In the past few days the reality of Anna’s upcoming surgery has begun to sink in. On Thursday I took Anna to tour Children’s Hospital with a child life specialist and an interpreter. Anna was given a cloth doll dressed in a hospital gown with an IV, bandages, and other medical paraphernalia. She was asked to draw her herself on the doll. We then spent some time role-playing the events of next week. The nurse took notes on what Anna likes to do and helped me complete a coping plan for the staff to follow during her stay.
We then toured the pre-surgery center, the operating room, and the floor where she will be staying. We also spent some time playing in the sibling play area. Anna seems to understand that she is finally going to have her “ouchy” fixed; but I am fearful that she doesn’t understand the lengthy and painful recovery process. With the help of the interpreter, I tried to get that across along with the fact that we will be with her the whole time. I wanted Anna to be assured that she will be coming back home with us; that we are not going to leave her.
We’ve also been working with Anna at home to make her feel secure. Last week we turned the guest bedroom room into her room by painting it pink, her favorite color. It was then off to Pottery Barn Kids for the quilt she chose from the catalog. I’m framing some cute “paper cut” art we bought in Guangzhou to hang on her walls. Anna helped put her clothes in the closet and her toys in her room. Since moving into her room, she’s slept through the night both nights. She even invited Lily to sleep with her last night!
The girls started their morning with a concert for Mama and Baba and then Nana and I took the girls to Seattle Center for the day. Lily and Anna spent the afternoon going on rides and playing outside. We wanted Anna to be able run and play as much as possible before the body cast makes her immobile for the next few months. Tired after a long day, the girls are snuggling together on our bed watching Little Bear fighting to stay awake.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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5 comments:
Pamela,
We will lift your family in prayer and will ask others to do the same. What a gift you are giving Anna. She sure is a cutie pie.
By the way, your blog looks fantastic!
Hugs,
Liz
Praying for your sweet girl. She has such a lovely spirit! How fun that you all were able to prepare her room with help & input. :) Please keep us updated. Hugs to you all!!
btw, your blog is beautiful!!
Love,
Jenny
Dear Pam and John,
My heart is in my throat, I cannot imagine your feelings anticipating Anna's surgery. Feeling both readiness to get this done and start her new life, and dread for the immediate stress it will bring. I can honestly tell you, I know of no one else who could handle it any better than you. I think you were meant to be the one, the momma for Anna, because you can do it, and do it well. I will say a prayer for you all each day, and will be thinking about you, wishing you well, and watching for updates.
sue
Thank goodness for Little Bear! He was always so calming and comforting for YaYa too. Your new blog looks wonderful. Congratulations!
Thinking of you as you begin some challenging months. I am so glad you can give Anna the help she needs. xoxoxox Sarah
Hi Block family: Prayers to you today, for Anna, for Anna's docs, for you and John and a special prayer for Lily. We are thinking of you at this tough time. Hang in there, friends. You are in my constant thoughts. Kathleen
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