What to pack and what to leave home...

I will fully admit that as an OCD planner, packing becomes a much bigger chore than it should be. But that is usual for planning a family vacation. This is uncharted territory. I started a thread on a Chiari forum asking what other parents wished they had brought with them. They were a wealth of information and helped me tremendously. 

I began my normal packing spreadsheet, divided into labeled columns with each person's name. I quickly decided that each of us will need our own, small bag. 

At any given time, the four us could be in 4 different places during the hospital stay. Thus, I will need to pack 4 separate bags.

Given that only one parent can sleep in the hospital room at a time, the other will either be in a parent sleep room, or at the Ronald McDonald House. We will each need access to our own stuff. Brother, W, will be spending his time with family close to the hospital. 

I have decided to pack a very small amount for G. Only underwear, going home outfit, a robe, sleep pants/shorts, toothbrush and slippers. Everything else will be provided by the hospital. I bought some cheap shirts from a used children's clothing store and am working to place snaps across the top to allow for easy dressing. Unsure if these will work in the hospital, so I may keep them for home recovery. 

With our 3 hour drive home, I am concentrating on the "drive home" bag the most. Many parents gave their opinions on what to bring for the drive home. The common denominator was the fact that every Chiari kid suffers from nausea and probable vomiting. 

So, off to Amazon I go. I buy a pack of emesis bags and a bottle of absorbent  granules that gel on impact with liquid. This will help with any leakage and projectile issues we have on the ride home. I will also bring lots of large towels and extra shirts for G and me. 

Once the bags are completely packed, I will begin the process of setting up the house for our return.