I’m writing this with Maverick in my arms. At just one year old, he still fits in my lap, and he’s a cuddly little guy. Truth is, part of me is afraid to put him down (but not so afraid that I didn’t stick him in his crib to scream awhile ago because I was weepy and dirty and desperately needed a shower – don’t worry, his dad rescued him).
We’ve done two ER visits and two clinic visits in two days. One more follow-up appointment today, just to make sure he is really truly not going to need another ER visit over the weekend. The vomiting and diarrhea got so bad that he was dehydrated and needed an IV at the first ER visit. He was so out of it that he didn’t even fight the IV. The second ER visit, the doctor wanted to give him an IV but they tried & tried & couldn’t do it. Now his little arms are all bruised, but he’s had plenty of fluids (read: occasional sips of Pedialyte and/or Gatorade, & nearly constant breastfeeding) and his lips are finally no longer chapped.
I know parents who have kids with chronic illnesses or congenital defects that require repeated surgeries and hospitalizations. We got just the tiniest glimpse of what they go through. Holding the baby while the nurses try and try to get the needle in. Watching as they do necessary (but horrific) medical procedures to get him well. Keeping the older kid occupied and entertained while waiting and waiting and waiting. Trying to make decisions on fast food and not enough rest. Curling up on the hospital bed behind him, watching him sleep peacefully because although the hospital isn’t home, we are his home, and as long as we’re there, he knows it’ll be okay.
Homes and I have done a lot of bitching about how many times we’ve all been sick this year. Even now, on the tail end of Maverick’s Tummy Bug of Doom, he’s getting my cold. Z’s sick, too. It’s not fair. With illness, nothing is fair, and it totally sucks, and I’m glad we’re getting better, that this isn’t permanent, it’ll soon be a bad memory, and even though I’m sleep-deprived I can see how lucky we are.
Beth Hull 
Oh gosh, Beth. I’m so sorry. I totally understand how hard it is. Hopefully the worst is over, even if the colds come. Thinking of you.
Thank you, PB. We just got back from the follow-up appointment. The poor little stinker has an ear infection on top of everything else! But yes, I think the worst is over – he’s holding down his liquids, at least. And he’s feistier than before.
Feisty is good – definitely a good sign. But darn, I’m so sorry he has an ear infection on top of everything else. Poor little guy.
😦 Prayers that it’s a quick recovery for all!
Thinking of you and wishing the bugs to be gone, stat!
Update: he’s doing a lot better now – even with his ear infection & cold. He’s keeping food and liquid down, & he’s fussy, which is a good sign at this point.
Ear infections make me fussy, too.
Glad to hear he’s keeping food down now, though.
Wow, these are the things that no mother wishes on anyone else. I’m glad you’re at the tail end of this (and hopefully by now it’s already merely a bad memory). When my oldest (now almost 10) was 2 weeks old we ended up in the hospital with him, and my husband was away, all the way across the country. It was only one day and night, but I will never forget it.
Enjoy the cuddles.