T-1, Or at least we think...

So the doctors say that Rhian may be able to go home tomorrow. She is allowed to sit up for meals today, and they removed her catheter. She can get out of bed to use the bathroom, but its been fours hours, and she still doesn't feel like she has to go...


She is very bored, even with my attempts to keep her entertained and happy. My dad came to visit last night and took me to dinner while my mom and my stepdad stayed with Rhian. I needed some time out. It was nice, but it took us much longer than I thought it would, and I was a nervous wreck about trying to get back to Rhian.

Dad stayed in OKC last night, and is here today. Rhian and dad have been sending text messages back and forth to each other--even though they are sitting three feet from one another. Just like my mom, dad is good company for Rhian. He does funny things--like dance to music on commercials--and makes her giggle. There's nothing like a silly grandpa.


On a different note, have you taken a shower in a hospital lately? It is completely miserable...they must be designed by insurance company reps to get you to go home faster.

And I then I decided to not straighten my hair and let it dry naturally. My dad walked in this morning and said, "What did you do to your hair?" So I explained that I did not think it would be good to run my blow dryer for 20 minutes in a children's hospital...and he said, "Oh, its just been a long time since I have seen you without your hair fixed." Thanks, dad. Then he offered to pay for me to find a salon that would do my hair for me. Can it really be THAT bad? Oh, well...I suppose I'm not here to win a beauty pageant.

And what is it with night-shift nurses? Are they grumpy because they have to work all night? Or am I just grumpy because I'm exhausted. Whatever it is, night nurses and I do not get along...

I had not realized how addicted to exercise I am. I have not run in over a week now, and I feel wierd--antsy and panicky. Like my legs need to MOVE! I know, that's weird. No one actually likes to run, and certainly not me. I think about a post I wrote this April, when I lamented the cruelty of running and exercise in general. But now, its a completely different story. If I could get away to run three or four miles, I would feel soooo much better!

But considering that Rhian refuses to let me out of her room for more than 10 minutes, and won't eat or take medicine without me here, I'm pretty stuck...She has no idea the suffering she is putting me through, not only now, but when I have to start running again next week. Goodbye four easy miles, hello huffing and puffing.

But you know, for all of my complaining, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. She is, even through her grumpiness, a joy. She is tough, and strong, and is handling this much, much better than any of us grown-ups would. She is most amazing little girl I know.