This morning Novalie's Child Life Specialist created some therapeutic play.  Novalie drew pictures of things that she hates about the hospital.  The pictures were put on the floor.  Then Novalie threw wet tissues at each picture that makes her upset about being here.  It was so good for her to do.  I could tell that it was a great release for her and a great relief to know that it's ok to be mad about things.  She drew pictures like the monitors, the cardiac wires that she's hooked up to 24/7 (they're on her chest, toes, and leg!), and a picture of herself looking tired from all the interruptions in the middle of the night.  What a great few moments for her.  She would shout, "Take that blood pressure cuff!" as she whipped the wet tissue at the picture!  Priceless.

It's things like that that make this place so incredible.  The nurses are kid-friendly and intelligent and have a few great tricks up their sleeves to get her into the shower!  ;)  Each day we see a new group of doctors rounding and every 12 hours we have a new nurse.  And all of them ask Novalie how she is doing or feeling.  They all ask me too, how I'm holding up.  The family support we've been given is wonderful.  The staff see many families come through these doors from quite a distance from home like us.  I really feel like they are in the right field to be in given their compassionate nature.  I get great tips on the best take out too!

Thanks for listening,

Love, Kathy & Novalie