DODGING THE BULLET

So, we've had a fun day or two. Baker has kind of had an interesting summer with some strange pains and symptoms. It was one of those things that I could always explain away or have an excuse for until, after 3 months of this happening on and off, I just plain ran out of excuses. I decided to take him to the doctor just to have a medical professional reassure me that my son was fine. You know, so I could sleep at night.

I did not sleep last night.

His appointment was late in the afternoon and, after talking to the doctor and having him perform a very thorough physical exam, they ordered some x-rays and blood tests. By this time, the office is shutting down and people are packing up to go home. The doctor did not want to wait for the tests (red flag, anyone?) so a few folks stayed late to get the orders filled.

I made the very foolish mistake of asking the doctor what exactly he was testing for.

(You know how they say ignorance is bliss? Well, they're right.)

After an awkward pause, the doctor started listing a few possible problems and then he may or may not have uttered the dreaded "C" word (specifically, leukemia).

But, I'm not really sure because I think I blacked out for a second.

(Have I failed to mention that I also had both girls with me and that Cameron was freaking out by this point because she was starving and had been strapped in her stroller for over an hour? No? Well, yeah, we were having a blast.)

I immediately sent Brian a text message that said something along the lines of "HOLY CRAP GET YOUR BUTT TO THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE RIGHT THIS SECOND OR I AM GOING TO HAVE A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN!" Only I maybe didn't say 'butt.' Because when I am under that much stress, I cannot be expected to act (or talk) like a lady.

He made it in record time.

Anywho, the x-rays were taken and blood was (finally and tragically) drawn and we are sent on our merry way with the announcement that the doctor would call us that night or, at the latest, first thing this morning.

And here we come to the lack of sleep part. Because he didn't call last night. Or first thing this morning. Or even today at all.

Because I called him at three o'clock this afternoon whilst in the middle of having a stroke.

Actually, I talked to his nurse who informed me that all his x-rays and blood tests were perfectly normal. Whatever it is, it isn't anything serious or life threatening.

And then I stopped shaking and started breathing again.

We are keeping track of the symptoms and meeting up with the doctor in a few weeks if the problems persist. And, of course, today he was his perfectly normal, active, happy, healthy three and half year old self.

Only he was really annoyed because I wouldn't stop hugging him.

***I do have to give a shout out to Lauren who, during two hours at the doctor's office took over with Cameron for me. She played games with her, read to her, and showed her whatever she could possibly find that would keep her from screaming hysterically. After we got home that night, I told Lauren she could go put a quarter in her piggy bank for being such a good helper. She told me she didn't want one. That she didn't need "an award." I asked her if she just wanted me to say, "Thanks for all your help. I'm proud of you and I love you." To which she replied, "Yeah. That's enough."

Man, I love my kids.