Back in the Saddle Again (and a giveaway€¦)
Hello Friends. It is awfully good to be back here again, doing something that is normal and familiar. After the past 48 hours normalcy is just what I need. First, I want to thank you all for the outpouring of support, encouragement, and prayers. I haven’t had much time in the past couple days, but in what little quiet time I had, I found myself reading and re-reading your kind words on email, Twitter, Facebook, and the comments of this blog and each one of them brought me more peace. You can’t know what that meant to me.
So. Bean.
On Sunday night, Beanie was checked into the hospital for dehydration and difficulty breathing. The dehydration had been caused by a week-long stomach flu and the difficulty breathing was caused by swelling in one of Bean’s lungs and a croup cough. The doctor felt like these two things were linked because the swelling in Bean’s airways was making it difficult for him to swallow any fluid, which led to the dehydration.
In short, Bean was a big ol’ mess.
But he hung in there like a little bitty champ. He was really lethargic and that was really scary to watch. To new parents, it was downright horrific. But Chris and I found comfort in each other and in the knowledge that we had done the right thing by bringing him to the emergency room. He couldn’t have been in better hands than those of our pediatrician and I had never been more grateful that we had taken the time to get to know and trust our doctor. It made going through an ordeal like this much more comforting.
Bean Man isn’t completely out of the woods yet due to a high fever that spiked up this afternoon that we are monitoring, but he’s doing so much better taking fluids and keeping them down and the steroids he has been put on to help the swelling in his chest has helped him to cough much less. I think we are on our way out of this mess and Bean, Chris, and I couldn’t be any happier.
I share a lot of things on this blog. Things about myself and my marriage. Things about my parenting and things about my son. A lot of people think I over-share, and sometimes I agree with that myself. But when it comes to matters like this with Bean, there are a lot of things that I’m going to keep to myself. I’ve learned over the last few days that Bean is a little person and that more than any other responsibility that I have as a parent, being his spokesperson is my primary job. Being his activist. His agent. His representation. And any good agent will tell you that part of that job is knowing what to say when, but part of that job is also knowing when to sit down and shut up. And for me, this week has been that time. I don’t mind sharing information about how we noticed dehydration and what his symptoms were and how it was treated because I believe that information might be helpful to someone else. But I feel like going into detail about Bean’s health and our family’s way of dealing with that might just be the line that I don’t cross.
What happened in the hospital room, in the doctor’s office, and in our home the past few days was really difficult, really challenging, and really, really hard to take in. But out of respect for Bean and Chris’ privacy, and even my own for once, I think I’m just going to leave the story there, if that’s okay with you all. Just know that your outpouring of support to a family that you have never even met has brightened a few very dark days for us.
Thanks for just being there.
In appreciation for you all being here day after day (and out of the comfort of Select Comfort’s hearts), hop on over to Marriage Confessions Reviews for some much needed light-hearted entertainment and giveaway!
Yes. I am rewarding your good behavior by giving you gifts. I like to buy my friends.
52 Comments
EmilyC
I don’t know you personally but from what you’ve shared you are a wonderful mother and I’m so glad your little man is home again. I’m glad you took him to the emergency room and he was able to get the fluids he needed. I will keep your family in my prayers and keep praying for a complete recovery for Beanie. 🙂 Welcome home, Bean!!
Lori @ I Can Grow People
Katie, if you need us you know where to find us. We love you guys.
Angela
I’ll keep your family and Beanie in my prayers!
I’m so glad that things are looking better.
Amy V.
Katie,
Just as Emily stated above, while I do not know you personally I look forward to reading your blog each day because I think you are a REAL wife, mom, sister and friend to those around you and that is what I like most about your blog. Your writing is so witty and fun, yet honest and genuine, and I can really appreciate that. Your life lessons and thoughts that you share with all of us are greatly appreciated and an inspiration to all friends, wifes, moms, sisters and women out there.
So, thank you for being a dedicated blogger willing to share with all of us out in blogland a little piece of your life. 🙂
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for the Bean!
Julie
Hi, I am so glad he’s doing better. I really enjoy your writing. Thinking of you all. Julie
Sarah H.
