We shrunk our kitchen table the other night. With all the leaves in, it can seat eight to ten people. We took out three leaves and made it comfortable, yet snuggly, fit six of us, so we could all reach the board when we play family games.
Allen is on-call this weekend, so he had breakfast at the small table – his computer took up half the table, and two kids eating while watching cartoons took up the other half. At first I was a bit frustrated to not have a place to sit and eat, but then I took it as an invitation to sit on the back porch --- in the quiet (or at least where I can’t hear superhero cartoons).
I sipped my coffee while I read a book. The morning was calm and overcast. Just a slight breeze every so often – enough to make the chimes almost whisper at me. I sat there for an hour, listening to the birds. The mama mockingbird sat on the fence making angry kissy noises at me for awhile. She let me get really close to her fledgling last night to take a picture, though, so I wasn’t sure why she was upset with me. Then I remembered Shadow was at my feet. When I put him inside, she quit squawking at me, and actually came pretty close to grab a cricket from the yard. She seemed to communicate with her tail -- raising it, lowering it, turning around to look behind her, turning back to me to whistle. Eventually, she flew away to either check on her family or catch more bugs, but she still checked in a few more times before I left. Meanwhile, Mama Bluebird was keeping watch over her house. I assumed she knew me by now, since she didn’t hesitate to swoop in to feed her trio a little breakfast. The light pink crepe myrtle blooms swayed slightly in front of her home.
While I sat, I thought about writing a list of all the little sounds I was thankful for, but there were other senses that were happy, too. The mid-July temperature was more than perfect in the lower 70s. The wind tickled the hairs on my arm as it seemed to say “Good Morning” to me. A juvenile cardinal landed on the fence – its neon red splotches on its wings looked out of place on the olivey plumage – but it proudly sang a song that sounded a little bit like a cardinal, but more joyful. I wondered if the mama cardinal was nearby with a look on her face, like I sometimes have when my kids sing – thinking to herself “how cute!” and “how off key!” at the same time.
In the trees around me, I heard many birds, though I only saw a few this morning. I heard crickets and cicadas singing their mid-summer tunes, and again, the mockingbird came to check on me. The clouds rolled and I could see a bit of blue peeking through. I knew the day will be warmer soon, but I wished I could just freeze these few minutes to enjoy longer. The breeze brought me a fresh scent from the basil plant on the table. My cooling coffee smelled rich – I made it a bit too strong this morning, but that just made my porch-time feel more like a vacation.
My to-do list for the day is long – errands to run, meals to make, closets to reorganize, weeds to pull, books to read, lessons to study – but I just wanted to sit… and listen…and watch…and feel…and smell… all the beauty that surrounded me on the dusty porch. My shoulders relaxed. My breathing slowed. I felt like God was with me for breakfast. All the beauty was his way of saying, “Good morning. I love you!” And Mama Mockingbird returned for another chirp in my direction. She flew over the red and yellow garden blooms to the leafy clump in the tree where I suspect she has a nest. The cicadas turned up the volume. Cardinals in the distance filled the neighborhood with song. I’ve stretched my quiet time another half hour as I’ve written this, but my children are calling. I hope in all the busy-ness of today, I think to set my alarm for tomorrow so that I can come out and enjoy it all again.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
Little Tex
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Fourth of July Annual Pictures
Our first Fourth of July family photo was taken in 2008. Every year since then, we have tried to set up the same photo with Jon on my lap, Maddie on Allen's, Will sitting between us, and Ben standing up in the back. This was the first year the photo was not actually taken ON the fourth, but we took it the same week, in the same place that several other photos were taken. Some years, this has been my favorite family picture, but this year that's not the case. One of our children (ahem, Will) decided he didn't want to smile. Maddie and Jon are less than thrilled to still be sitting still waiting for Will to at least look like he isn't in pain. Thankfully, Ben is cheerfully smiling in the back.
