Sammy threw up in his bed for the first time last night.
We knew this was coming our way eventually. Like poop in the tub, it seems like it just happens to everyone. We were over at my uncle’s house having dinner earlier this evening when he spontaneously vomited all over himself and his mother during dessert (I love how kids don’t give you any kind of warning that their about to blow, you just suddenly feel warmth and wetness on your neck). Then later on he threw up again before bed, so we were had a suspicion that we hadn’t seen the last of curdled stomach contents. Still, no amount of warning can prepare you for the sensation of feeling around in the dark and finding a child covered in vomit.
In my half-sleeping state I guess I forgot about the earlier pukes, and somehow I didn’t even notice the smell right away because I was stunned when I felt it. My brain was unable to process the data my senses were collecting. Why was everything wet? Did he spill chili in his bed somehow? Had he exploded? When the smell hit me I was suddenly wide awake and I knew exactly what had happened.
About an hour later we were ready for bed again. He had been bathed, his bed had been changed and a huge, stinky load of laundry was in the washing machine. I was holding him and debating with Gretchen about whether it would be better to try and put him back in his own bed or take him in the guest room and let him sleep with me when, wouldn’t you know it, he threw up again! This time I was able to catch some of it in my hand, which seemed like a good idea in the moment. Really it did very little to help and I found myself standing there holding a crying baby with puke all down my arm.
Repeat step 2.
Another hour later and we were downstairs on the couch. At 2am we were watching Finding Nemo, me ready with the trash can trying to catch any little hint that he might be about to blow again. He never did throw up again, but nobody slept either.
Being a parent is absolutely the most difficult and most worthwhile thing I’ve ever attempted. Being a Christian I talked a lot about selflessness before, but it was only after having Sammy that I got a glimpse of what selflessness is really like, and now that Eli is here I’m really starting to get a good look at it. A few years ago a night like last night, especially after a particularly frustrating week at work, would have pushed me over the edge. I would have lost my temper and yelled or walked out. Having these guys around is showing me what patience and love really are. A few weeks ago a friend with no kids told me that he thinks children are a disease. Not only is that an extremely ignorant thing to say, but he couldn’t be more wrong. Selfishness and immaturity are the disease and, in my opinion, children are part of the cure.
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December 9, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Lori
I am so sorry that Sammy is sick again! Here is my routine for stomach bugs.
Once we know that a child has the bug, we camp out in the living room. We put plastic trash bags on the floor and cover them with towels that can just be scooped up and thrown in the wash if needed.
We also put plastic on the couch and then towels and then a sheet. A trash can is lovingly placed right at the child’s head on the floor. I usually sleep sitting up on the couch knowing that I can spring into action as soon as a peep or even movement is detected!
December 9, 2007 at 3:06 pm
jason shinn
Charlie,
i meant to apologize for the children are a disease comment. it was sarcastic comment that really was in poor taste. my bad. i really love kids but i’m certainly not ready to have them. i work with kids so i really enjoy them.
again, i’m sorry. i love Sammy & Eli and i fully intend to be spoil them rotten!
j
December 9, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Charlie
I appreciate you saying that Jason, and I’m glad that you don’t really feel that way. No hard feelings.
And thanks for the advice Lori. You guys definitely take your vomit defense seriously!
December 9, 2007 at 5:55 pm
MOM
Ah yes, our first reaction is to catch the vomit and it is always a mistake. You once vomited into my hands in O’Hare airport. It didn’t work for me either! I was glad to come to the “rescue” this afternoon. Call if you need me again.
December 9, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Granddad Evans
As I’ve said before, just hang in there. Both of you are doing a wonderful job. Glad you all four got back home safely.
December 10, 2007 at 9:48 am
glenna
hope sammy is feeling better. there is nothing worse than a sick baby – except 2 sick babies! you are so right – once you have babies its not about you ever again. it is the hardest and most wonderful thing ever. 2 is definately very challenging. they get big so fast though. koleman had his 1st birthday party this weeekend! sems like he was just born – its crazy. anyway – yall hang in there. cant wait to see eli!!
December 10, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Brittany
Charlie,
I am so sorry that I gave Sammy the flu. I really do love the kid and I guess I was too impatient to wait it out. I had no idea I was going to get him sick. I’m sorry that I’m causing him pain because what I felt I wish on no one. I’m also sorry that I have stolen your sleep.
December 10, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Charlie
Brittany, you’ve got no reason to apologize. But if it makes you feel better I forgive you.
December 11, 2007 at 10:43 pm
Becky
It’s so sad to have a sick little one. This week my roommates’ youngest (Logan, 10 months) was sick and throwing up. So sad and pitiful. I didn’t hold him until today because I didn’t want to get sick too. As of now, I am the only one in the house who hasn’t had this bug…let’s hope my luck holds out. =) Anyway, I hope Sammy’s feeling better.