Not a morning person

Mandy and Teri after the post-op shower

I'm not sure why I thought having brain surgery would suddenly turn Amanda into a morning person. We've discovered that mornings are still not her thing - especially for pushing rehab and eating right now. I crossed the fine line between encouraging and pressing this morning, and Mandy firmly told me it was time to leave her alone. Note to self - avoid morning goading. Moving forward, we'll let morning take care of itself and try to make more progress in the afternoon/evening.

Once she slept for a few hours, Amanda woke up ready to try a shower. This was a first for us, but with Teri Anne's help we did awesome. I discovered that women apparently use washcloths and men shouldn't try to do hair. Mandy commented that she was glad we're 15 years into marriage rather than 15 days because post-op baths aren't the most flattering events to go through. True statement. Teri Anne braided her hair and put a scarf on to cover the scar (sweet scarf Samantha), and I think she looks great. Mandy said it felt great to take a shower and brush her teeth.

Chocolate milk, fruit, and cottage cheese rounded out the early afternoon and it's time for some rest for Amanda

. Unfortunately we'll have to start the walking routine later this afternoon, which is just not a lot of fun for her - more of a necessary evil right now. She's now off the heavy pain meds, and is on a routine of Ibuprofen and Extra Strength Tylenol which we hope will help with the nausea.

We won't be coming home from the hospital today, but we'll shoot for tomorrow if Mandy progresses enough. The surgeon and I talked and he indicated there are general timelines for recovery, but it varies for each person. There is not a deadline for coming home, it will be when Mandy is more ready. That being said, she wants to go home, so we'll work toward tomorrow as our goal and see if we can hit it. If not, we'll shoot for Sunday.