Jack's First Cold

When I arrived in New York five weeks ago Brian had a cold. That cold was passed on briefly to me who immediately started to overdose on Zicam, (by the way that stuff really works), and finally to Lindsay. Of course our greatest fear was that Jack would get sick so that was the primary topic of conversation in the house. Tough guy that he is Jack was fine.

Now let me make this perfectly clear because I know that Jack's other loving grandparents may be reading this, Jack is fine.  He did, however catch a cold this week and I assure you that we took it harder than he did. There was never any fever. There was a cough and congestion that resulted in some discomfort but he took it well. He was a bit irritated when I took him for a walk, with the approval of both of his parents. I may have gone a bit overboard because in 50 degree weather I dressed him for a blizzard. Grandpa Tom would have loved this.

Jack is quite surprised and somewhat irritated during our warm weather walk.

This illness brought back so many memories of having a sick child.  You can actually feel and hear the congestion in his little chest as you hold him. It seems like such a big cough for such a little boy. You feel so helpless when you know that he is unable to blow his little nose to ease his discomfort. We had a somewhat trying day and Lindsay decided to come home early and take Jack to see the doctor just to be sure that this was only a cold. This is when I discovered that what they say about how wonderful it is to be a grandparent because you get all of the benefit of the good times and the parents have the ultimate responsibility for the more unpleasant times is very true.  Now I would truly lay down my life fo this boy but I have to admit that when my incredible daughter-in-law came through the door I felt a sense of relief. She is such an amazing mother.  A natural. She came in after a day at work and calmly dressed him and loaded him comfortably in the Baby Bjorn for the two block walk to the doctor's office. As soon as Jack saw her he smiled and seemed to feel better already. Somehow I never remember being that calm during situations like this. I know it was just a cold but it was Jack's first time being sick and I truly admired Lindsay's calm and loving demeanor with this precious boy. What a lucky boy.


Have you ever seen a Mommy look so pretty right after giving birth?

 When I got home that night I have to admit that I was exhausted.  After I received the call that Jack was okay I had a glass of wine and called his concerned Grandpa Tom to assure him that all was well.