Parenthood: $hit Got Real
It was inevitable. Getting puked on, I mean; it was bound to happen sometime. I’ve been pooped on, peed on, spit up on; I’ve had my hair pulled, my eyes poked, my nipples pinched (and bit), and my lips have little fingernail scratches on them from tiny grabby hands, but I had yet to be puked on.
That all ended last weekend. We got back from our cruise on Friday and drove the five hours home. During the last 10 minutes of the car rideāseriously, 10 more minutes and we would’ve been homeāI looked up just as Julia got sick. All over herself, her car seat, and a little bit of the car. My husband pulled off to a side street and I immediately jumped out before he even came to a stopābarefoot and allāand wrangled my hands through the mess, got her out, feeling an overwhelming urge to comfort her. (Upon reflection…we were so close to home, I should’ve just waited, because putting her back in her seat caused lots of tears.)
I wish that was the only case of her being sick, but the bug lasted a good three days. We both went through several outfit changes, lots of towels, different crib sheets, a few smiles, and ample snuggle time. Poor thing, it just kept coming outāprojectile at times. I’ve never been so thankful to have an American washer and dryer!
Never have I ever felt more helpless in my entire life. Here was my tiny little baby literally clinging to me while continuously throwing up (all over both of us) and crying because her tummy hurt, and there wasn’t a single thing I could to do help her. Immediately after she got sick, she practically begged me to nurse her, so I didāsoiled clothes for both of us and allāit was the only thing I could do. I held her close, rocked her, and comforted her by nursing.
For those three days we had lots and lots of snuggle time. She’d lay on my lap, nestled between my legs, and lean her head against my chest. I smothered her in gentle kisses and prayed over that her tummy would stop hurting. I know, in the grand scheme of things, a stomach bug was bound to happen sooner or later, but it just reminded me how vulnerable she is and how much I deeply care for this little person. My world stood still during those days.
She eventually got better and her sleepy, sick, glazed over eyes started shinning again. Her personality is now back in full force and she’s practically running laps around our house. (Oh yes, she’s full on walking now.) But it made me think of all grateful I am that this is the first time, in her 11+ months of life, that she’s truly been sick. I have friends and family who aren’t so lucky with their little ones, so I’m truly blessed that this is the first time we’ve had to deal with this.
I know it’s horrible to say this, but I thoroughly enjoyed the snuggles. Julia’s always been a spry little one and hardly ever sat stillāeven before she knew how to sit. So for her to willingly linger in my arms and let me hold her made the mama in me swoon. With that said, I’m happy she’s feeling more like herself these days and the next time she gets sick, I’ll be there with open arms (and lots of towels by my side).
It's the absolute WORST when they get sick. But I'm with you…I enjoy those snuggles too!
So sad that she got sick — and in the car, too! I'm glad to hear that she is feeling better!
Oh, man. That kind of sick is the worst! Charlotte caught a stomach bug last summer, and the only thing she could keep down was breastmilk. That was quite possibly the only time I've ever nursed her for comfort, because she never was a real comfort nurser. That was the worst week ever. I'm so glad your little one is back to normal. It's so hard when they're sick!
I really hope my strong physical reaction to other people's vomit is somewhat dampened by it being my future hypothetical baby's vomit. My mom and I both start gagging if vomit is around. I've had to leave the room to stop myself from throwing up.
But somehow my mom managed to take care of us when we were little and sick. We learned very very quickly how to use a bucket and dump it in the toilet ourselves, though. And as soon as we were old enough not to need someone to clean up, but young enough to still need comforting, Daddy took over.
This had me laughing (sorry) – not because she was sick, but because after 5 years and two kids, I have yet to be puked on. I'm sure I will at some point, though. Pooped and peed on, yes. And my son once threw up Wendy's chicken nuggets all over the suburban… and projectile avocados when he was a baby, but never on me (unless I've repressed the memories).
But yeah, there is nothing wrong with mom enjoying the snuggles, even while hating that our littles are sick. Glad she's feeling better!
I hate when my babies are sick. I recently got puked on too. It was so gross, I cried, then both my kids started crying asking if I was okay. It was tragic!
I would venture to say I have been thrown up and/or spit up on at least once every day since we brought him home from the hospital. Darn Reflux. I still can't shake that helpless feeling when he really vomits. You want to do something for them but you can't. I'm glad she is feeling better now!
Poor baby š Penny and I BOTH got the stomach flu just after her first birthday. It was miserable.
Glad she's feeling better.
Throw up. Man, I'm just in awe.
Glad she's feeling better! Your little one is SO precious!! One day š
Just found your site. It looks great and super interesting. How in the world do you find time with littles to keep this going?! Well done! š
Aww, poor sweet girl. I'm glad she's feeling better! She's just too adorable!
awe, poor Julia! So glad it only lasted a handful of days!