A rough day . . .

I arrived at the Children's Hospital of Orange County about 9:30 this morning. As I approached Lexi's room, I could hear crying coming from within. My heart sank--especially as I saw the red triangular sign on the door, a "code" warning hospital staff to enter with caution (masks, gloves, and in some cases, gowns).

Lexi was so distraught...kept moaning and crying, "Ma-ma . . . owie . . . maaa-maaa . . owww-ie." It broke my heart. Kristi was holding her on her lap. Neither of them had slept any more than an hour overnight.

I carefully lifted Lexi and moved her to the crib so Kristi could change her diaper. It was obvious that she was fighting sleep. We were hoping that her only "owie" was the annoyance of the i.v. and all the paraphernalia on her arm. (She was frustrated that she couldn't hold her "night-night"--an old cloth diaper that is her security blanket--and suck her thumb at the same time.)

She absolutely refused any diversion or consolation--no fruit juice, no toy, no stuffed animal.

A nurse came in to set up a potassium drip to join her regular i.v. Lexi's potassium count was very low, so the drip was needed to restore those levels.

After the nurse left, Kristi leaned over Lexi and began humming a soft, soothing lullabye to her. It was amazing to me to see the almost-instantaneous effect of that little tune. In a very short time she was asleep. It was a troubled sleep, but at least she was out for a while. She woke up about 30 minutes later, still a little distraught and inconsolable. Once again Kristi hummed and once again Lexi responded by calming down and nearly falling asleep again.

The power of music and a mother's voice--what a combination!

About 2 hours after I arrived, Lexi began to perk up. I even got a hint of a smile from her, and a soft little "Pa-pa." That was special. Before you knew it, she was ready for some jello. I happily fed her a whole serving of jello and had to request more from the nurse. That was quite a little victory.

After that, we brought out some toys and books, and she was much more her old self. She had a blast playing with Mr. Potato Head. (And she did very well with only one arm, too!)

Here's Lexi with Mr. Potato Head, her stuffed bear, and her
I.V. gear--after the potassium kicked in.

The doctor told us she would probably need to stay overnight again, but we're all hoping that she'll be released tonight. News at 11. :)

While Lexi was recuperating at the hospital, Haley was suffering with all the same symptoms (minus the dehydration) at home with Curtis and his parents. We're all hoping to keep her hydrated--PediaCare popsickles, Sprite, juice, etc. She has to be bribed to drink anything--partly because it hurts so much to swallow. (She was diagnosed this morning with Strep throat!!)

Needless to say, we'll all be glad when this season has passed!