2 weeks ago Boston was laying down for a nap on our huge chase/couch and I thought he was asleep when I went in and started making dinner. Ian came home and went to the bathroom. I got on the phone with our doctor about a bill, then minutes later I hear Boston hit the floor I immediately dropped the phone and ran to him in panic. He was crying, but Ian and I thought he was okay. He fell less than a foot and a half, and I thought it just scared him more than anything, but then we noticed when he went to crawl he couldn't put pressure on his right arm. Ian and I thought he might have sprained it somehow in the fall, so I hurry and called the doctor as we were loading him in his carseat. We rushed into the pediatrician just before they closed that night and had them take xrays. Sadly, it was broken. He had fractured both bones in his right arm just below the wrist. I felt terrible. I started crying right there in the doctor's office. "How could I have let this happen?" I thought to myself. I kept kicking myself for worrying about a stupid bill when I should have been checking on my son to make sure he was asleep. "Why did I let him sleep on the chase/couch at all? This was all my fault." It was a tremendous amount of guilt I felt, and I suddenly had a very small understanding of what it might be like for other parents who go through traumatic events much worse than this. That thought broke my heart. It took me a long while to get past those feelings, even still when people see my son in a cast and ask me "Oh no, what happened to his arm?" it is not easy. I've gotten over most of the guilt and beating myself up about it now. I realize now, accidents are going to happen. Life is precious, and I'm just grateful that's all that happened. I've connected with other parents that have gone through similar events, and some that have gone through worse. It has given me a greater understanding and appreciation for forgiveness. Mistakes are going to happen, but the most important thing is that we allow ourselves to work through them and come out with a greater understanding of ourselves, our capacity, and of others.
I have to say, Boston was so tough through the whole process! Even though the examination and xrays were painful for him, he still smiled and reached out for the Medical Assistants and Doctor after it was all done. I love that sweet boy!
Here is my boy sporting his splint and his cast.
This was Boston's FIRST Christmas. We were so excited to be able to celebrate with him. Even though he has no clue what is going on, it was lots of fun! He was showered with gifts from Mom, Dad, Grandmas, Grandpa, and Great-Grandparents!! This boy got lots of stuff and it was so much fun. He did meet Santa this year, although I do not have any official photos of it.
We were visiting Dad at work while he painted the Wells Fargo building. There was a Christmas party going on one of the floors below us and somehow Santa knew Boston was there. Santa made a special visit just to see him! There was no waiting in line, and it was completely by surprise! At first he was excited, until Mom wasnt' holding him anymore. He didn't cry, but he was close. He wasn't sure what to think of the big jolly man. We did get a short video on Ian's phone, but that's it. I'm happy he got to meet him though!
This was Christmas morning at our house. Boston got a wagon full of blocks, and the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Home. He loves them.
His Grandparents surprised him with his first four wheeler.
and a "car" that is a ride/walker (as well as other toys and books!)
His Aunt Ratt gave him this HUGE sock monkey, that is now his cuddle buddy during story time.
Now that Christmas is over, we are excited and looking forward to ringing in a New Year! 2012 sure had a LOT of changes and firsts for us. Who knows what this next year will bring.
