General knowledge quiz?

'Mummy, where do clothes/ clouds/ chickens/ ________ (fill in the blank!) come from', was the theme of today, and greatly tested mummy's general knowledge.

Catherine has been a bit better today, and has used the time at home wisely: by asking me heaps of questions about life, the universe and everything! She wants to know how everything works and what it all means. I'm only hoping I can answer all her questions. Thank goodness for the internet if I get stuck.

She has also felt well enough to colour, have her toenails painted and have an imaginary tea party today, which was fun. She is still coughing and sniffling, and still looks very pale, but at least she is having a bit of a giggle today. I have thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to chat with her. I suppose we do get some very good quality time together during these treatment times. I value it, despite the circumstances. It also means I get to do numbers and letters with her, which she enjoys. She keeps writing her name on everything, and has worked out what it means if things are 'similar'.

She gets so excited and constantly wants to learn more. Yesterday, I asked her if she knew where butterflies came from. 'Well, mummy', she said, as if she was an authority on the subject. 'They start as a caterpillar and go into a cocoon and come out and are butterflies'. I didn't even know she knew this! She has a mind like a sponge... I wish I could learn things as easily as her.

We are about half way through this intensive block, now. Her hair is almost completely gone. It has rubbed off at the back and sides from when she is sleeping, and she has some dark strands left on top of her head. We knew this treatment was strong and that her hair would completely go at some point.

I am quite glad that she will only need one of these blocks, as it is exhausting for all of us. We will get her through this, and I am looking forward to seeing her old energy return (although I am going to have to learn how to cope with a physically active child again!). On Monday, one of my friends said she thinks Catherine will end up being a doctor or part of the medical profession when she grows up. She looked very fine in the nurses uniform she wore at her friend's house at the weekend, so you never know...