1st Stitches

Well, it finally happened. We had our first ER visit for stitches. It wasn't the mellow one (who sometimes throws a tantrum when she goes to bed). It wasn't the wild one (who for the most part is in a constant state, somewhat like a tornado, including the warning siren). Which leaves the youngest, most innocent one, dear, sweet Vivien.

Here's how it happened:

On Friday morning as we prepared to depart to work, school, and Vivien's 1 year doctor appointment, Vivien was climbing the stairs from our playroom to the kitchen. Milo was sitting and laughing at her, when he suddenly decided to close the door. Poor little Viv's fingers were right there for smushing.

The cries of pain were tremendous, and Milo instantly knew he had done something bad. He ran and hid in the corner of the kitchen, while I (Jeff) tended to the injury. It was bad. The worst I've seen.

Take a look at your right ring finger. Now, from the tip of your fingernail, draw a 45 degree line to the first knuckle/bend. Now, peel that back, add some shredded edges (like masticated meat) for drama, and a ton of blood.

We quickly gathered everyone into the car, dropped Hannah at school (I'm sure she was traumatized, but brave), and headed to the ER. I continued to pinch her finger to prevent blood loss.

At the ER, we got into the room, and Milo continued to feel terrible remorse for the damage. We ended up calming Vivien down.

Unfortunately, Viv ended up with 4 stitches across the tip of her finger (and we didn't take any pictures of the injury, stitching, etc).

One of the oddest things was how nonchalant the doctor was about the whole thing, like explaining to first-time parents without a crazy 2/3 year-old. "We'll wrap her up so she's nice and warm"; "We'll gently hold her down, because that's the easiest thing to do." Had the doctor known we've already been around the block on other things, he would have just said "we'll need to strap her down, hold her, sew it as quickly as possible." I guess the calm voice helps (not the other 2 hours waiting in the ER room).

Overall, the nurse and doctors at Baptist were terrific. I don't think I'd go anywhere else for Emergency treatment.

Now, you'd never know that anything happened to her, except for the large, overwhelming pink wrap around her right hand. Surprisingly, and I guess it's because of the kids' resilience, she hasn't peeped or anything because of pain.