An eventful Christmas day

We began Christmas morning getting the girls ready for mass. After they were dressed the girls opened their presents and we would soon be headed for church. But as it turned out, it was not to be.

Earlier during the week Elena had developed an infection on her thumb that was being treated with antibiotics. We were watching it closely but on this day it looked worse. We called the Doctor and were instructed to take her to the ER. :( The nearest hospital did not have pediatricians on call so we decided to go to The Children's Hospital of Boston. It turned out to be a good choice even more so on Christmas day. The day quickly turned into fun for Elena when we arrived. First she received a Christmas bear from a little girl who was delivering them to the patients there. I initially felt they should be given to the children who were really sick. It was just her thumb afterall. However, after Elena's painful procedure, I quickly changed my mind realizing that it is these little things that provide comfort for children regardless of how small the ailment. The procedure was not only painful for Elena, but it was difficult for her to understand what was happening. She looked helpless and confused. It was difficult to watch her in such distress. I was then reminded of how difficult it must have been for my mother watching my brother go through his leukemia treatment for years and of all the other mothers who have sick children in hospitals. I can only imagine their strength and faith to help them get through something so trying.

While Elena waited for this painful procedure Santa came to visit her and personally handed her a gift. She even got a picture with him! She was visited by a child specialist who gave her sticker activities to pass the time while she waited. And to distract her as much as possible from what would happen, she was able to watch her favorite cartoon--Dora the Explorer. She didn't watch much of it once they began, but it provided a small distraction. Thankfully, she didn't place any bad associations with Dora and is still very much in love with her.

We ended up spending half the day at the hospital and left with so much more than what we came with...bears, stickers, toys, balloons. I have to say I was very pleased with the care she received and Elena doesn't even seem to look at the whole event negatively. In her own words, "Es para siente mejor" "It was to feel better." Needless to say we were unable to prepare Christmas dinner in time so we had a 2nd Christmas day the following day and opened the presents that were left. Tomorrow we will go to church and our holiday will be complete. Elena's finger is still healing and we are still watching it closely making sure it continues to heal. I am so very thankful for a healthy family this season. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

Before the hospital








At the hospital





Look closely at her thumb. It doesn't look that bad but you can see where it's inflammed.

Finally home after the hospital






Marisa who is now the proud owner of her very OWN remote!