... sure....NOW he smiles.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
All Through June: Status Updates
Some of our day-to-day activities, photos, thoughts, and Facebook status updates from the last few weeks:
June 2 - Saw the sun rise with my family, picked blueberries for three hours, finished ice-cream and muffin for breakfast #2, and got back on the road just as temps hit low 80s. Productive way to spend 5-10am on a Saturday morning.
June 2 - We picked blueberries, I bought and replanted about 35 plants, I even got the freezer restocked and saved more than $100 at the store. Sweet kind of a day!
June 3 - Menu for tonight uses up the end of our 2-wks of produce and fresh herbs from the garden: marinated grilled pork chops, cucumber salad with Greek yogurt dressing, and sweet potatoes with orange-thyme butter.
June 4 - Survived our first day of VBS with 17 8-year olds (11 of them are boys). I am always nervous going into the week, but it's already so much fun. I need that many kids to fool me into believing four at home are "quiet."
June 6 - Zippidy Do Dah! We had 19 kids and 2 teens today. :) Somehow it went better than yesterday, though. Aiming for two dozen for tomorrow.
June 12 - The boys have been busy. I may need to pad the wall before the train starts it's run.
June 12 - The kids often let the flies in. Flies drive me crazy. Inspired by the darn bugs, Will got a Venus fly trap... And named it. The plant is still a baby, and just got it's "jaws" today. Yet... The kids now INTENTIONALLY leave the door open... Why? "So flies come in and Sarlac can eat and grow." There are flies EVERYWHERE because they are bigger than the plant that is in a lidded terrarium. Quite frustrating. ... It came with a pitcher plant... Maybe that can be Audrey II :) kids keep looking at me oddly when I say, "feed me, Seymour!" in a weird voice. Maybe THAT'S why they leave the door open :)
June 13 - I was hungry for sweets. I resisted. I had a large glass of water and went to decorate my garden fence since my last scripture washed off. I always forget how much fun chalk can be!
June 14 - Ben: MAMA!! Jon put his finger in MY mouth and I made it slobbery. ... I'm mad that he put his wet finger in MY ear!!
June 14 - Maddie: I AM IN BED NOT MAKING ANY NOISE!!!... shouting heard twice from upstairs, at the other end of the house. Oh, the irony....
June 15 - Will spent another week at a VBS with friends. We finished the week playing with his friends and their families (now official OUR friends) at the spray park, then we tried to be hidden as we searched for a letterbox. It's hard to be "hidden" when our group looks like we belong on Captain Kangaroo with five adults and ten children.
June 15 - Spent the evening with my girl friends and their families. We celebrated Simone's birthday with a rainbow cake. On the way home, our family stopped to watch an awesome lightning show in the sky. What a fun day!
June 17 - From Allen: What can we learn from this? Ben doesn't like buttoning shirts. Jon is a helpful sort. Maddie is stronger than she looks. Everyone pitches in to get us to church on time.
June 18 - Is it a bad thing that I know the ER staff by name without reading name tags? A rough (long) evening ended with some priceless moments with my niece, a tummy full of steroid, and now lots and LOTS of little girl giggles as the clock approaches midnight.
June 21 - New recipes this week had my kids fighting over the last of the baked kale and spaghetti squash casserole. Tonight 3 of the 4 enjoyed roasted zucchini topped with Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and just a bit of mozzarella. It's so much easier to eat heathy foods when the kids enjoy them, too!
June 22 - Sialia still thinks she needs to sit upon these eggs that should've hatched a month ago. :( I'm just glad to have her nearby :)
I spoke too soon! She has laid four more and added them to the first four. That's a lot of eggs!
June 29 - The quiet has been nice. I've read several books and caught up on my Bible study and blog. I'm ready for my kids' hugs now, though. I'm excited to see them tonight -- not so excited about three hours on the road.
