Monday night update.

[rivka]

This morning Michael sounded confident, and said that he could see improvement and that his father might be moved to a regular hospital room in the afternoon.

This evening he sounded tired, and said that his father was going to spend another night in the ICU; his condition had deteriorated somewhat as the day went on. But it doesn't sound like there were any dramatics.

Single-parenting a three-year-old is a lot easier than single-parenting a 15-month-old - which was the last time Michael was gone for any significant period of time. We cheated and had "breakfast for dinner" tonight: bacon, eggs, fruit, milk. It's easier than real cooking. But in general, she's a helpful and cooperative kid, and the burden is not too tremendous. She doesn't, for example, mind playing on her own while I wash dishes or take a shower.

Of course, check with me after another couple of days. Nursery school is closed, and Alex and I are going to be together 24/7 without respite until it reopens Thursday morning. It's possible that we'll be a little tired of each other by then.

We both miss Michael so much. My bed feels very empty at night.

In other news, I went back to the midwife this evening because I suspected that my infection had not totally cleared up. Which it hadn't. But the bonus was that she got out the Doppler and found a perfect little heartbeat lurking behind the whoosh-whoosh-whoosh of my own blood flowing through the placenta. I tell you, it's the best sound in the world.

Comments

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that there have been no disasters re: Michael's father. And I'm glad that Alex is being companionable, insofar as a three-year-old can.

You continue in my thoughts and prayer-analogs.

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

from my experience, it's hard and depressing to be in the icu, but it's so much better than being in the regular hospital rooms. in the icu, if you *sneeze* your very own nurse comes and checks on you. in the regular hospital rooms, you have to set yourself on fire and then in maybe half an hour or so someone will come check on you. this is my recollection from when my dad was in the hospital.

[rivka.livejournal.com]

When he was in the ICU after bypass surgery, in 2003, he wound up with ICU psychosis (http://www.medicinenet.com/icu_psychosis/article.htm). So that's something we worry about. But yeah, it's pretty much the last part of the hospital that has appropriate staffing levels for nurses.

It does give me a jolt - I found myself thinking, "Well, if they're going to send him to a regular room that must mean he's nearly out of the woods and everything is fine." But no, that's what discharging him would mean. They don't keep you in the hospital these days unless you're incredibly sick, and they don't keep you in the most expensive and work-intensive part of the hospital unless you're... sicker than that.

[windsea.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear. That doesn't sound good at all.

But I know exactly what you mean about the difference between 3 and oh, half that - such different sorts of company.

And keep those videos coming. A few days of mindless TV pigging out aren't going to hurt her.

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

aaaagh. icu psychosis is no good. when my dad was in the icu, they warned us about that. ugh. i am glad that the hospital that michael's dad is in has more liberal visiting policies this time; that will likely help, having his family around.

[mjlayman.livejournal.com]

I was in a coma the six weeks I was in ICU, no psychosis. But I went to see my upstairs neighbor in the convalescent home on Sunday (we hope he'll be home in a couple of weeks) and I'd kill myself before I lived in a place like that permanently.

[(Anonymous)]

I'm glad to hear things are staying level on both fronts.

Is there a chance you could have someone over for lunch or dinner or tea? Just to make sure you both get some contact with other people? Or head out to the park and you could bring a book for a little reading when you're not having to hoist her off the highest slide platform or when she's stranded on those weird curvy ladders.

One more option: EVERYBODY gets at least one nap every day!

[richtermom.livejournal.com]

D'oh.

[rivka.livejournal.com]

I would give very nearly anything if she still napped, but she hasn't napped more often than once in a blue moon since just after her second birthday. I have, however, suspended our "only one video a day" rule until her father comes home.

We have plans to see friends Wednesday morning. I think that either tomorrow or Wednesday we'll go to the swim club, where there should be friends for her to play with and adult contact for me. We'll get through it.

[jonquil.livejournal.com]

Oh, I remember the joy of that sound. Hurrah.

[guruwench.livejournal.com]

Good thoughts are continuing, Rivka.

-Kenora

[wcg.livejournal.com]

it's the best sound in the world.

Oh yeah.

Best wishes for everything and everyone continue.

[mjlayman.livejournal.com]

Good sound from the baby. I hope Michael's dad gets better soon.

[echosupernova.livejournal.com]

Very glad to hear that Micheal's father is doing better and that you're managing well with Alex. You're all in my thoughts.

[elisem.livejournal.com]

Good wishes.

And YAY, what a cool thing to hear! For all sorts of reasons. Yay!

[namedphoenix.livejournal.com]

::hugs::

Sending lots of good feelings to you and Alex, and not (as the edit seems to suggest) forgetting Michael in those sendings.

[papersky.livejournal.com]

Three is just a more reasonable age generally, she can actually understand and help now. This doesn't make it perfect, but it certainly makes it easier.

Good thoughts in all your directions.

[bosssio.livejournal.com]

wishing you the best! we are driving to NYC on Friday - we could leave a couple of hours earlier and stop by for lunch if you are free.

[ratphooey.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry about Michael's father's poor health.

But how wonderful to hear the heartbeat! It really is the best sound in the world.

offer of help

[lisajulie.livejournal.com]

Rivka -

I'm at loose ends at this moment (can do what work I'm doing online). Would it help you if I came and stayed with you and Alex (the adorable) for a week or so? I have a reputation of being (in horse terms) an "easy keeper".

Anywhoo, if this would make your life easier, you coule call me - home phone works better, cause cell reception bites dead bats - 301-937 6345.

hugs,
LisaJulie