The Hannah Show
Tonight I am Christos, and I am attempting to conduct the Hannah show. As in The Truman Show, not quite everything is going to plan. I haven't seen a par-can fall from the sky yet, but I am looking anxiously at the ceiling, wondering if it's far behind.
I took over from Janette at 2 am. This is our third, consecutive night shift, so we're both running on "punchy."
On our night shifts, we do get into a rhythm of sorts, provided Hannah is feeling well. After a day of typical play and mischief today, however, Hannah quickly escalated to needing ventilator support, oxygen, and the tylenol and ibruprofin swing-your-partner every-three-hour square dance tonight.
So while the medications doe-see-doe, I write and attempt to conduct the early morning hours to lull Hannah back to sleep. Currently, she's on the albuterol bounce, and her fever is reduced. While this is good news, Hannah has interpreted this as a signal to play, watch videos, and engage the world-at-large.
Some of my tools are missing, too. Usually, I can move from the active video that was playing when I came on shift to Dan Zanes (downshift the lighting) to classical music (darken the room again) and... sleep. The Dan Zanes disc is missing (has Hannah become more mobile that I realize?), and the classical station is talking more than usual.
So I am playing Deuter and other synthetic new age music via XM that I haven't willingly listened to... well, ever.
Meanwhile, across the hall, a blur of pjs runs past, heading toward our bedroom.
"Gabriel?"
The blur of blue camo doesn't even pause. Gripped by some night terror, Gabriel is off to sleep beside (I mean kick & claw) the recently relieved Mom.
Now Hannah is over-tired, flicking pacifiers at me to draw me back to the bed for hugs and songs. I've moved to Stern Daddy Voice here at 4am, letting Hannah know It Is Time... To... Go... TO... SLEEP!
She's somewhat unconvinced, but matching the Daddy Voice with her own P & V. I write at a distance, giving her some space to maybe, just maybe, toss and turn herself to sleep.
Meanwhile, as Christos, I hope to regain control of the nightime bedroom set soon. Otherwise, I've got a schedule to keep here. Soon, I'll have to cue the Sun.
-- Dad
