James' Bad Day

Well, actually James' bad day started yesterday during his bath time. He was happily relaxing in the baby tub, with his head resting on a rolled up washcloth. He had his feet up against the back of the tub, and suddenly, without warning he launched himself off of there! His head slipped out of my hand, and off the cloth and into the water. Half of his face was submerged, and water poured into his open (and surprised) mouth, and soapy suds flooded his eye. The poor little guy was too shocked to even cry - but his eye got really red, and watery, and he sputtered and spit-up the water he had swallowed. I felt so horrible for not saving him! But he seemed to have soon forgotten about the incident, and despite his watery red eye he was content.

Then, today was James' circumcision. I have not been looking forward to this day for weeks now. In fact, I had almost completely ignored it. But there was no more ignoring it this morning, as I got him ready for his 12:00 noon appointment. While dressing him to take him out in the -34 degree weather, with a windchill of less than -40 I was putting on his little mittens. I guess I was in a hurry, and didn't notice that his little pinky finger wasn't going in - and I basically pushed it backwards. Poor little James! His mouth was open, and his face was redder than red - but there was no sound escaping as he worked up a huge scream! What a horrible mother. I checked his finger, and it was fine - and again, gracious little James went on as though it never happened. Too bad it didn't happen that way with the surgery...

We got to the surgery centre at 11:30am, and gave James the recommended dose of Tylenol. I was so nervous, but when the Dr. came out to call him in I was somewhat comforted by the fact that the Dr. was a woman. For some reason I had assumed that it was a man up to that point. Anyway, I just felt that a woman would be more gentle with James. Ryan went in with James at 12:00, and I sat down and tried to relax as I prayed fervently for James. In about 8 minutes Ryan was back, and I thought he was still waiting for James to get done - but it was already all done, and James wasn't even crying anymore! James had made it through like a champ, crying only slightly when he got the first freezing needle. I was so relieved. So, we packed up and headed home - and then the crying started. He was almost inconsolable, and that is very unlike my content little James. I tried to nurse him, and he ate a little, but then immediately erupted into frantic crying. I was heartbroken, because I knew he was crying in pain - but I could do nothing about it.

He did finally fall asleep for most of the ride home, but once we got in the door more frantic crying began. I was crying at that point too, and Ryan was trying to keep us both calm. Ryan had to go to the store, so when James finally calmed down he went out. Almost the second Ryan left, more wailing started. Then, the diarrhea started to explode! It was a biggy, and went ALL the way up his back and through his onesie, his sleeper, and his blanket. Ew. Plus, this meant I had to change him and look at his freshly cut little weewee for the first time. Eek. So, I went about changing him - and I was certain that his weewee looked like it might explode. It looked so sore and swollen. Ryan got home, and I asked him to examine it, and he didn't feel it looked quite as bad as I felt it did. I made some phone calls for advice - starting with my sister-in-law, and eventually Health Links. To no avail, however, as no one could really tell me without LOOKING at it whether it was anything to be worried about. We also didn't want to take James to the hospital in the -40 degree weather if it wasn't necessary. So, I called in the cavalry - Grandma. My mom was over in a jiffy, and after perusing the damage, we all agreed that it did not require a trip to Emergency. She stayed for a few hours, as James soon relaxed, ate a good meal, and went to sleep in her arms. Ryan and I finally got some supper (KD and weiners), and my mom put James down to sleep.

So, that is where we currently stand. James is sleeping, my mom has gone, and Ryan and I are preparing for what we think may be a long night ahead. Hopefully the Tylenol will continue to keep James comfortable, and hopefully he won't launch into any more terrible fits. Tomorrow will be a new day, and hopefully James will have long forgotten his bad day.