How is Laurel?

Today was Laurel's second full day at home after her 72-hour hospital stay.  And how is she?

She is hungry.  About as soon as a meal ends, she begins asking about the next one.  Right before lunch today she was musing on the delights of the grilled cheese sandwich I had promised to make her.  "I like the crusty part," I heard her say from the back seat as we drove to get Isaac at school, "and I like the melted cheese.  And I like ham."  Well, she didn't eat normal food for over ten days, so no wonder she's a bit obsessed! 

She is tired.  In the hospital I slept in the bed with her, and she slept very well.  (Unlike myself!  Yes, there was a chair that turned into a cot of sorts, but an actual mattress seemed more comfortable, and plus I think we both found it reassuring to be close to each other.)  Now that she's home, she's not eager to be left alone in her own bed.  She woke up frightened the first night home, and came in to sleep with me around dawn.  And last night she just couldn't fall asleep, so after two and a half hours in her own room she ended up in bed with me and Craig.  Sleep was still difficult, however -- she kept climbing on top of me, like she was trying to occupy the same space as me.

She is emotional.  Her feelings are strong and sudden, and she had a few big tantrums today, which really isn't typical.  But she has also given me several wonderful hugs.

She is clumsy.  Maybe this goes with the territory of being "hungry" and "tired," but she tripped many times today, not always catching herself before her poor head struck the ground.  Her coordination and strength keep improving, and I don't think there is anything to worry about, but she isn't quite normal yet.

She is conscious of herself as a patient.  Several times today Laurel told me that her stomach hurt.  It was probably just from eating too-large portions, as her stomach did shrink from lack of use; after meals her tummy feels tight and distended.  Tonight when I was telling her that she had been sick, but that her stay in the hospital had made her healthy, she wasn't quite convinced.  She sounded a little confused when she said, "But my stomach hurts now."  I told her that she wasn't sick any more, and that her tummy would be just fine.  Then she said, "But my bucket is in the car."

That made me sad.  Her "bucket" is a vomit receptacle.  For ten whole days she always had a bucket close at hand.  It will take a while for her to get over it.