Update on Baby Caleb Rodriguez, part 3

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Here's the latest update on baby Caleb Rodriguez, as reported by Marcus' sister Monica:

Marcus, Julia, and baby Caleb arrived in Los Angeles safely. Julia and Caleb arrived at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital at 4:30 this morning (3 hrs earlier than expected) after completing a smooth ride on the Medivac. I was able to run by and meet my handsome nephew and Julia before picking Marcus up at LAX (his flight was 2 hrs delayed from Tokyo). I teared up when I first saw Julia coming out of the hospital room. We just held each other in tears and in relief. Caleb looks great. Even though he had an IV coming out of his head, he still looked good - it must be in the blood! :)

After being reunited in California, we checked into the Ronald McDonald house, located literally around the corner from the hospital. Parking at the hospital is quite expensive so having a home base to walk from is super convenient. The staff at the Ronald McDonald (RMH) house is friendly and eager to help. I’m impressed by how clean and “homey” it feels. It is going to be a great place to rest and to rejuvenate. Marcus and Julia have two queen sized beds and their own bathroom with a shower. Everyone staying at the RMH shares a communal kitchen, dining room, and living room. They also are allowing me to stay over any time!

Caleb is in great care. He is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in a room with about two other little babies. When I visited Julia and Caleb this morning, I met Dr. Wong, the hormone specialist, and Caleb’s friendly nurse, Tania. I overheard them also speaking about bringing in a metabolic specialist. I’m not aware of any tests or procedures they are planning, but I’m sure they will happen soon. The hospital only allows two people with the patient at any time. So if both Marcus and Julia are up in the NICU, anyone else visiting must stay in the lobby downstairs. Also, only one person can stay over night with Caleb.

How are Marcus and Julia?

They are tired, naturally--after dealing with the emotional and physical stress this past month on top of a 15 hour flight and jet lag. Marcus and I had lunch before going to the hospital, and he was in great spirits. We talked and got plenty of needed laughter! After pumping for a little while, Julia’s head hit the pillow and she was out. They where both asleep when I left the RMC at 5 pm. Thank God for a safe transfer.

All of this is quite surreal for me. Just yesterday I was talking on Skype to my family about Caleb and now they are right here in my home town! They definitely belong here right now and I trust that God was, is, and will continue to work in Caleb’s little body.

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