On the Twenty First Day of December
Monday, December 21, 2009 at 06:00AM I guess I'd have to say that this December goes in the books as the craziest. I'm real good about always keeping our holiday sane but just couldn't help it this year. Things were out of my hands. And that's what always makes it worse.
Some of you already know that last week was pretty scary. My little V ended up in the hospital with a bad case of pneumonia. It started off as just a sick weekend and then a trip to the ER on Monday thinking that the docs would send us home with flu meds. But instead they put me and V in an ambulance and admitted her into the children's hospital. That was the start of a long 4 days filled with poking, prodding, sleepless nights, fear, restlessness and everything else that we shouldn't be dealing with this time of year. But my baby fought through and with the help of wonderful visitors and a fabulous nurse she is out. Not fully healthy yet but we're working on that.
I still look at her today and remember how afraid she was every time someone with a hospital gown came in. She didn't want to get hurt. It's hard to convince a 5 year old that the pain will make you better and that "everyone here wants to see you get well." We spent one long night in the same room with a 7 month old boy who "didn't have any parents" as everyone said. He was a foster care baby. Sweet as can be, cute cute. But when he cried it took time for someone to come. After he got his treatments the staff left and he was on his own. I just can't imagine his life next to ours. V had everything at that moment. And all everything was was a rub on the head to help her sleep. A firm hold and the words "it'll be over soon" when a needle came her way. A kiss on the cheek when she cried and said she wanted to go home and sleep in her own bed. We truly have it all. Sometimes it takes a fragile moment to be reminded of it.
As a motivator to get through tough times I told V that when she got out of the hospital that we'd catch up on things and wouldn't miss anything. Although she did get to see Santa twice at the hospital! And boy did she get spoiled with nice gifts from everyone that loves her. And who wouldn't love a bed that goes up and down. Anyway, we made it to sit on Santa's lap on Saturday and decorated a gingerbread house.
Why is it that my stronger willed child (read as stubborn) is the weaker child? She will always keep me on my toes.
Waiting in line to see Santa with the list.
Really freaky but I thought Santa looked a LOT like my dad this year. What do you think Dad? Seriously freaky weird. And not just a resemblance. Like if my dad grew a longer white beard, that up there would be him. I'm gonna have to get a picture of my dad posed like this and do a side by side. Anyway, this is Santa reading Vienne's list. This is My Best Shot for this last Monday before Christmas.
Kiss your family, take an extra minute to enjoy what you might have passed up otherwise. You never know what tomorrow might bring.
Reader Comments (11)
eeks, i am so sorry about V. how scary. give you a new perspective on the holidays though. i'm glad you already have what really matters!
so glad Vienne is on the mend -- a sweet blessing for xmas :). hope it's a wonderful week for all of you.
Im so glad V is ok..that was really scary...I'm so glad she has such a great Mommy and I have such a wonderful friend!!! I was crying about the little boy again..I still keep thinking about him!!! You're so right, sometimes we are so busy with everyday chores and business that we forget what really matters and how lucky and truely blessed we are...!!!
So glad you are all home and on the mend. It is VERY scary for you and your child when you are in the hospital:( and that poor 7 month old baby....my heart is breaking.
Scary! I'm glad that she is on the mend -- I hope that the rest of your holidays are MUCH less eventful!
I cant imagine my baby being in the hospital. Although right now she is very sick and has a fever of 102.1. Even that makes me nervous and miserable. I am so glad she is home with her family and feeling better. The hospital is no place to be in Christmas.
i hope you guys are all doing well-- love these pictures. That Santa pictures is super!
Poor Vienne! That is hard on a kid (and a family!) anytime, but especially right before Christmas. You're right, tho - we really do all already have the important stuff in life. So sad for that little baby, and all the other babies in the world like that. God bless them. Oh, and we finally got the card for V in the mail today!
Merry Christmas to you all, big hugs for Vienne -glad she made it home quickly. Tell your dad he could get a part-time job over the holidays =). I know it pays well.
I'm teary-eyed just reading this M. I'm glad she is out and (seemingly?) much better. How very scary - and very true. You don't know what tomorrow brings. I'm going to hug my girls now - I wish you a very relaxing, totally un-eventful rest of your Christmas week!
Merry Christmas to you Melody and your family. So glad V is home and feeling better! Great advice, life is to precious to not enjoy every minute. Love the santa pictures and gingerbread house!