June 30 - We spent the weekend with my parents. Dad and I spent most of his birthday (today) together working on business stuff, talking about the past, talking about the future. The kids enjoyed fishing and swimming in the lake. The boys are all getting to be pretty confident in the water. Will was excited to show me he could jump off the dock and swim.
June 2 - Saw the sun rise with my family, picked blueberries for three hours, finished ice-cream and muffin for breakfast #2, and got back on the road just as temps hit low 80s. Productive way to spend 5-10am on a Saturday morning.
June 2 - We picked blueberries, I bought and replanted about 35 plants, I even got the freezer restocked and saved more than $100 at the store. Sweet kind of a day!
June 3 - Menu for tonight uses up the end of our 2-wks of produce and fresh herbs from the garden: marinated grilled pork chops, cucumber salad with Greek yogurt dressing, and sweet potatoes with orange-thyme butter.
June 4 - Survived our first day of VBS with 17 8-year olds (11 of them are boys). I am always nervous going into the week, but it's already so much fun. I need that many kids to fool me into believing four at home are "quiet."
June 6 - Zippidy Do Dah! We had 19 kids and 2 teens today. :) Somehow it went better than yesterday, though. Aiming for two dozen for tomorrow.
June 12 - The boys have been busy. I may need to pad the wall before the train starts it's run.
June 12 - Day of construction: 3 boys building with Lego, 1 boy with Geotrax, 1 boy with Polly Pockets, 2 girls with girly Legos. Surprisingly quiet with 7 kids in the house.
June 12 - The kids often let the flies in. Flies drive me crazy. Inspired by the darn bugs, Will got a Venus fly trap... And named it. The plant is still a baby, and just got it's "jaws" today. Yet... The kids now INTENTIONALLY leave the door open... Why? "So flies come in and Sarlac can eat and grow." There are flies EVERYWHERE because they are bigger than the plant that is in a lidded terrarium. Quite frustrating. ... It came with a pitcher plant... Maybe that can be Audrey II :) kids keep looking at me oddly when I say, "feed me, Seymour!" in a weird voice. Maybe THAT'S why they leave the door open :)
June 13 - I was hungry for sweets. I resisted. I had a large glass of water and went to decorate my garden fence since my last scripture washed off. I always forget how much fun chalk can be!
June 14 - Ben: MAMA!! Jon put his finger in MY mouth and I made it slobbery. ... I'm mad that he put his wet finger in MY ear!!
June 14 - Maddie: I AM IN BED NOT MAKING ANY NOISE!!!... shouting heard twice from upstairs, at the other end of the house. Oh, the irony....
June 15 - Will spent another week at a VBS with friends. We finished the week playing with his friends and their families (now official OUR friends) at the spray park, then we tried to be hidden as we searched for a letterbox. It's hard to be "hidden" when our group looks like we belong on Captain Kangaroo with five adults and ten children.
June 16 - Note to self: when riding my bike without a target destination, turn around and head home just before the burn begins. At least I can count it as a workout, since I had to keep enough of a speed to keep my sunglasses from fogging. Completed about five miles!
June 17 - From Allen: What can we learn from this? Ben doesn't like buttoning shirts. Jon is a helpful sort. Maddie is stronger than she looks. Everyone pitches in to get us to church on time.
June 21 - New recipes this week had my kids fighting over the last of the baked kale and spaghetti squash casserole. Tonight 3 of the 4 enjoyed roasted zucchini topped with Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and just a bit of mozzarella. It's so much easier to eat heathy foods when the kids enjoy them, too!
June 22 - Sialia still thinks she needs to sit upon these eggs that should've hatched a month ago. :( I'm just glad to have her nearby :)
June 26 - Planning to chill for a day and a half while Allen is here for meetings. Too hot to be on the balcony, though.
June 27 - This is really the best way to have a vacation. I planned on paying for my meals, but the company sponsoring Allen's conference covered all the wives meals, too. Since we drove here, I was only out the cost of the pedicure, and I loved spending the afternoon at the spa -- steaming, massage chairs, rainfall showers, and finishing up a good mystery novel.
