Let's Try Again Tomorrow

Well, the cardiac surgeons' first case proved to be more complicated than they had anticipated. Charlotte is upstairs asleep and scheduled as the first CV surgery case for tomorrow.

We arrived at the hospital around 10:15 a.m. Just after 11 a.m., an RN came to do Charlotte's surgical intake (basically review the case history and take her temperature). Then we were taken to a private bed in the surgical waiting area to prep Charlotte (i.e., get her undressed) and talk to the anesthesiologist.

Tick-Tock. Tick- Tock. Noon O'clock.

Charlotte sat on the bed and played with her doctor kit. We read Olivia about 8 times. (It was her first Olivia experience and she loved it!! Of course, we Ian Falconer fans had no doubt she would.)

Tick-Tock. Tick-Tock. One O'clock.

Charlotte colored with crayons and danced to a Wiggles book. Charlotte got into the crib and feigned sleep. Mommy got into the crib, too. (Sorry, no pictures.) We tried to get her to sleep, but she couldn't relax in the hospital environs. And she was hungry as she hadn't eaten since Monday night save for 6 ounces of clear liquid.

Tick-Tock. Tick-Tock. Two O'clock.

Dr. Backer came to see us. He and Susie, the APN, were very apologetic and requested that we return "bright and ugly" at 6 a.m. Charlotte sucked down 4 ounces of apple juice in under 2 minutes and said, "Eating. Eating. Eating? Eating?" So, we took her to the cafeteria where she drank 2 ounces of whole milk and then stole all of her father's chocolate milk.

Tick-Tock. Tick-Tock. Three O'clock.

We took Charlotte home. She said "Home" quite emphatically from the time we got into the car until we walked into the house. Then she let it all go and slept until 5 p.m.

Now, after a hearty dinner, she's upstairs rolling around in her crib not sleep. Can you blame her? Her schedule is all goofed up today. But, she's not complaining.

In fact, she hasn't complained all day. What a trooper!