the day after

Natalie was definitely feeling better today. She ate pretty well, although her full appetite hasn't quite returned yet. She went to Pre-K (don't call it daycare) with her three heart monitor stickers on, but we covered them up with a t-shirt so no one would notice. Those things were stuck on so tight that it seemed like if we tried to take them off like bandaids it might take her skin with it! Thank goodness Brandi gave us some adhesive tape remover. They were small, oily cloths that I used like floss under each sticker that wore off the adhesive. They came off pretty easily and it was relatively painless. I only heard a couple of "owwwws" but I think they were more for dramatic effect. The rectal bleeding still persists and I've had to answer a lot of Natalie's questions about how much longer it will persist. I keep telling her that we will know more on Friday.

Natalie was excited to start her Tuesday computer class, an extra program through her Pre-K, and thought it was "excellent". They talked about internet safety and are working on some type of computer program together to solve a mystery.

Natalie took care of Poppy and Grandma's plants, flowers, and dog while they were on vacation. She got a trip to the toy store for being such a great helper. One of the items she picked out was a doctor's coat complete with a stethoscope, thermometer, and other fun tools. At the hospital yesterday she was given a bag full of doctor items that she could use to dress up in: gloves, hat, shoe covers, swabs, guaze, tongue depressor, alcohol wipes, etc... so now she has the lab coat to go with it. She's been playing doctor since she got home yesterday and I think it's a good way for her to work out what she's been through. At the hospital yesterday when they listened to her heart they told her to take "Big Bad Wolf breaths." So, of course we are all having to take our Big Bad Wolf breaths today with her play stethoscope. She cannot wait to wake up tomorrow and continue playing doctor.