Elise's Big Boo-Boo

We have always taken for granted that Elise was a timid child and out of danger. She never really ran away from us, climbed too much, or was terribly active. Her gross motor skills were definitely lacking others her age and so it was easy to let our guard down. Well, our big wake-up call came on Tuesday when she ran into the corner post on her bed which resulted in a gash on her forehead and spilling of lots of blood. When Mom ran into her room after hearing her cry, she looked like 'Carrie' from the movie with blood dripping down her face and cheeks with her hair mashed with the blood. It was a horrific site and it is unclear who was more afraid, Elise or Mom. The gash turned out to be pretty small but deep. So much blood from such a small opening! After consulting Elise's doctor, we were advised to take her to the emergency room where we were told that she would need 3 stitches. Our hearts sank and the guilt started to really take over that we didn't take better care of her and do a thorough job of proofing her room.

Elise was really a trooper throughout this ordeal. After the initial shock wore off, she noticed all the blood droplets on her shirt and sleeve and started to count them out loud. At the ER, she was oblivious to all that was going on around her up until they actually had to shoot her with numbing medicine. Not a happy camper at all. When it was all over and still sniffling, she bid the doctors and nurses "bye-bye" clearly not holding a grudge for what she just went through.

What a reality check this has been and so thankful she didn't gouge an eye out. Of course we don't expect to prevent every accident and they are bound to happen in her long life but it taught us not take anything for granted.