June 28 - It is definitely easier to shop for a vehicle without kids, but I really hate shopping for cars.
June 29 - The quiet has been nice. I've read several books and caught up on my Bible study and blog. I'm ready for my kids' hugs now, though. I'm excited to see them tonight -- not so excited about three hours on the road.
June 30 - We spent the weekend with my parents. Dad and I spent most of his birthday (today) together working on business stuff, talking about the past, talking about the future. The kids enjoyed fishing and swimming in the lake. The boys are all getting to be pretty confident in the water. Will was excited to show me he could jump off the dock and swim.
Monday, June 25, 2012
One Thousand Gifts
When I was visiting Kansas, my friend Cheryl highly recommended One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I found the book on sale at the Christian bookstore, purchased it, and devoured it. There were a few parts I did not like... at all... but overall, I thought it was a great book because it made me see my life through different lenses than what I've been seeing it through. It is a book about being thankful for all of God's gifts and being appreciative for the life I have. It challenged me to begin my list of 1000 things for which I am thankful. If I choose to be thankful, and let that be the mood of the moment, then there isn't room in that moment for anger and frustration. The point is to be thankful always. I thought I'd dive right in and begin, listing many, but not all, right here where I can read them on those days that I need to be reminded how much I am loved by Him. Starting just where I am, in no particular order...
I am thankful for:
#1 - Sialia letting me check on her.
#2 - The extra kisses Jon gave me at bedtime.
#3 - Ben's tight bear hugs.#4 - Maddie enjoys me combing her hair
#5 - Will's sense of humor
#6 - The few moments of quiet while Allen gets the kids ready for bed.
#7 - A friendly titmouse chirping at me while I fill the birdbath.
#8 - A bluebird nest full of four more eggs, four potential baby birds
#9 - Allen is home
#10 - Family games, together, having fun
#11 - Great books
#12 - Free choice#14 - Sun beams coming through the curtains
#15 - Sleeping in
#16 - Snuggling with Pickles while I work on my study
#17 - Access via technology
#18 - Nose kisses from Shadow
#19 - Ben choosing to play his game, next to me
#20 - A washer and dryer that work... constantly
#21 - A home filled with cheerful noise and giggles
#22 - Friends I can call in an emergency
#23 - Sweet scented green grass
#24 - Playing with sidewalk chalk
#25 - An evening breeze as I sit outside
#26 - Sharing conversation with neighbors
#27 - Watching children play
#28 - Having the means to pay all the bills
#29 - Children loving to learn
#30 - Choices on where to send kids to school
to be continued...
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Spots and Stripes
This year, Allen and I got brave... we decided to let all the kids choose a camp, realizing that might mean I'd be driving in several directions at once. Ben wanted science camp at the museum, Maddie wanted art camp, Jon and Will wanted zoo camp (even over scout day camp). When I found all the information, I presented options to the kids. Jon quickly chose a zoo camp that was in cooperation with the art museum -- it would be three days at the zoo, two at the museum, but all the lessons would be combining animals and art with a focus on discovering and creating patterns. Ben went through the science options, but then asked if Jon would learn science at the zoo. I told him that would probably be the case, so Ben chose to do "whatever Jon picked." Maddie mulled over her options, but since Jon was talking about the art at the zoo, she asked, "If I go to the same camp as Jon, would I be doing both zoo AND art camp?" I told her yes. She decided she, too, wanted to go with Jon. I called Allen to see if he had a problem with them choosing the same and making my life easier. Will, being in a different age bracket, chose a five-day zoo camp that will happen in July. This week, Jon, Ben, and Maddie had a blast at zoo-art-camp.
The first day, Will and I wandered the zoo while they were in camp. I taught him how to use my smaller digital camera -- explaining, not just how to take pictures, but how to change the settings, adjust the flash, set up an elbow tripod to keep the camera still, and more.
