just stuck...

Parenting is a unique experience. I'm not sure if there is anything else that causes such a wide range of emotions...in a single day. For example, today was one of those days. Moments of joy, frustration, pride, shock and disgust. It was one of those days when the best chilled white wine couldn't have made it better.

Sam is constipated. stopped. full of bricks. unwilling to move. making diamonds.

it's miserable. for him. me. runner boy. kate.

We've been to the m.d., called the m.d., tried the m.d.'s suggestion and yet, he's unmoved.

Here's the recipe:

Add copious amounts of mir*a*lax to food and drink. Wait. Add more fluid to gut. Wait 24 hours. Check results. If negative yield, go to step 2.

Step 2) Add a pellet of glycerin to bum. Allow pellet to come to body temperature and check results. If no luck, consult kiddie m.d.

Step 3) Convince child that parent is "here to help" and add enema to posterior colonic outlet. Assure miserable child that it hurts you more than them...stuff guilty feelings down because this will make child more comfortable and fix the problem.

Step 4) Mop up vomit resulting from child being stuffed with pooh, and reach for more mir*a*lax.

Step 5) Speed dial m.d.

Step 6) Peruse the entire Rx aisle for solutions. Notice gummy fruit chews that expedite food through the gut. (Parent now assured that this multifaceted approach--enema, suppository, mir*a*lax and gummy chews will to the trick.)

Parent offers Sam fruity gummy laxative treat upon arriving home. Sam flatly rejects offer. Kate immediately inhales one and poops 2 hours later.

Step 7) Speed dial m.d.

Step 8) Take it to the next level. Chocolate ex*lax this time. Am told this is a trick of the experts. Sam likes chocolate--should be great--I could hear the flushing in my mind.

Parent offers yummy chocolate to Sam. "I noooo whannnn it..." he whines. Kate pipes up with..."Chocolate? can I have some?" like a fly on...well...poop.

Step 9) Think outside the box...time for a specialist. Make appointment with the "constipation and reflux evaluation" clinic at local kiddies medical center.

After about a week of this, we are tired and Sam is so uncomfortable. Tonight he cried a little and just put his little arm around my neck and held on. What conflicting emotions...frustration with the circumstances and yet so grateful that this little dude is part of our lives. I savored those moments with his arm holding me close, thanked God and asked form a little more help.