The photo of Sleeping Beauty here belies the hours of sedation-medication-induced fighting that followed Ellie’s return to the recovery ward. She was in good form coming out of sedation – kicking nurses, tearing at every wire attached to her with one hand while fending off Mummy and Daddy with the other hand all the while screaming, “I’m sooooo thirsthy! I want my purple sippy cup!” The offer of a paper cup from one of the nurses was met with a fleet foot and the battle cry, “No! Myyyyy cup!”

Nurses and anesthetists were flying in and out of the room. I jumped in next to her and Ken eventually straddled her on the bed and pinned her down with her blanket. She’d then ease down and get sleepy only to pop back up writhing one minute later. This went on for hours subsiding a bit with each successive round until she finally gave up and slipped off to sleep.

She’s still sleeping now. Hopefully when she wakes up the effects of the medication will have worn off and we’ll get to go home. Fingers crossed.