Free to be Tonsil-free....

So, as you may remember from a few months ago, Tony had his tonsils out.  I may have mentioned then that Olivia was next in line, then possibly Mia.

Last Thursday, we dropped Mia at the sitter and proceeded to the hospital.  Olivia, Tony and I.  I was freaking out, a little (or a lot, whatever), on the inside.  I couldn't show Olivia that I was scared - she needed to be brave.  Why was I scared?  I mean, a tonsillectomy is major surgery.  (Insert sarcastic expression here).  No, I was more worried because she would do this without me.  She was going to be going through something major, and I would not be able to be right there, by her side, to protect her.  That is what was freaking me out.  There is also the unknowns - again, because I wouldn't be there, holding her hand, watching out for her.  I wanted to cry when they wheeled her away from me.  I was on edge the entire half an hour she was in surgery.  I know it seems silly, but, this kid has been with me for almost everything since she was born.  So, yeah, it's this whole growing up and cutting the cord thing that I can't handle.  She's only 8.  Which is only 8 years from driving.  I can only imagine how many tears, fears, frustrations and advice I will have to repress over the next 8 years as she grows closer to adulthood and further away from my baby.  You know?  People warn you about not sleeping when you have a baby, and they warn you about teething.  They tell you how special that first smile, first word, first step will be.  They warn you that girls will be easier at first, but will be harder during the teen years - and that boys are the opposite (couldn't tell you if this is true or not).  But, they don't tell you that letting them grow and letting them fly is the hardest thing about being a parent.

This is the patient, patiently waiting on the nurses.  She was a trooper though!  She did great!  She got an IV and only screamed a little - after the nurse told her she could.  She was not nervous at all - unless she is awesome at hiding it.  Which is entirely possible.  She freaked out a little after she woke up, but has been mostly fine since then.  She is bored sitting at home with me, but we will endure, and take pictures together. Pictures with goofy smiles.  While she can still stand to be near me, and I can enjoy keeping her close to me.