The Little Things

I've got a lot to be thankful for.  Yes, I know it's almost Christmas - I don't have my holidays mixed up...although after the past few days I just might start confusing things due to lack of sleep.  Kid #3 spent roughly 24 hours at the hospital being treated for pneumonia.  Seven years ago kid #2 (at 12 months old) had the same experience, but this time was vastly different.  As some of you might have already heard the story, I'll explain for those who haven't - after a few days battling a ridiculously high fever (106!) using both Tylenol and Motrin concurrently to try and break it, kid #2's lips suddenly turned blue then pink a few times - it was almost hard to believe I saw what I did -it was an "eyerub" moment - but when I saw it a few more times it was definitely real...so off to the ER we went.  Long story short, after being suspiciously asked where she got the bruise on her forehead (she was a toddler for goodness sake - and even now at almost 8, is still a bit of a clutz), threatened DYFS by the doc because her vaccinations weren't up to date (even though she was started on them), and traumatized by catheterization...they found that she had an "infiltrate" in her lungs via X-ray so we were admitted for treatment of pneumonia.  While our experience with the ER was not one I'll remember fondly, the pediatric wing where we wound up was GREAT.  The nurses, staff and doctors were sensitive, caring and great with her - and thankfully she got much better very quickly.

This past Tuesday, after his cough just wouldn't get better and on the advice of our family doc, we took kid #3 to the ER (oh no - dejavu!) for a chest X-ray to check for pneumonia.  While the wait to be seen was much longer than last time, I never got the feeling that I was being scruitinized or judged by anyone...and it just so happened that the ER doc was the husband of a good family friend (a very welcome, friendly face I might add).  I felt like my kid's best interest was being put first...he was hardly traumatized (the IV line was a bit rough...but nothing a promise of Lego Star Wars toys wouldn't fix).  I suppose it helped that there were some very...ahem...interesting characters around, which definitely kept me entertained for the few hours we waited for a room on the pediatric ward.  After the boy conked out (a thankful break from the incessant "I want to go home") we were finally moved to the 4th floor.  Mike showed up just as we were heading into the room and like a true tag-team effort we switched and I headed home. 

His opinion couldn't be more clear

Fast forward to about 10am the next day...after opening the cafe and getting things in order, I headed out to find some Legos with Darth Vader in them - I managed to find one with lots of clone troopers and Anakin Skywalker, who I figured would suffice since he would become Darth Vader anyway.  Another tag team switch - Mike headed out and I settled in, happy that the boy approved of my purchases...not once in the 2 hours it took me to put everything together did he indicate he needed to "get out of here"...SCORE!  We saw a few friendly faces over the course of the day - his Pre-K teacher stopped by with a present, a doctor who worked in a different area came in at his sister-in-law's request to check on us (Thanks, Jen!), and a friendly face from the kid's school was there for her own daughter's foot surgery.  We felt very special - the kid even opened up and was animated with a total stranger...not a usual occurrence. 

Thankfully, kid #3 was discharged that afternoon, and we headed home...it's really such a luxury to sleep in your own bed and be in a comfortable environment, surrounded by family.  He's made such a speedy recovery, that it's hard to believe he's the same lethargic, sickly looking kid from earlier this week.  At least one worry is resolved for now...and I'm thankful my worries now include when I'm going to wrap and hide all the gifts, make the cookies, finish work stuff, catch up on much needed sleep...? 

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all - may your worries be small and your days be joyful!