3:04 a.m.
The sound to me is unmistakable. No matter how tired I am or how deeply I sleep, whatever the dream, I can hear one of our children enter the bedroom in the middle of the night.
Children go to their parents' room in the middle of the night to remind them how much they are loved or to tell a funny story. Middle-of-the-night visits are bad news. Nightmares, sounds, sick or trouble. This morning at 3:04 a.m. was Henry's sick visit. I heard him halfway between the bedroom door and our bed. "What's wrong?" my wife and I said almost in unison. "My stomach hurts. I feel like I'm gonna throw up."
We have lots of experience at this. Often with children, the admission that they are about to be sick is quickly accompanied by physical proof of how bad they actually feel. "Go to the bathroom," we added quickly in unison. Henry obliged and then veteran parenting kicked in - we both dozed off waiting for Henry's audible from the bathroom.
We are practical people at heart. When an eleven-year-old in a big household is sick and placed in the proper position near the toilet, several things are likely: 1) He will hit his target without adult supervision; 2) someone else will be sick the following night (so sleep is at a premium); and 3) said eleven-year-old will not be shy about letting you know when he needs you next. No need to get too worked up.
Fifteen minutes and a brief nap later, Henry was feeling better. No fever, maybe something he ate?? I helped him wash up and walked him up to his room, making sure a non-porous receptacle was near his bed
This morning the report is grim. We have sick confirmation based on Henry's stomach problems. My job is to sterilize bathrooms, doorknobs and light switches (who's a germaphobe?) along with a visit to the store to pick up sprite and more cleaning supplies in preparation for more problems. . .then maybe I'll take another nap. Henry is safely in position.
Children go to their parents' room in the middle of the night to remind them how much they are loved or to tell a funny story. Middle-of-the-night visits are bad news. Nightmares, sounds, sick or trouble. This morning at 3:04 a.m. was Henry's sick visit. I heard him halfway between the bedroom door and our bed. "What's wrong?" my wife and I said almost in unison. "My stomach hurts. I feel like I'm gonna throw up."
We have lots of experience at this. Often with children, the admission that they are about to be sick is quickly accompanied by physical proof of how bad they actually feel. "Go to the bathroom," we added quickly in unison. Henry obliged and then veteran parenting kicked in - we both dozed off waiting for Henry's audible from the bathroom.
We are practical people at heart. When an eleven-year-old in a big household is sick and placed in the proper position near the toilet, several things are likely: 1) He will hit his target without adult supervision; 2) someone else will be sick the following night (so sleep is at a premium); and 3) said eleven-year-old will not be shy about letting you know when he needs you next. No need to get too worked up.
Fifteen minutes and a brief nap later, Henry was feeling better. No fever, maybe something he ate?? I helped him wash up and walked him up to his room, making sure a non-porous receptacle was near his bed
This morning the report is grim. We have sick confirmation based on Henry's stomach problems. My job is to sterilize bathrooms, doorknobs and light switches (who's a germaphobe?) along with a visit to the store to pick up sprite and more cleaning supplies in preparation for more problems. . .then maybe I'll take another nap. Henry is safely in position.
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