Family Stitches Twice in Two Weeks!

Monday didn't go as planned . . . according to my plans anyway. The morning went exactly according to God's plans, according to what He permitted in His providence.

I was intending to go to the chiropractor (for the fourth time) in hopes of getting this baby out of the transverse position he or she seems to like so much. Instead, God allowed me not to have time for that outing because sweet Joseph (2-1/2) tripped ascending our wooden stairs and split open his chin.

I was overwhelmed by all I have to do this week about my wee, sideways baby in the womb when this happened--until a friend reminded me via texting that God knew that this would happen this morning.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11.

Joseph was a bit anxious . . .

. . . but not too scared! On the drive and while waiting, he kept informing me confidently, "They won't take me. They won't hold me. They are not going to give me a shot. It is not going to hurt."

The doctor couldn't glue the gash because it was too wide open, so she began with a topical numbing cream. She said we could then give a Lidocaine shot (those really burn) if he still felt pain, but that it would be difficult to discern that because "we're going to wrap him up in a sheet like a burrito and pin him down, and all two-year-olds scream bloody murder the whole time."

I was praying to God, asking how my hormonal self this late in pregnancy was going to handle this and provide calm comfort to Joseph instead of bursting into tears myself.

Well, color both the doctor and I surprised because Joseph didn't cry except for two silent tears down his cheek! Joseph was clearly nervous and tense while ensconced in his burrito, but answered the doctor's distracting chatty questions. ("What do monkeys eat? "Bananas.") After each stitch, Joseph said firmly, "That is enough!" But he didn't cry or wail!

I was grateful for his sake and mine.

Joseph was tuckered out by the whole ordeal, so came home, with his new green tractor in hand (toy from the doctor), and fell fast asleep.