Tuesday, 01 November 2011
The day after Halloween is All Saints’ Day. I think, instead, it should be known as the Day of Copious Candy. Man, it was everywhere.
Leftover candy greeted me this morning, so I threw some in with my lunch to bring to work. At work, everyone was offering candy, starting with the woman who sits at the front desk. Another co-worker had an open bag of candy sitting right inside her cubicle with a sign on her white board that read “Free Candy! Help Yourself! Take as much as you want!”
Later, there were full-sized candy bars just sitting out for the taking. I, of course, helped myself to two packages of Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups.
I’m not eating all of this candy today, naturally. I’m attempting to be diligent by storing it up in my cube for when hunger ‘strikes.’
Wednesday, 02 November 2011
Today Isla went to Children’s Hospital for her surgery. I won’t go into too much detail; I’m sure my wife will post a more detailed and accurate synopsis at some point in the near future, but I’m pleased to report everything went well.
Isla had been well-prepped for the procedure by 1) the visit we paid to the hospital two weeks ago, 2) take home hospital supplies that took the scariness out of things like gloves, masks, and hair nets, and 3) a library copy of Franklin Goes to the Hospital.
Check-in went smoothly. During the time we had to wait until the procedure was set to begin, Isla had a fun time playing with the hospital’s toys, especially riding in a pushing the small cars. She made friends with another young girl (~2 years old) who was also awaiting surgery, and they played together for over an hour.
I accompanied Isla into the surgery room and held her in my arms while she was given anesthesia. When we first walked in the room, Isla looked around as if she recognized the hairnets from our pretend play and the machines from the Franklin book. She disliked having the mask placed in front of her face, but she didn’t freak out; she merely whined a little bit. While I continued to help her, the nurse say “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” and that’s as far as she got, because Isla was already asleep by that point. The nurse and the anesthesiologist assisted me in getting Isla onto the bed safely, and then I left the room.
We were told the procedure would take about 90 minutes. So, while I waited in the waiting room (I know, very appropriate), Jennifer and her mom went down to the cafeteria to purchase lunch for the three of us.
About midway through our meal, the doctor came out and told us that Isla’s bladder was in rougher shape than previously thought, but no worries. The procedure appeared to take care of the problem. He told us Isla was done with surgery and that we could go back and see her in a few minutes.
When we went back to the recovery room, I was pleased to a nurse holding Isla. I’m sure an older child would be fine laying in a bed, but I appreciated that they had the presence of mind to know a 15-month old would like to be held. Jennifer nursed Isla, and the staff continued to monitor her for another hour or so.
All in all, I was once again impressed with Children’s Hospital and I was glad all went so smoothly for Isla. She slept a lot this evening and went to bed very easily tonight. The prognosis seems positive; we go back for a check-up in about a month.
It is good to hear the the surgery went smoothly and the nurse held Isla after she woke up. I know it is hard for a parent to be in the waiting room worried about how their child is being taken care of.
Thanks, Cory.
Yeah, it’s just a little thing, but when I saw a nurse holding Isla, it made me feel better that I hadn’t been with her for the past hour. The room, of course, had a small bed, but Isla is so young that I’m sure she appreciated being held in arms instead of just ‘coming to’ in a foreign bed.