I’ll just tell you.

I had to leave.

I had to get up and walk out of the room, right before they wheeled my kid off to surgery. I didn’t want to leave. But I have 3 other children, all who needed their hair combed and breakfast made and to be driven to school.  I had to go.

The anesthesiologist gave Phoebe some ‘feel better syrup’ to ease her anxiety, and I could feel Warwick’s hand on my side. Nudging me. Pushing me. “Go. Now’s a good time. If you hurry, you’ll be back before they even start.”

“Knock it off. STOP PUSHING ME. I’ll go when I’m ready. When she’s ready for me to go.” My tone was curt. My eyes in a thin line.  I was being rather mean, which is always how I am when I’m nervous or upset.

” Phoebe. Phoebe. PHOEBE! Can you hear me?”

The syrup had taken full effect now. She looked like a complete lush, giggling and rolling around in her underwear, trying to keep her tongue in her mouth. Or out of her mouth. I’m not really sure. . . .

“Feebs. I need to go for like 2 minutes *such a lie*. I’ll be right back. Is that okay?”

“Yes! Yes! GOOOOOO!!!! No stay. No! Goooooo! Just wait. Gimme a kiss!”

And then she stuck her tongue down my throat, and slathered me with mucus and rolled with laughter.

He pushed me this time, harder, more like a shove, “GO! I’ve got it under control.”

“No you don’t. Look at her! She’s trying to climb out of the bed. Dear Lord.”

But I knew he did have it under control. He always does. He signed all the papers. Got us to the hospital on time. Did all the research. Made us both feel okay. He had it all under control.

So I gave her one more kiss. . .another gross drunken tongue kiss. . . .grabbed my purse and walked away, into the hallway, where my walked turned into a mad sprint until I could see my sunshine again.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

I made it back to the hospital in record time.

I speed walked into the waiting room, slightly breathless, and waited.

I cried a little too, which was slightly alarming for my husband because he thought I was doing surprisingly well, but you know, she’s my baby.

Here are a few pictures of the entire ordeal.. . . .I like to call it Ugly Belly Button Removal Surgery. . . .others might call it Hernia Surgery. . .I’m not sure.

The hospital had a Teddy Bear and her favorite color pajamas waiting for her when we arrived.

I’m sure we had the best nurse ever. When she threatened to chase Phoebe around the hospital with her dentures. . . .I knew then. . . .we were golden.

When they wheeled her away. . .I wasn’t there for that. . .which was probably a good thing, I’m sure I would have lost it.

 

Here she is waking up from anesthesia. It was rather horrible to watch. . .I don’t really want to talk about it.

And here’s what my bundle of sunshine looks like today. Bandages to come off soon. Happy and Glowing like the sun.

Hence,

the Sunshine Smoothie.

It will light up your day, like my kid lights up mine.

Good Morning Sunshine Smoothie!

Hands down, my very favorite smoothie of all times.

Ingredients:

2 cups of Frozen Fruit Medley (Strawberries, Mango, Pineapple, Peaches)
2 TB lemon juice
2 TB Almond Butter
1/3 cup Vanilla Yogurt (I used Greek)
1 cup water
1 cup AlmondCoconut Milk (or your fave milk)
Agave sweetener, to taste

Directions:

Blend, Slurp. Sip. Stir. Slurp. Sip. Share (maybe).