Katie,
Good post. So glad you’re home doing more “normal” things! I was thinking about you, Chris, and little Bean constantly! I’m glad Beanie got the help he needed. I totally agree with Amy V. and Emily that one of the things that attracts me to your blog is how REAL it is. We know you, with out really KNOWING you–which is kind of cool 🙂 I totally understand that it’s hard to figure out what to blog about, and what not to blog about. I respect all of your choices! Give Bean a “get well soon” snuggle from us readers 🙂
Casey
I’m really happy to hear that your little man is doing better 🙂
Katy
All I need to know is he’s getting better. Prayers for whatever strength you need.
Tressa
I will continue to pray for all three of you. I’m so happy to hear your all back home!!
Allison
Get well soon, Bean! I really respect your decision to not share everything on your blog. It says a lot about you as a wife and mother. Very admirable.
Claudia
Hi Katie!
Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your fun, adventurous life. I look forward to reading your blog everyday. I am glad to hear that the little guy is doing better and I am hoping for a fast recovery. Glad that you are finally home =D
PS: I voted for you in the Bloggie Awards!
Jen
Thank you for this post. Just wanted to let you know that your words (and what you share with us) are very appreciated. As the wonderful ladies before me mentioned we all look forward to reading your posts. Your beautiful family was in our prayers and still is.
Rachel
So glad to hear that Bean is doing better. I appreciate your real-life experiences and writing, but totally agree that there are some things that you should be able to keep to yourself and medical information definitely qualifies! Keep on truckin’. I’ll continue to keep you all in my prayers.
Ella
Im really glad Beanie is getting better xx
earthtone
I just found out about it. Sending good vibes to the little one..stay safe and get well yah, boy!
Jessica W
Glad that you are all home and that Bean is doing better. Continued prayers that he will be fever free and 100% soon!
Missy
It is sooooo tough when your baby is sick. STAY supportive of each other (parents) and just love that baby!!!!!
Caroline
I’ve been compulsively checking your site hoping for an update because I don’t have a Twitter page (shocking, I know haha) and didn’t see your updates on the little side thingy until today. I’m SO glad to hear the bean is doing a little better!!!! 🙂 I’ll keep praying and sending good vibes to you all.
Christina
So glad that he’s getting better, and that you were able to get the help you needed for him!
Kate
I’m so happy you’re all home and healthier. Take good care of yourself and your family. We’ll all be here. 🙂
Meghan
We’ve been praying all day and will continue!
Niki
I hope your beautiful boy is at 100% very soon. Poor little guy. (((HUGS)))
Jessica
I hope the Bean gets better. You all take care 🙂
Kara
My son had (and still has to some degree) breathing problems and it is horrific to watch them struggle to breathe! I will keep you all in my prayers!
Michaela
Adding extra hugs – so glad to hear he’s doing better! I too appreciate the authenticity of your writing, and I appreciate it all the better knowing that as the Katie we’ve come to look forward to hearing from, you are as protective of your family as you rightly should be. When it comes to the curiosity and involvement of us blog-devotees, and what is right for you guys, there’s no question what should come first and as in all the comments above, it sounds like everyone else is just grateful to keep hearing from you at all! I hope everything settles down soon. 🙂
Mindee@ourfrontdoor
Katie, I am so glad he’s out of the hospital. I’ve been praying for you guys and will continue to do so. In addition for general healing, I’ve been praying that you all get some restful SLEEP! Hang in there.
Jenn
So glad he’s on the up and up!
Alisa
i’ll be thinking of you, chris, and the bean. take care 🙂
Mrs Jen B
I have also been checking this site because I don’t have Twitter. I’m glad your little man is doing better! I just love seeing new pics of him, such a handsome guy he is.
And I know what you mean about a line that you don’t want to cross – my father-in-law has been in the hospital and rehab for two months after a stroke and, while there are so many things I want to share with others (if only to get it off my chest) because it has been a tremendously trying time and I tend to be a “sharer” like you, I know it’s just not my place to pour my heart out. I can definitely relate.
