We had a restless night last night. Ellie won the final round in the battle against the IV in the head. She pulled a Houdini act getting the socks off her hands and yanked the IV out sometime in the night. The nurse decided to give her some fluids at some point. I noticed this at 4am by which time pretty much her entire head was matted with the sugary goop that leaked out.
So, at 4am (when I do my best work) I had the pleasure of removing the tape and adhesives holding the IV to her hair and scalp and scrubbed and brushed out the glucose perm she had going on. There’s nothing as heartbreaking as her looking up at me with this bewildered, why are you doing this to me look.
I think she had forgiven me by the time she slipped into her ladybug costume to go trick or treating for her first time ever. They had it all organized where we went around the hospital with a bunch of the other kids from the floor. She hauled in a bunch of loot from stickers to pounds of candy that Colleen and I are saving for her…whoops, sorry, just smudged chocolate on the keyboard.
Click here or on the photo for a few big pictures from Trick or Treating.
Happy Halloween everyone!
-Ken
Tuesday, 31. October 2006
Awwww, thank you so much for the pictures! I’m so happy to be able to see her and to have an update on how she’s doing. My heart goes out to her and to you all as you struggle in these battles and wars! Ellie is a tough little cookie and she wants things her way, well as much as she can get them. I can’t imagine dealing with that job and seeing those big eyes looking at me, especially at 4 a.m. The saying goes, “whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger,” so you and Colleen must be veritable Hercules by now! And enjoy that candy, consider it your payment for a job well done. Love you all.
Tuesday, 31. October 2006
How sweet is that!! She looks so adorable in her little costume. Ken- I am so proud of you. It seems not that long ago that you were my big brothers best friend; around my house annoying me. And now look at you! Super Dad. Ellie is a VERY lucky little girl to have you and Colleen as parents. Happy Halloween!
Tuesday, 31. October 2006
What a gorgeous Ladybug. I hope she ate till her tummy ached. Ken don’t eat all her loot…lol I will have plenty if you need more. Getting ready to feed the boys and take them out. The loved the pictures of their cousin. Love Michelle & the BOYS
Tuesday, 31. October 2006
This one from Sydney:
I love the outfit! Ken I don’t know how you got your picture to look like that because it’s really cool. I hope you had a good Halloween. My friend and I wore poodle skirts. I love the look of curiosity on her face. Like I say every time, she is so cute! Love and miss you! SYDNEY
Tuesday, 31. October 2006
Awwwwwwwww. That is absolutely the most darling little goblin (er, Ladybug) I’ve ever seen! Sydney and I heard something on the radio this morning that you might find useful, Ken. The announcer said that it is a known Halloween fact that unless kids share their Halloween candy with their parents, a Werewolf will come and eat them. Interesting concept. The first thing Sydney did when we finished trick or treating today was offer me a tootsie roll!
I guess she didn’t want to take any chances!
You go, Ellie-Beth. Who needs that old scalp IV anyway? I’d pull it out too!
What a joy to see you guys doing something semi-normal. And to see Ellie Beth begging to differ with the conventional wisdom of all those medical folks! Hope you get more sleep tonight. One can only imagine what Ellie Beth’s baby sensibilities are thinking about all this stuff!
Sleep on a tootsie roll. Maybe it will give you sweet dreams. If not, you’ll at least get another shampoo out of it!
xxxooo
Auntie A
Wednesday, 1. November 2006
I’m so glad she got a taste of Halloween! Next year will really rock!!
I love you guys! something should be arriving today~be on the lookout.
lots o’ love
mj
Wednesday, 1. November 2006
Ellie you look fantastic in your outfit darling ! So proud of how you are coping and pulling through your treatment. Its great being able to see your progress on this site, you look stronger everytime I visit.
Hope you had a great party, next years will be even better ;0)
Love and kisses, Pete and Cheriee xxxxxxxxx
Wednesday, 1. November 2006
Ellie looks so sweet . We are still praying for you all. Every time I read Kens e-mails I laugh so hard. Ken, you and your brother have the exact same sense of humor. Scott is away again but sends his love!
Wednesday, 1. November 2006
Is that really a ladybug? She looks like a little butterfly to me and a very, very cute one.
Wednesday, 1. November 2006
Very nice…nothing like a run around the place to get goodies for morale. At least Ellie will have a few good memories of what must seem like a never-ending scare-house.
I am happy to see you guys seeming in better spirits and hopefully sleeping some in between shifts.
All our love,
Keith and Monique
Wednesday, 1. November 2006
Hi Ellie
Loved your Halloween outfit, it’s really cool. Glad you’re feeling a little better. Hope it’s not too long before you go home with Mummy and Daddy.
Love and hugs Aimee (Bev’s youngest)
Wednesday, 1. November 2006
so thankful that Ellie had some fun on Halloween…. hope today went really well… what a beautiful ‘lady bug’!
lynn & len
Wednesday, 1. November 2006
She’s gorgeous! So glad you got to take her around! Happy Halloween!