Day 7

We had another pretty restful night, yay! Only getting up a couple of times is a victory in my book. She's in a lot of pain when she first wakes up because we get a little behind on the meds and her throat is all dried out adding to her discomfort. After about 3 pumps of the PCA (extra dilauded doses) and some ice chips she is able to return to her normal level of misery. Poor monkey. 

One of the highlights of Tessa's day is the arrival of her daddy in the morning (mine too of course). While mommy was out for her walk Daddy treated her like a princess, and she soaked it up.

Over the last few days Casey and I have been engaged in an ongoing "discussion" (all very civilized I assure you. Yeah.) about whether to cut her hair or leave it in it's wispy patchy state until it all falls out on it's own. In addition to all the other enjoyable features that are part of living in the hospital with your 3 year old while she undergoes chemo and BMT is the relationship bootcamp you get to participate in with your significant other. I won't go into the details, but an agreement was reached (without too many bruises) to cut her hair. 

When I brought out the clippers she was having none of it. So I did my best with scissors. It was a shock for Tessa when she looked in the mirror, and she continues to ask if her hair is going to grow back the way it was. She really loved her long hair (our princess). We reassure her that her hair will grow back again. Once I reframed the situation by saying that she looked just like a newborn baby without any hair, she seemed to jump right on board. She keeps asking if we love our newborn baby. Which is immediately followed by "Of course!" and lots of snuggles and kisses on her bald little head.

She pulls off the look pretty well in my book. We had lots of company for the event. Noni, Aunty Katie, Nana and Poppie all were in residence. It was a definite I love Tessa party. I am so grateful for these amazing people in our lives who come to see us several times a week to cheer up Tessa and sustain Casey and I with food (yay) and emotional support. There is a family a couple of rooms down who has no one, no friends in the area or family to speak of. We are greatly blessed by the community that surrounds us.  

This afternoon Nana and Poppie even got Tessa to smile and laugh! That sound has been so absent for so long that it startled me! Thank you for the best gift ever!!!

We are grateful for all of you who are a part of our lives and a part of the web that is created by the invisible strings of love that bind us to Tessa.