Carpe Datum

Maternal Instincts

I already had a very healthy respect for Michelle's instincts when it comes to the kids (not to mention haggling for a good deal), and these past two days have only confirmed it. She could sense right away that something was very wrong, even though to me, Daniel only seemed to be fussy at first. By the time an hour passed, I could see the difference in his behavior, too, and I was the one trying to scramble us out the door to the hospital.

Michelle is also very talented at dealing with hospital staff, which is one reason Daniel stayed an extra night in his own private room to be on the safe side and to get us further training on how to deal with a child in a bilateral long leg hip spica cast (for picture, scroll about halfway down and look on the far right of the three types). Fortunately, they didn't have to cut him open to put a pin in or anything. Surgery just consisted of putting him under so that they could set the leg and put the cast on.

Daniel and Michelle are coming home this morning, due to be discharged around 10am. Caring for Daniel at home is going to be very challenging, at least until we get some practice. He's very heavy and very awkward, and we really have to be careful to avoid putting him under strain from the weird weight distribution when we pick him up or sit him down or lay him down. Feeding and changing is going to be fun. Michelle will have all the photos once she catches up on (at least) two lost nights of sleep at the hospital.