Tobi fell while in the bathtub tonight. It was one of those falls with
a big thump and an immediate high cry that makes a mom swoop up her
baby into her arms. I didn’t realize they had split their chin open until
they took her hand away and the blood dripped down. I grabbed some
tissue right away and then went for the first aid kit. Man am I glad I
bought those 4×4 gauze pads years ago! By the time I taped the pad in
place Tobi was calmed down and talking about their “big bandaid”. As the
red started showing on the far side of the bandage, I knew we’d be
heading for the doctor, so I called up Josh and got him coming home.
Amazingly enough, Tobi was asleep by the time we got to the doctor’s. I
woke her up and we all went inside. I was prepared for the worst,
remembering the stories my mom told of when I needed stitches and it
took five people to hold me down. But Tobi was calm, even a little
excited by this late night adventure. They were rearranging the
furniture as I checked in, and immediately taken back to see Dr.
Ashley. Tobi sat at the edge of the large examination table while we
took off the bandage. Dr. Ashley talked Tobi through the steps for
making it all better. Then Tobi quietly laid back and looked at mama
(who was right there holding their hand) as the cut was flushed with two
syringes of saline. That got their shirt pretty wet, so they sat back up
and counted mommy’s fingers that were way up high while the doctor
applied the steri-strips and medical glue. Not a single tear or whine.
One big protective bandaid later, they were headed up front to collect
their sticker (Snow White). Then back to the car and heading home. I
asked if they wanted a special treat and Tobi said “milk and bread!”
Josh stopped at the store, picked up the supplies (plus a little ice
cream too). This pic is post-ice cream as we were heading up to bed
for some cuddles and a couple readings of “Brownie and Pearl Get
Dolled Up”.
I am amazed at Tobi’s strength and comprehension through tonight’s
events. They have shown poise that isn’t found in children twice their
age. They continue to astound me in such unexpected ways.