Two Extremes

Trenton is getting around too well these days, and therefor, it is finally time we baby proof the house! Mommy went around plugging all outlets and Daddy assembled the baby gate for the top of the stairs. Our good friend Jonathan built a block for the bottom of the stairs. We aren't completely finished but we are making progress, and we are relieved to get some of these major hazards taken care of.

Of course the same weekend we are baby proofing the house, Trenton experienced a rough weekend physically. On Friday, he toppled over scraping his chin and biting his tongue. Although there was a good amount of blood for such minor injuries, he was not seriously injured; just scared, I think.

On Sunday morning, he bumped his head on his crib excited that I was about to get him out. Under those circumstances, it never phased him as he smiled his enormous smile. However, he had to go to church with a mark on his forehead.

However, it got way worse and Sunday afternoon we ended up in the ER. We were meeting our friends at church for "Tailgating Treats"--the church's version of trick or treating. We got Trenton out of his car seat, and almost immediately after walking to the back of the car, he started crying this weird type of cry. He never full out wailed, but frequently there was a short painful cry. We knew something was wrong. He just doesn't let out cries like that and that was when we noticed his left arm looked limp. Each time we tried to lift his arm he would whine. It was easy to tell that the arm was the culprit of the pain. Something was definitely wrong and we needed to do something fast.

We took Trenton to Kennestone Hospital, which luckily was a block away. Granna and Opa met us there not knowing what was going on. Come to find out, his elbow was dislocated. The technical term is Nursemaid's Elbow, and it is common in children under the age of five. Apparently their ligaments and joints are not fully developed, and consequently, they can dislocate easily. The doctor immediately diagnosed him and had to pop his elbow back in place. Granna held him for this and I think the nurse purposely tried to distract me, it didn't work. That was a nasty cry that I never want to hear again, but within ten seconds, it was over. It was no time at all before Trenton was using the arm again. Literally, in less than a minute, he put his hand into his mouth--should have know that was going to be his initial move! He had probably missed that so much! Then, it was reaching for Opa--the poor thing couldn't reach for people and he always likes to go to others when he sees them. Then, he was holding water bottles, high fiving--all was back to normal. It was as if nothing had ever happened. Really bizarre!

Although the doctor said not to be surprised if a dislocation happens again, we hope Trenton never has to experience it another time. It was obvious that he was in such discomfort, but amazing how he never broke out into an endless cry. He must have known deep down Mommy and Daddy were going to take care of him--what a sweet feeling! We are proud of our brave, little Trenton!