Ice skates and ERs

Yesterday was the first day of ice skating lessons for the Princess.

And to say she was excited is the understatement of the century.

Papa bought her hockey skates and fixed her helmet, and Day 1 of lessons just so happened to be on the very sheet of ice she watched her Uncle Bean play hockey for the first three years of her life.

We arrived at the arena, got her skates laced and she was strutting around like she owned the place.

Parents were instructed to go assume their viewing positions and the "newbies" would hit the ice shortly.

Truer words were never spoken.

The kids began filing out of the holding area and stepping out into the ice. Princess put one blade on the ice. Fearless. Second blade hit the ice - then, her ass quickly followed suit.

The next 3 kids did the same thing. Each flopping around on the slick surface, resembling Bambi's futile attempts to stand. What at first was slightly humorous quickly turned gut wrenching as I watched Princess sitting, searching for an adult to help, and instead, being met with kid after kid stepping onto the ice and either joining her in the trenches, or maneauvering around the pile of limbs, successfully making their way out of the fray.
The tears began to flow (from her) as panic and desperation set in.
Hubby made his way to the door, walked out onto the ice and got Princess standing up and over to boards with the rest of the class. A few words of encouragement from Dad and Princess was again ready to tackle the skating challenge.

She listened intently as the instructors explained how to get back up after a fall.

(Side note: she listened SO intently, I'm considering having an ice rink built in our house. The WHOLE house.)

She was working hard, listening well and trying to do exactly what she was being told.

She was having fun - until she wasn't.

Volunteer-helper-guy motioned me over to the door with about 15 minutes left in the lesson. "She says she needs a break."

I guided her over to a bench and began telling her how well she was doing and how proud of her I was for being such a great listener.

She was wet and bruised, and seriously could have given two shits about what I was saying.

Daddy showed up. Offered similar words as mom, and was met with the same indifference.

She said she didn't want to go back out on the ice. I then began to go through scenerios for Day 2 if Day 1 didn't end on a positive note.

Thankfully, Coach Brian was called over to the door and was briefed on the situation. Before the second sentence, he spotted her through the glass,offered a scowl in her direction that rivaled her own, made her giggle, scooped her up and skated to center ice with her.

She skated (well, stepped), she didn't fall, and most importantly, she had a grin from ear to ear.

Thank God for Coach Brian.

Princess got to pick where we went for lunch.

As a result of a sensitive gag reflex, Little Man coughed til he choked and then promptly puked at the table in the middle of lunch.

Swell.

The car ride home was awesome as hubby and I tried to ignore the stench and stave off our own wretching.

Fast forward to last night ... About 9:40pm - Little Man wakes up crying.

He did not sleep again the rest of the night. And, Hubby and I tag-teamed cuddling, consoling, changing of diapers, back scratching, drink giving, problem solving .... all to no avail.

Little Man was miserable.

He cried/wimpered until 7:30am when he finally admitted that his ears hurt.

I took him downtown to a hospital that, upon arrival, I learned no longer has Express Care. ER services only.

Swell.

Since we were downtown, I pick up our friend who needs a ride to the airport, drop him off a little earlier than planned, and head to medical establishment #2 on a Sunday morning.

We were in and out in 39 minutes. Little Man took SERIOUS exception to the prodding and poking that led to a double ear infection diagnosis and possible rupture from fluid.

Swell.

As prescriptions were filled, I was informed that insurance didn't cover the numbing drops for the pain.

Swell.

(For the record, pharmicists have ZERO patience for seriously sleep-deprived moms who jokingly ask, "well, as long as you've got insurance on the phone ask them if they WILL cover drugs for mommy to sleep!")

Upon arrival at home, gold-plated ear drops in hand (they must be based on the price), I get to wrestle an exhausted toddler who FLIPPED THE HELL OUT at the mere mention of ear drops.

Swell.

Good news is .... Little Man finally sleeps.

Just in time for hubby and Princess to return from Day 2 of skating lessons.

Never a dull moment.

Stay tuned ....






-- Post From My iPhone