The big-kid bucket

By Kris

Late Monday night, my four-year-old, Ben, came out of his bedroom and, wide-eyed, started telling his dad how his bed was wet but his pajamas were dry! Wasn't this fascinating? Brian found it ominous, and his fears were confirmed when Ben turned his head to reveal hair plastered with vomit.

From my bed, I heard Ben talking animatedly, then heard Brian yell, "Kris! Towel!"

I bathed Ben quickly while he shivered, and Brian cleaned up his bed. Through the teeth chattering, Ben continued to babble.

"Sometimes, when we hit each other, we get a time out," he said as I toweled him off.

"Did we have a tough day today?" I asked, thinking of the 20 time-outs he received and, in particular, a nasty incident of spitting (by him) and yelling (by me).

"Yeah. Tomorrow, let's have a fun day!"

"Sounds good," I said, and gave him a hug.

He continued: "When the floor's wet, it makes my feet wet. Sometimes, a lot of boys outside playing soccer with no clothes on makes perfect sense!"

"Yeah," I agreed as he climbed into bed. "That makes perfect sense. And I guess you've got a bit of a fever."

I covered him in blankets, gave him a bucket and explained what it was for. "Just in case," I said. Noticing his still-wide eyes, I asked, "Do you want me to lay with you until you fall asleep?"

"No, thanks."

"Oh, O.K.," I said, surprised and a bit disappointed. Was he mad at me for yelling today, or was this just another sign that he's growing up?

The next morning, he seemed better, but we realized he did get sick again during the night, in the bucket we left for him. While it isn't a classic baby book candidate, I can't help noting this gross but important milestone. My baby threw up, unassisted and in the bucket! I guess he really is growing up. I couldn't be more proud.

Comments

[RobinP]

Hi Kris!
I don't like when they do "big" things without us. Luckily Lillianna always likes me to lay with her when she doesn't feel well. I would cry if she didn't need me!!
How are you feeling, by the way? Is the nausea subsiding??

[Hula Doula]

Growing up to be a BIG BOY! Don't ya just love it but hate it the bigger they get. There are some definate perks though!

[amy]

that's an important milestone, very. just recently three parents here at work had a hilarious conversation about vomit and i realized just how important vomit is in the life of a parent!

[Terri]

Even today I sometimes miss the bucket. Kudos to such a big boy!

[melissaS]

I totally put that in my daughters baby book!

I couldn't have been more proud (also, relieved).

[kelly]

aw. hope he's better! those fever delusion conversations are real keepers!