It's How We Roll

Here's our little man resting in the hospital. We checked into the hospital on Thursday morning and came home Friday night after lots of IV fluids, medicine, popcicles and Sponge Bob episodes on TV. Our kiddo happened to catch another bug, and with his auto immune disorder, he just can't fight anything off without intervention. According to our doctor, "it's just how he rolls." In the future, on day one of whatever ailment he has, we're going to check in and start the regimen rather than seeing if we can fight it off. We can't. We know that now. We give in.

Here are 10 things about our last few days:

• If the IV won't go in the first, second, third, fourth or fifth time, it's time to call in help. Finally nurse #6 (also a paramedic) succeeded. My son only wanted her to take care of him after that.
• Friendships with your medical providers aren't common. We are lucky. Our doctor came through on rounds bearing gifts for our guy - a Sponge Bob frisbee and tatoos.
• Sick children are sweeter, quieter, nicer, more appreciative and more cuddly than healthy ones. Our son turns into a fairy tale when he's sick. It's enchanting.
• Alvin and the Chipmunks is only a cute movie ONCE.
• All sick kids want their mommies. Being needed is very heart-warming.
• Husbands dumb down when under stress. My husband came home to sleep and the power went off and he slept in. When we got home, I asked why he didn't reset my clock when he reset his. "I didn't know how you wanted it." Ummm, huh? I still love you, sweetie.
• Everyone remembers you if you are a good patient. Every nurse asked how I was doing when they'd come in to see my son. "We were sure worried about you." Awww.
• If your child is deprived of all food for 4 days, they will eat anything you put in front of them. Even peas. No kidding.
• "Hey, did you know that KU won the championship?" is an instant conversation starter.
• Hospitals don't offer a rewards program - like after 10 nights you get one free. We asked.

It's nice to be home. The bed never felt so good, and a home cooked meal can never be underestimated. Our son is starting fights with his sister, arguing with instructions, refusing to eat what we give him and generally being a kid. But we've learned that the absence of chaos is our "Normal." Hey, it's how we roll.

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes and prayers.