The second day, Will, Julianne, and I ran a few errands after dropping off Ben, Maddie, and Jon, then we wandered around the zoo for an hour and a half, again spending most of our time in the aviary, so he could show Julianne his bird-friends.
The third day, another at the zoo, Will, Julianne, and I spent the entire morning with the animals. It was great to just take our time, not worrying about whether we would see everything or not. Both kids chose to go to the aviary and enjoyed feeding the birds again. A few times, they were just sweet together -- holding hands as they walked, posing for silly pictures, and Will read the signs to her that she asked about.
The fourth and fifth days were at the art museum finishing up some of the projects they began at the zoo. The kids showed off their art in a mini art-show -- they were all so proud! The had done a couple different types of scratch art, solar prints, different crayon techniques, drawing, weaving, beading, collage, and several other different types of art. All three kids loved the camp for their own reasons -- Ben loved the animals, Maddie loved the art, Jon loved it all. It was a great experience for all three, and they are already asking when they get to take Will to zoo camp so they can spend many days at the zoo.
The first day, Will and I wandered the zoo while they were in camp. I taught him how to use my smaller digital camera -- explaining, not just how to take pictures, but how to change the settings, adjust the flash, set up an elbow tripod to keep the camera still, and more.
We worked our way through the zoo, snapping pictures and adjusting settings, and earning the photography belt loop and electives for scouts.
We spent about 40 minutes in the aviary. These photos perfectly capture Will's transformation -- from being nervous that he might get nipped by a bird, to being completely comfortable with one holding on to his shoulder with the pointy claws.
After the river otters, the aviary was his favorite spot. That afternoon, we had lunch with Allen, then met my parents to pick up my niece Julianne.
The second day, Will, Julianne, and I ran a few errands after dropping off Ben, Maddie, and Jon, then we wandered around the zoo for an hour and a half, again spending most of our time in the aviary, so he could show Julianne his bird-friends.
We saw Ben and Jon with their small camp group in the aviary, and they excitedly told me how much they were learning and doing. I treated the kids to lunch at the zoo, then we drove to the fishery to meet Gramma and Granddad, and wander around there for a couple hours. We ended the day driving home -- soaking wet because we hiked through a rain storm.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Dear Julianne
To My Favorite Niece,
I was beyond thrilled to find out you were coming to stay with us for a couple days. Your little brother was in the hospital having several procedures, and you were supposed to stay with Gramma and Granddad. A few days before you went to visit your grandparents, Granddad found out he had a small tumor that needed to be removed. I suggested that I keep you for a few days so Granddad and Gramma could talk to the doctors without boring you -- since you are only four, sitting still in the hospital that long would be quite dull for you. You can't imagine how excited I was that you were coming to see us!
On the ride to our home from picking you up, you talked non-stop with your four cousins. All of you were just as excited as I was. When we got home, they gave you a tour of the house while I started dinner. Everyone ate very well -- it was macaroni and cheese with meat and veggies added. After dinner, all the kids went outside with a popsicle, and when you were all done, you played in the yard with the club house, swings, and frisbees. The day before you came, I told Gramma to make sure your parents gave me written permission to seek medical treatment if needed. Who knew I would actually need it?
Somehow, you stepped in a fire ant mound that had popped up since the rain the night before. The nasty ants were all over your feet before you knew it, and when they started biting, you screamed. You ran to the porch, I picked you up and sat you on the bench while Uncle Allen turned the hose on and sprayed your legs. You continued to cry as the swollen bumps turned red and I covered you in baking soda. Most of the bites were on your feet and ankles, so I make a cool soda bath in a bucket for you to keep your feet in. I gave you some Benedryl and one of the other medicines your parents asked me to give you. Your feet throbbed, and you started getting hives on your arms... then your tummy and back... then your feet. I was getting worried because I knew you didn't have any bites above your knees, but you were swelling everywhere. I was wondering if I should take you to an emergency room. You started to cough and then I knew I needed to get to to the ER. I grabbed my keys and Uncle Allen put you in the car. You continued to get redder, then your lips lost color, and you fell asleep. I yelled at you to wake up, not sure if you were just tired or passing out. All the way to the hospital, I yelled at you to stay awake. You were so groggy I had to carry you in, but you were mad at me for ruining your nap.
