More of the Same...

We are in full rest and relaxation mode at our house. And, everyone but me is asleep right now. So, I decided to go ahead and post some new updates, especially for our sweet family who keeps checking in on Miss Kendyll.

Kendyll is doing remarkably well. It's really surprising me, actually. I expected her to have a tougher time than this, and I'm so thankful that she (and most all children) are so resilient! I know if this had been me, I would still be moanin' and groanin' from my pillow! But, Kendyll is in such good spirits and giving us lots of her smiles and sweet hugs.

Yesterday, she spent alot of time sleeping...and alot of time throwing up. I guess the combination of anesthesia and pain meds without much food in her system did the trick. It seemed to be a cycle for most of the day. But, she was such a good patient and never cried or complained about throwing up or feeling lousy. A couple of times I would ask her if she was ready for some food, and then would name a few options. She would squeeze her eyes shut and shake her head quickly NO. I could tell from her look that she was having that same nautious feeling we all get when we're sick with the stomach virus and a fast food commercial comes on TV. That's the WORST!

Anyway, other than that, she took lots of little cat naps, but found time in between the sleepy times to make art projects in bed, read books, and watch movies. She finally started feeling like eating last night and had three bowls of ice cream, two popsicles, a squeezable yogurt, and pudding within a few hours. I got to be in full "mommy mode" yesterday and spent most of my time right by her side. She wanted me holding her or sitting by her most of the time, which I absolutely loved. It's been a long time since I just hung out with her all day with no agenda and nowhere to go. She also got some very special treats from very special people, which have made this so fun for her. Papa Ron and Gammy brought her a new fish! (When I had my tonsils out, a family friend brought me a fish, promising my mom that it wouldn't live that long and it would be an easy pet. Well, my fish lived for YEARS. So, Mom wanted to pass on the tradition to Kendyll.) So, her new beta fish has a beautiful fish bowl, and is named Dorothy (from Elmo). Dorothy has been carried to every room Kendyll has been in and she is now obsessed with her new baby fish, who even slept next to her last night.
She also got ice cream and a coloring book from our sweet friend, Lacy, who brought hugs from Kendyll's friends, Matthew and Brynlee too. She has already used both and was excited to have a visitor come over (especially when the visitor brought baby Kasen for Kendyll to hold!)
Last night, her special treat was getting to sleep in Mommy and Daddy's room. We made her a special bed in the floor with all of her usual stuffed animals and blankets. She was THRILLED. Now, this is completely unlike us, on normal days. Not once in her entire life (except for the first few weeks of life) has she slept in our room or with us. It is just a boundary I prefer never to cross, for fear of it never stopping! But, last night, after she had been sick all day, we decided it would be best for her to be near us. I think I changed my mind about 4:00 am, when Kendyll said "Hey, Mommy" for about the 40th time. Let's just say all those cat-naps had made her a little too alert for the middle of the night. Finally, after saying her tummy was grumbling, I gave her pudding and put her in our bed with us. WHAT?! Did I really do that?! Yes, I did. It might be the last time it ever happens, but it was worth it. Not only did all three of us get sleep after that, we did get to cuddle too. It was definitely worth breaking the "rules".

Today, has been great and she is continuing the pattern of resting, reading, watching movies, making crafts, eating snacks, talking to Dorothy, taking her medicine, and yelling at Carlie to leave her stuff alone (yes, some things are back in full swing around here!)

So, for now, I think we're heading into a restful weekend at home, although Mark and I are hoping to get out to see sweet baby Camryn tomorrow and maybe do some yard work if our little patient is doing okay.

Thanks for all of your sweet comments, emails, phone calls, and visits. It has meant so much to Kendyll, and to all of us.