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Last week, Anton was in the hospital…
As I mentioned on Instagram, last Sunday morning, Anton started sobbing uncontrollably saying his stomach hurt. I tried everything to console him but he was completely distraught. (And this is a little boy who, unlike the rest of his family, NEVER complains.) After an hour, I took him to the emergency room, where he continued crying and the doctors did a battery of tests. After medication and an IV, he finally felt better.
Despite all the poking and prodding, he was mostly just amazed that HIS ARM DRANK A GLASS OF WATER. As we left, he said, “I feel so bad for Toby.” And when I asked why, he said, “Because I got stickers, juice, an X-ray and arm water, and he only got to go to Coney Island.”
(My heart!)
But the next morning, the crying happened again. Over the next few days, Anton continued having hour-long episodes of intense stomach pain, which seemed increasingly worrisome. We were in and out of the hospital, and saw a million doctors and nurses. Finally, on the fourth day, an ultrasound revealed the cause! They said it would resolve on its own and that he just had to muscle through it. Luckily, the pain was already easing up.
Funnily enough, although the week had major ups and downs, the silver lining for me was getting to spend so much one-on-one time together. As a second child, Anton doesn’t often get to be the sole focus, and I’m often busy with work or Toby or life. But we spent hours in the hospital bed cuddling, reading books and playing epic rounds of Rock Paper Scissors. And giving back rubs. And seeing who could keep their eyes open longer. One afternoon, he fell asleep with his sweaty hand in mine, and I just admired his sweet rosy cheeks and long eyelashes while he slept. Overall, I’ll always remember this week as a special time, and I feel so grateful to the doctors and nurses for their gentle care.
Anyway, we got so many sweet messages, I wanted to share an update. Hope you and your loved ones are feeling well! Sending so much love to those who need it today. xoxo
P.S. Trying out slow parenting, and Anton and Toby in conversation.