Heather
so glad to hear he is feeling better!
Diane C
Glad to hear that Beanie is doing better. I will keep him and your family in my prayers.
Michelle
I’m glad he’s doing better. I’ll keep all three of you in my thoughts! 🙂
chrise
Glad Bean is doing much better. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Amanda S
Glad to hear that Beanie is on the road to recovery. I cannot imagine how terrifying this experience must have been.
Thanks for always sharing. Your blog shows the ups and downs of life and I appreciate that but completely agree that some things are better left un-shared.
I hope that you are feeling better as well.
Casey
I bet it’s so good to be home! Glad to see he is doing better.
MrsEAM
So so so glad to hear that Bean is doing better! You all continue to be in my thoughts. I can’t imagine how scary it must have been for you!
Jen
So glad to hear everyone is doing much better. Sending lots of baby kisses Bean’s way!
Sarah
Everyone needs boundries. Those boundries are often not known until a situation pushes or crosses them. You have a beautiful family, and it is your job to protect each other. I hope Bean makes a full and speedy recovery.
Nikki
Katie,
I completely respect you for not wanting to share all of the details of these past few days. Even though I do not know you, I caught my self coming to the website often to check to see if there were any updates on Bean’s condition. You’re openness and honesty in your blog has hooked me, and I look foward to reading it everyday! I hope that you are feeling better, and that Bean has a speedy recovery!
cori
Katie, Chris & Bean,
So glad to hear that you are all home.
Thank you for sharing your life with all, and you have every right to share only what you want to share!
I do not know you, but I do appreciate your writings about your family. Check your website often yesterday for updates.
Prayers to you and your family. Praying for a speedy recovery for Bean!
Love Wins!
Kate
Awww…I am so sorry that Bean has been so sick! Like the others who have commented, I completely love your blog and totally respect your decision not to share everything. Best wishes that Bean continues to improve!
Donna
I am glad to hear that Bean is doing better and I hope that fever goes away quickly. I hope the 3 of you are able to get some well deserved rest!
Brooke
I am so glad Beanie is feeling better a little better! hopefully, you are all getting some rest and are back to 100% soon!
Laura
Have been thinking about you – I’m happy your little Beaner is improving.
Take care of yourself and Chris too, and know that our thoughts are with you, no matter how much/little you share!
Dorice
I’ve been reading and enjoying your blog for the past six months ago. You are a good, entertaining writer. (that’s the only kind of blogs I read…)
As a mother of four almost grown children, there is nothing that hurts us mother’s more than to see our children suffering. And breathing problems are probably one of the worst. I’m glad your son is doing better and here’s to a 100% recovery soon!
Lisa
I’m so glad Beanie is starting to feel better! Poor little guy. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elizabeth
I’ve not posted before, but I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through some rough times with Beanie! You and Chris and of course Bean will be in our prayers over here.
Zoe
Thank goodness Bean is getting better! I hope you and Chris are looking after yourselves, too. <3
JT
I’m the mom to a 10 month old little boy, and my husband and I love your blog… you’ve had a lot of the same experiences we have! 🙂 We were so sorry to hear that Bean was sick. Thank goodness he’s home and getting back on his feet, and hopefully you and Chris are getting some much needed rest as well! Best of luck with everything!!
Miriam
I’m so glad your little man is doing better. I’m sure your baby getting sick is an awful and scary time. And you both sound like wonderful parents that would do anything for your child.
alison
hugs and prayers coming your way. You both are wonderful parents to Bean. Glad to hear he’s doing better. Don’t forget about yourself in all this either.. make sure you take care of yourself!
Jen
Just wanted to say that you are very right about being your child’s advocate. I have a little boy with Cystic Fibrosis and if it wasn’t for my actions as his advocate then he wouldn’t be alive today… and I am sure of it. We almost lost him at 2 months old because of nurses ignoring symptoms I was telling them about. I finally called the doctor myself and within 30 minutes they took him to surgery. It was so touch and go they told me and my husband that we better say our goodbyes before the next surgery just a couple days later. He’s doing much better now at 10 months old, even though we still face many challenges.