As soon as we signed in, I looked around the ER and realized, with a dozen people sitting in the waiting room, it might be awhile. Then you threw up a bit on my shoulder and the nurse let us go back. Before I could put you down, you threw up again... and again. A total of four times, three of which were on me. I didn't realize at the time, but that is all it took to get us a room immediately. Some kids throw up if their throats start swelling shut, and though there were lots of reasons you might have been sick, there was swelling in your neck and you told the doctor your throat hurt. I held you close and bit my tongue (someday, you might learn how hard it can be to not be sick when someone pukes on you.) I struggled to stay calm... or at least let you think I was. I carefully wiped your face clean and pulled your wet shirt off you to wrap you in a clean blanket. I took your shoes off and cleaned your feet, wiped your legs, and did my best to help you get cleaned up. After you were cleaned up a bit, I went to change into a hospital gown, rinse my hair out, and get the macaroni out of my sandals. I knew you were scared, especially since your parents weren't there. I was scared, too, but I tried not to let your daddy know that when I told him what was happening.
We stayed in the ER together for a little more than three hours. Uncle Allen had a friend stay with your cousins while he brought us some clean clothes. After we both changed into those, we were both a lot more cheerful. By then, the Benedryl was working and you weren't so swollen. The doctor was worried about you, but wanted to let your tummy calm down a bit before giving you medicine. That worked out well since you weren't getting any worse. I told you this would have to be the start of our adventure story, and you weren't sure you liked this adventure. We had both been talking to your daddy quite a bit, and you loved playing games and taking pictures with my phone. The doctor did eventually give you a steroid to help some more, and everything worked out just fine.
On the way home, I told you I was sorry you got hurt and sick... that I had promised your parents I would take good care of you. You told me, "You did take good care of me Aunt Sarah!" and I nearly cried -- maybe from exhaustion, but probably more because I was worried you would be upset with me. I am thankful you are okay. I am really thankful for those sweet moments, when we were both feeling better, when we could talk and giggle and share jokes, without having to share each other. We got home around 10:30pm, I gave you a bath and a snack to keep your tummy from being upset by the medicine. When you went to bed, Maddie woke up and you two talked and laughed and talked some more. Thanks to the steroid, you had a new burst of energy that the nurse warned me about. I gave up shushing you two girls a bit after midnight.
The next 36 hours sometimes seemed like you were challenging us to keep you alive -- you took off on a Maddie's bike without knowing how to stop, a music box fell on your head, you tripped at the zoo and pulled me over you. But, we did keep you alive, and I think you even had fun with your cousins. We had fun having you here with us for two days, and I do hope you can convince your parents to let you come back again sometime.
The night you went back to Gramma and Granddad's you talked to me on the phone. You told me you had fun, but that you didn't want to come back until Uncle Allen killed the darn ants in the yard. You said you would do another adventure with me if it didn't hurt so much. I really do hope we have a fun adventure soon! I love you, sweet girl!
Love,
Aunt Sarah, adventurer
I was beyond thrilled to find out you were coming to stay with us for a couple days. Your little brother was in the hospital having several procedures, and you were supposed to stay with Gramma and Granddad. A few days before you went to visit your grandparents, Granddad found out he had a small tumor that needed to be removed. I suggested that I keep you for a few days so Granddad and Gramma could talk to the doctors without boring you -- since you are only four, sitting still in the hospital that long would be quite dull for you. You can't imagine how excited I was that you were coming to see us!
