was super happy to see Rudy! Hes so squishable! I of course love that he was in holiday spirit and dressed for the party! I was happy to hear that Ceaser and his family stopped by too. Your whole family is so loved and we are all better people by knowing you as well. Ill see you on Tuesday! xoxo
Rolf & Trish,
It was such a blessing and joy to see you and hug you at CA!!! I tell you, the service had your names written all over it as I just prayed for God’s constant peace and healing for you and the whole family. I KNOW you must have had a swarm of hands upon you during the ‘prayer for healing’ moment. My hands were right there with you!! These pictures are just priceless by the way. The kids are so big! Rudy is just too cute in that outfit!
God bless you and enjoy the fudge!!
Love always,
Tanya
It was great to see you again and were happy to know that rudy started eating we hope and pray that every day is a better day we all send our love and i wish i was there sooner so that i could have taken a picture with barbie its funny how Rolf didn’t have his back pain in that pic with barbie