Dear Lexi,
Welp, another crazy day for you today. Not only did you turn 4 today, my nightmare about your pins came to life too. Daddy and I started the day by singing you and Snoozer awake with the birthday song and going upstairs to open gifts. Libby got cowgirl boots and you got a stick horse. You named it Moonshredder, after the mini horse at Wind River Ranch.
I was in the kitchen when I heard the first scream. I ran in the living room where you were on the floor where you had been playing with Sam. Sam was hunched down over you frantically trying to free your pins from his shorts. He glanced at me with a panic stricken face which urged me to get to you with a quickness. One look and I knew it wasn’t good. The pins closest to your elbow were about a 1/2 inch longer than they had been and blood was oozing down your arm.
Long story short(ish) dad came home while I waited for the nurse to tell me which campus to take you to and what I could give you for pain, we splinted your arm, dropped kids at school early and off we went. About 3/5 of the way there we hit a bump and everything got worse. I look back to screaming that didn’t sound human coming from both you and Libby. I see blood, but more importantly I don’t see 2 of the pins or the fixator. I start screaming at dad. Dad starts screaming at me while grabbing his head. It’s all a little comical now because it seemed like a scene out of a poorly written movie. Dad calmed down and got me calmed. I hopped onto the floor of the backseat so that I could hug you and hold your hand and try and convince us both that everything would be ok.
Fast forward past the puking and rest of the trip. When we arrived in the ER at the hospital, an hour and a half away, the triage nurse was expecting us. She rushed us straight back to a room, asked us a few questions and sent us for X-rays. A doc came in and told us the game plan, X-rays and probable pin removal and cast. She sent us to get the pics and when we came back there were 3 gifts on the table for you guys from her.
Wait, wait, wait.
The PA from ortho comes in confirms the plan.
Wait, wait, wait.
Wait some more.
The PA and the nurse gave you some meds down your nose. Removed the pins, easily, with their hands. That shouldn’t happen. Then casted you up and gave you each a birthday tutu. I have to say, one of the best parts of the Doctor trip today was when they used the left over casting materials to make you and Libby bows instead of just trashing it. It took 2 extra minutes and you guys loved it.
Then, wait, wait, wait…
Discharge with instructions to follow up in two weeks.
Next, we headed to cheer of course!
Honestly, I’m probably forgetting something. A major detail or two, but it’s late and I’m drained. I’m calling this update good. Today wasn’t what I planned. Who plans spending their babies birthdays at the ER? BUT, it all worked out. God has a plan. His timing is perfect. His grace is so beautiful. His creations are impeccable. You, your dad, your siblings. All the most wonderful gifts from God.
I love you kiddo. To the moon and back. Infinity time infinity.
XOXO
Mom
P.S. Sorry your 4th birthday sucked. Happy birthday anyway. I am thankful that even though it wasn’t what we planned that it was spent together.
Dear Lexi 