4th of July in Red, White and Blue

                When Hannah reached 27 weeks in her pregnancy, she did not expect to have contractions so abruptly that she would be flown to Sioux Falls to be cared for at the hospital.  She was soon released, but would need to be checked every week until her delivery.  Hannah is very comfortable with her care and wait now, as she’s staying at the Ronald McDonald House and making visits to check on her son in utero.

                 Hannah is able to make meals for her daughters, and follows the doctor’s instructions in drinking a lot of water and trying to get as much rest as possible.  She’s been treated to three “Caring Cooks” meals at the house including tator tot casseroles--twice, it’s a popular one, and a spaghetti dish.  

“It’s really good!” Hannah remarks. She not only appreciates the hospitality, but also the energy she conserves for other activities.  “My three-year-old is busy.  I take her on a short walk around the block at night or to the park that’s about two blocks away.  It’s also nice that the Sanford security transports me to my appointments with their shuttle.”

Here comes the reveal of the tator tot hotdish.

                The relocation of the strollers to the front of the Ronald McDonald House for easier access was a change that Sandy made when she began her role as House Manager.  Families are able to check-out the strollers to use with their children.

                The most recent “Caring Cooks” meal was provided by chefs Ellen, Paula and Susie from Sunnycrest United Methodist church.  When they came through on a tour, they decided to come back to serve the families at a future date with a meal.  The spread included tator tot casserole, watermelon and red, white and blue sprinkled cupcakes.  “I’m excited for the cupcakes,”  Hannah remarked.

Hannah laughs as she reaches for a "sprinkled" red, white and blue dessert.

Athena and Tylia are awaiting a special delivery mid-July.

                Hannah’s mother Cordella has also brought some relief during her medical journey in caring for her grandchildren and supporting the Ronald McDonald House. Cordella will keep  Hannah’s oldest daughter Tylia at home periodically and also has begun collecting pop tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.  Ironically enough, she brought them back in a pickle jar.  We sent her home with a pop tab house to accumulate her next batch of tabs.

                Hannah is weathering her contractions in hopes of having a full-term pregnancy with her child. She is planning on naming Grayson Charles, after her father who passed away in 2009.