If You Give a Kid a Laxative, Don't Let Him Sleep In (TMI warning!)

I should have seen it coming. I could have expected it and been prepared, or even prevented some of it. But no...I got hit full on because I didn't think it through.

Poop. Everywhere.

The pediatric nurse practitioner suggested that we continue to give Simon the Mira-lax till he effectively gets diarrhea. We gave it to him again yesterday, after he'd successfully pooped a few times. Because it's a powder laxative that goes in his drink, he only gets it when he drinks. He didn't drink much early in the day, so he effectively got a double dose at dinner. He didn't fall asleep till after 9pm, and we checked his diaper a few times right up until we heard him finally quiet down - no poop.

But this morning, I got up & got ready. I heard him talking in his crib, but he wasn't fussing so I took a few minutes to get dressed, put in my contacts & go to the bathroom. When I went in his room I was met with poop.

Simon was standing at the edge of the crib, poop covering him effectively shoulders to toes. It was all over the bed: sheets, crib rails, mattress pad. I stripped him down, gave him a quick "rinse off the poop" bath, dumped that water and gave him a clean bath. I called a friend to come hang out w/ Simon while I washed the bed, his pj's, diaper, everything. I had to take his sheet & mattress pad out to the curb & hose them off. For a moment I wished we used disposable diapers...I almost just threw the whole cloth diaper & everything away. But I didn't. I had to plunge & scrub the diaper in parts, and it took several flushes of the toilet to rinse it all away.

And then I didn't have enough laundry soap, so I had to stop & wash my hands, scoop up Simon & run to the Co-op to buy more laundry soap so I could finish washing everything.

It calls to mind images of so many movie scenes about the "tipping point" moments that make you pull your hair out as a mom. But I couldn't really get to that point, because I feel like I caused it. I gave the kid the laxative, put him to bed, and didn't get him up the first moment I heard him talking. Coulda, shoulda, didn't. Next time?

I have to say that Simon had more energy today than I've seen in a while. He weighs a few pounds less now, I think. And certainly his belly/guts feel better.

But it was probably the most disgusting thing I have ever - ever - experienced in my life.

Happy Vacation Moments, Chapter Eight - Some Views

My dad has worked at a successful car dealership in Grand Rapids for more years than I've been around...thirty-some, I think. Growing up with him has cultivated an appreciation of cars & car-related experiences that I might not otherwise have. For example, I love to wash my own car in the driveway. Love it. Also, I love to go to car races. We had the opportunity to go to a race at the Berlin Raceway while we were in Michigan. This was the classic car race. I went with Dad, Adam & Jason - me & the guys! Fun.

After the car races were over, they did a big fireworks display. It was a well done show.








One of many gorgeous Lake Michigan sunsets, as seen through the trees from our cottage back porch.





When I was little, I thought sun beams through the clouds were glimpses of heaven. I don't have the same simple idea of heaven as I once did, but I think there may be some truth to that juvenile assessment.

Happy Vacation Moments, Chapter Seven - Family Lovin'

Mom & her brother, my Uncle John, in a bear-squeeze on our cottage back porch





Adam got some snuggly love from our cousins' little boy, David. He's a teddy bear of a little guy.





Impromptu extended family photo op when we stopped by my aunt & uncle's cottage the night of the twins' birthdays. The family was having happy hour, and we were frantically trying to fit in the cake & presents & everything, so we didn't take the time to "perfect" the shot. It's the only extended family shot I have of the whole week though! And still so many people aren't present here.

Me & my sisters - looking "beached."

Happy Vacation Moments, Chapter Six - A Baby Chapter

Mom with a bouyant pink marshmallow.









Jason found one too. These were happy moments for the adults...maybe not so much for Anna & Rachel.





Why was Rachel wearing Anna's bathing suit on her head? We may never know. But it was a happy moment, evidently. The photo made the cut for this chapter!




Simon & I had a quiet moment. Me with Harry Potter, he with a bucket. If this isn't heaven - what is?

Happy Vacation Moments, Chapter Five

And I got to read - uninterrupted - a lot. In the middle of the day! I didn't have any "real life" responsibilities, and Simon was happily looked after by grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins...
This was about halfway through Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows, I believe.





Family dinners. A tradition I love, and didn't realize was uncommon till after moving out of mom & dad's house. There's something magickal about a meal with your own family.

Baby-wearing! Brother-in-law Jason, Mom & I carry the kiddos for a walk on the beach.





Jason found other ways to carry babies too. Anna (and her tongue) look pretty happy about it!

Happy Vacation Moments, Chapter Four

Melissa giving Becky a backrub. Now if THIS picture doesn't say "relaxing vacation," I don't know what does. Gotta love a sister!







Farmer's Market veggie hunting proved fruitful & delicious.









Playing cards, more cards, and another game of cards. This is something we love and just don't get enough of.





Rachel figured out the Rubik's Cube too. She's pretty smart.

Happy Vacation Moments, Chapter Three - Rozeboom Time

Paul taught us how to solve a Rubik's Cube. Maybe I'll make it a goal to learn a new "amazing party trick" every time I go on vacation.







Uncle John catching a pause between wild wave rides.








Aunt Jeannie & Liesl watching the water.








Liesl hamming it up, upside down style.