Cody is a very clumsy child. He falls...alot. He is very coordinated, but he also seems to hit walls, floors, doors more than any other child. The other night, I asked him to run (my mistake) and get some toilet paper for Shea. He took off and two seconds later I heard the crash. I always check for blood first and this time, it was gushing. Once we were downstairs I checked the wound, it was long and wide. I have learned from past ER visits that these two things together usually mean glue, stitches or staples. So, off the ER we go. Cody was being so big in the backseat all by himself holding the towel on his head. The ER was full so we waited and waited. Cody ran around a little bit. He colored. He begged for candy. This whole time I am double thinking my decision and debating whether or not to leave. Finally, they call us in and the nurse checks him out. He tells Cody he will need staples and begins the numbing and cleaning. After seeing how bad it really was, I was grateful that I didn't leave the ER. It was not fun and since he cried, Cody keeps trying to tell me that he wasn't brave, but I think that to endure what he did without moving was extremely brave. In the end, the nurse told us there were six staples (beating Shea's 3). The next morning we counted and there were actually seven. The nurse was wrong. Here is the kicker. That night I was walking Cody to bed and I noticed a dent in the corner of the wall and the paint and drywall were cracked. I think we were lucky that only seven stitches were needed. Maybe a new wall.
A bank in the neighborhood advertised that Santa would be available for a visit and pictures so we loaded up the car and dashed on over so the kids could spill their deepest desires for Christmas goodies and splendor. We did this a few years ago and waited for hours for our turn with Santa and Shea and Alex were both screaming in the picture so it has taken a few years for us to go back. And like I said, some Santa's are better than others. Sometimes Santa just needs to fire some of his helpers but this Santa was fabulous. Alex brought a note and a list of what he wants. It isn't long, but very straightforward and to the point. Santa sat and listened and asked the appropriate questions like, "Have you been good this year?" Of course Alex nodded his head while looking in my direction, like he was just begging me not to contradict him and Santa said that maybe he could make it happen. He even laughed when Zach pulled at his curly beard. The best part? NO LINE!!! This is probably the most successful Santa/kids picture we have ever had and they don't even match or have their hair done. Oh well, lots of Christmases to go.
