Intense parenting

Dr. Thomas told us that Micah's recovery requires intense parenting. We had a few flashbacks to China as we were doing laps in the hallway with an inconsolable little boy. Supporting him through the hospital course was tough. I mean tough. He's in such pain and it breaks your heart. When he was hurting, he was mad at everything and everyone. He kinda figured out that Mama and Baba wouldn't discipline him and then tried to take advantage of that. That creates another challenge: how do you parent a strong-willed child who's recovery will be hindered by prolonged crying. It takes a lot of love and flexibility.

Yesterday was a long day at the hospital. Micah was switched to oral pain medication and was more comfortable unless his medicine was late. We spent a good part of the day traveling around the hospital with Micah in a little red wagon. We had a visit from Sheridan and the boys visited the fish pond. Micah still refused to drink, but Sheridan was a hero and lent Micah his sippy cup for inspiration.

After Sheridan's visit, Micah took a little nap. When he woke up, he decided to enjoy a little pudding and some sips from Sheridan's cup (thanks buddy!). He ate a little rice, noodles and mashed potatoes for dinner. We were excited for a little progress, but it wasn't enough. The staff wanted to see him drink more for them to remove his IV.

Last night we finally got some decent rest. Micah slept most of the night, only waking once for pain medicine. He slept the rest of the night. How wonderful. He woke up this morning hurting pretty good, and received another dose. Then he decided he was thirsty. He asked for water and drank a good long drink. For breakfast he ate some eggs, cream of wheat and drank apple juice and a carton of milk. We finally turned the corner. By the time Dr. Williams came to visit, he was looking more like the Micah we know and love and we were discharged to home.

While we were waiting for discharge paperwork we took one more wagon ride, this time with Micah pulling and Elmo riding.

We're home now and he's taking a little nap. We still have a long way to go. He'll be on the pain medication and soft diet for quite a while. We have to make sure he keeps his hands out of his mouth or the no-no's will come back. Our time of intense parenting is not over. Micah has to work through his recovery, but so will we.

The popsicle brigade at home.