Monday, Monday

Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be

Sylvie can tell the different sounds that indicate whether I'm loading up a syringe of medicine, removing her neupogen needle from the mylar bag or if I'm packing up a bag to bring to the hospital. I try to be SO quiet but it doesn't matter!

This morning, Sylvie had an appointment at the Reuten outpatient clinic for routine blood work. I focus on all the fun things we get to do like watch Barbie movies, make glittery messes, bead necklaces, princess tattoos and so forth. That lasts long enough to get Sylvie into the car. There is nothing like driving in the rain listening to Audra Rox's "I Hope My Mama Says Yes" over and over and over again. I tried to sneak in Ryan Adams "Cold Roses" but Sylvie does not yet appreciate the musical greatness (no offense to my friend and fellow namesake, Audra). Sylvie asked if we could go to another Laurie Berkner concert or meet Audra again. We met Audra Rox the Sunday before all the shenanigans began. We got into a little discussion because Sylvie wants a hospital bed in her bedroom and there's no reasoning with her.

As usual, Sylvie went beserk on Carmen and we had to try and weigh her repeatedly. 20.1 pounds. Down a little. Then we went to the lab where they pricked her finger and honestly, she cried for about 10 seconds and then asked for Hello Kitty band-aids for Michael. Then, Sylvie wanted to go into one of the exam rooms with the big beds and watch movies and I coerced her into watching Barbie Rapunzel in the transfusion room.

She's a little celebrity in the clinic because if she likes you, well then, she REALLY REALLY likes you and is very chatty. She loves the advance practice nurse Annette which surprises me a little because she's had to do some uncomfortable things to Sylvie in the past. Suzanne who is our regular nurse came over and Sylvie really likes her despite the fact she's the one who puts the needles in her chest.

There was an Orthodox family sitting beside us. The littlest one, a boy around Sylvie's age, had an NG tube but was eating a tuna salad sandwich which perplexed me. A little stinky too I might add! His name was Mendel which is a favorite name of my friend Polina. I told her that if she ever has a son and names him that, he better wear body armour to school. She likes the nickname "Mendy" but our little neighbor today's nickname was "Mendoline." Like mandoline but different. Hmm. They looked at me strangely because despite what I think are my obviously Jewish features, Sylvie and I were playing with a glitter easter egg that we had just made.

I was a little annoyed because the reason we had to go to the hospital was because Sylvie's potassium level was low (3) last week AND they did NOT CHECK IT today. Oh well.

On the ride home, Sylvie insisted on hearing Suzi Shelton's "Road Trip" over and over and over. She threw her fists in the air during the chorus as if we were listening to Quiet Riot.