Mother's Day... Not as we planned

I have been a little hesitant to post about this, mostly because I am still a little bit traumatized... but I feel it is important to share because a dear friend shared her experience and it helped me so I hope by sharing I can help someone else... although I wouldn't wish this on anyone.  Basically our Mother's Day weekend wasn't picture perfect this year.   A few days before Mother's Day Leo started getting a fever.  His best friend had Roseola the  week before so we weren't too concerned because we were sure that is what we had.  If you know Leo, very little gets him down.  In fact we have a video of him dancing and being Leo even though he had a 102 temperature.  Though Saturday night, he was a little more clingy and we could tell he really didn't feel well.  We put him to bed.  About 30 minutes later, I heard him coughing and then  he started making choking sounds.  I rushed in to find him having a seizure in bed.  We were with some friends who acted fast.  Elisa called 911 and Allen and Jake gave Leo a blessing.  After the EMTs came, they suggested we go to the hospital.  We were at the hospital a few hours... enough time for them to run a few tests and get Leo's fever down.  We ended up getting home just a little before midnight.  Here is what we learned:  Leo had what is called a Febrile Seizure.   Please Read through this and this just to be prepared in case it ever happens to one of  your little ones... Basically we learned that between now and the time Leo is 5 he is genetically prone to have seizures related to fevers. Some people believe it is related to the height of the fever and other believe it is due to a spike in the fever.  They are relatively harmless, but very frightening to the parents and to the little ones.  I didn't know that after a seizure they would be paralyzed for an hour or two.  This was very scary for Leo and I.  We have had two friends within the last year have children that experienced a febrile seizure so while it was scary, Allen and I felt a little more prepared and Allen was able to stay calm because he was aware of what was happening.  

Leo after he finally was able to settle down and crash

This is when we knew he was okay.  He sat up and giggled and then made his sound effects for throwing a ball or doing ninja pose. 

So mother's day came, and we were all exhausted.  We needed to go to church because of a few things that were happening for both of us.  So we went to church and then crashed.  No fancy dinner, no breakfast in bed because we were all too tired.  But you know what... it was one of the most special mother's days I think I will ever have.  Although I wish this never happened, I am grateful I was able to be a mother on Mother's Day when Leo really needed me.  We spent most of the day cuddling and holding this little guy.  I am so grateful to be a mom.  I feel so inadequate, but so grateful the Lord has entrusted this Little One to me.  I am so grateful he is here today.  I have some very close friends who do not get to hold their little ones on Mother's Day.  My heart aches everyday for them.  I wish they could hold their babies.  I wish they could hold and cuddle all of their children on Mother's Day and every day.  Being a mother is such a noble calling.  I am so grateful I get to be a mom.  I am so grateful Leo is okay.  This Mother's Day I am grateful for all that Heavenly Father has blessed us with.    

On Sunday he was so tired he just wanted to lay on the stairs.  

Look at that sweet boy.  Of course he has his balls... his comfort.  In fact that green ball
is an extension of his body.  He always has it with him.  

I LOVE my job.  A little piece of Heaven.    

Starting to feel better... and of course he still has his ball.