On the ride to our home from picking you up, you talked non-stop with your four cousins. All of you were just as excited as I was. When we got home, they gave you a tour of the house while I started dinner. Everyone ate very well -- it was macaroni and cheese with meat and veggies added. After dinner, all the kids went outside with a popsicle, and when you were all done, you played in the yard with the club house, swings, and frisbees. The day before you came, I told Gramma to make sure your parents gave me written permission to seek medical treatment if needed. Who knew I would actually need it?
Somehow, you stepped in a fire ant mound that had popped up since the rain the night before. The nasty ants were all over your feet before you knew it, and when they started biting, you screamed. You ran to the porch, I picked you up and sat you on the bench while Uncle Allen turned the hose on and sprayed your legs. You continued to cry as the swollen bumps turned red and I covered you in baking soda. Most of the bites were on your feet and ankles, so I make a cool soda bath in a bucket for you to keep your feet in. I gave you some Benedryl and one of the other medicines your parents asked me to give you. Your feet throbbed, and you started getting hives on your arms... then your tummy and back... then your feet. I was getting worried because I knew you didn't have any bites above your knees, but you were swelling everywhere. I was wondering if I should take you to an emergency room. You started to cough and then I knew I needed to get to to the ER. I grabbed my keys and Uncle Allen put you in the car. You continued to get redder, then your lips lost color, and you fell asleep. I yelled at you to wake up, not sure if you were just tired or passing out. All the way to the hospital, I yelled at you to stay awake. You were so groggy I had to carry you in, but you were mad at me for ruining your nap.
As soon as we signed in, I looked around the ER and realized, with a dozen people sitting in the waiting room, it might be awhile. Then you threw up a bit on my shoulder and the nurse let us go back. Before I could put you down, you threw up again... and again. A total of four times, three of which were on me. I didn't realize at the time, but that is all it took to get us a room immediately. Some kids throw up if their throats start swelling shut, and though there were lots of reasons you might have been sick, there was swelling in your neck and you told the doctor your throat hurt. I held you close and bit my tongue (someday, you might learn how hard it can be to not be sick when someone pukes on you.) I struggled to stay calm... or at least let you think I was. I carefully wiped your face clean and pulled your wet shirt off you to wrap you in a clean blanket. I took your shoes off and cleaned your feet, wiped your legs, and did my best to help you get cleaned up. After you were cleaned up a bit, I went to change into a hospital gown, rinse my hair out, and get the macaroni out of my sandals. I knew you were scared, especially since your parents weren't there. I was scared, too, but I tried not to let your daddy know that when I told him what was happening.
We stayed in the ER together for a little more than three hours. Uncle Allen had a friend stay with your cousins while he brought us some clean clothes. After we both changed into those, we were both a lot more cheerful. By then, the Benedryl was working and you weren't so swollen. The doctor was worried about you, but wanted to let your tummy calm down a bit before giving you medicine. That worked out well since you weren't getting any worse. I told you this would have to be the start of our adventure story, and you weren't sure you liked this adventure. We had both been talking to your daddy quite a bit, and you loved playing games and taking pictures with my phone. The doctor did eventually give you a steroid to help some more, and everything worked out just fine.
The next 36 hours sometimes seemed like you were challenging us to keep you alive -- you took off on a Maddie's bike without knowing how to stop, a music box fell on your head, you tripped at the zoo and pulled me over you. But, we did keep you alive, and I think you even had fun with your cousins. We had fun having you here with us for two days, and I do hope you can convince your parents to let you come back again sometime.
The night you went back to Gramma and Granddad's you talked to me on the phone. You told me you had fun, but that you didn't want to come back until Uncle Allen killed the darn ants in the yard. You said you would do another adventure with me if it didn't hurt so much. I really do hope we have a fun adventure soon! I love you, sweet girl!
Love,
Aunt Sarah, adventurer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)