Mudge

Anemic no more.  (and yes there is a part of me that wonders if he ever was. . . our doctor's machine read much lower than the lab in town.  The doc's said he was anemic, the lab said he was perfectly normal.  After a year and a half of testing with the doc, we went to the lab.  same day, hours apart, two different results.  hmmm. . . )  

Yesterday I took my baby boy into the lab for his last hemoglobin test.   The nurse called and confirmed his normal results.  The call was proceeded by some whooping and hollering and overall jubilation--which means for the three of us at home we high fived, toasted our glasses of milk, and found room for another cookie.  It was a great morning.  

What have I learned from the whole Anemia experience:

1.  My we are healthy.  Spending time in the lab waiting room and see others with significant worries and ailments makes you appreciate a little anemia blood draw.  Can I say that those people, the ones who are sick and suffering, also happen to be some of the nicest people in the entire world!!  Especially the older ones and the immobile ones. . . they were always saying hello to Talmage and were the first ones to offer a smile, a little pat on his head, and a comment about energy and youth.  What examples of great service amid suffering.  

2.  Mudge is an amazing little boy.  I never once went to the doctor's office or the lab and didn't receive a compliment on his behavior.  He would sit soundlessly while getting poked (please don't think this is the Bacon norm. . . I have a few needle phobes in this family and others who are just plain wiggly all of the time).  There was a time when Mudge was taking a M&M sized supplement each morning.  All be it covered in Hershey's syrup and all, he would swallow the pill whole.  It took me until I was pregnant with Christian and Tanner to really learn how to swallow pills. . . the kid has got me beat by twenty years.  

3.  I am so grateful for Health Insurance and Eric's great job that provides it for us.  Seeing as though our employer/insurance company is Utah based, we have little if any in-provider coverage living in the Last Frontier: only 1 oncologist, 1 physical therapist, 1 obstetrician, and 1 hospital.  No pediatricians or family practice.  Fortunately under our insurance all lab work is covered 100% which has saved us hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

Talmage and I have been sick this past week.  Stomach Flu, Head Colds, and Fevers.  Talmage has wanted only to snuggle.  And snuggle.  And snuggle.  He's got the death grip on his sippy cup, but other than is content to just be held.  It is endearing to have this sweet little one so near to me and I am grateful that in another week or so his body will be healthy . . . a gift, a miracle, another reason to count our blessings during this season of Thanks.