the birthday party that wasn't

I had been looking forward to cody's 1st birthday all year. I wanted to start out my resolution to always make his december birthday special with his first year. Nothing too big or fancy, just a celebration at home with family and close friends. Birthday decorations would mingle with Christmas decorations to make it all the more festive. As usual, I stubbornly stuck to planning the party for the actual date of his birthday, which happened to be a wednesday. So, I planned an evening party in the hopes that everyone would be able to attend after work. I was delighted that so many rsvp'd with yes-es. With help from my mom and travis, I spent two days shopping for food and decorating for the big event. Everything was set for a perfect birthday party.

Then, two hours before guests were to arrive, I started feeling nauseous. Uh oh. Was it the cake batter I licked? Did I get that stomach flu that has been going around? I really wasn't feeling well at all. One hour before the party, things quickly turned south. Lyla and I started vomiting at the same time! My mom insisted that we go to the hospital in case it was salmonella or food poisoning. Whatever it was, I knew it was bad. I felt AWFUL. So, with less than an hour's notice, Travis called everyone on the guest list to tell them that the party was canceled. My parents took the kids, and Travis and I got in our car, and we all headed to the Inland Valley Hospital emergency room. Just as I saw the sign for "Emergency", my hands went tingly and numb. To my horror, I found that I could not move my hands or legs and they were seizing up completely. At this point I truly thought that I had food poisoning and I was going into some kind of toxic shock. So scary. I was wheeled into the ER and led to an exam area. I was told that people who hyperventilate often get cramping in their hands and legs. That was a relief to hear. I guess I was hyperventilating?

So we waited in the exam area...and waited...and waited. Not patiently, either. I was in agonizing pain from the nausea, vomiting, and (sorry) diarrhea. During that time, we heard that my mom was admitting Lyla because she had also vomited a few more times. I was vaguely aware that Lyla was in the room across from me. A physician finally came to see Lyla and she was given an anti-nausea pill that worked seemingly instantly. Travis later told me that as soon as they put the pill under her tongue, she smacked her lips, smiled, and said, "I feel better". That's my tough little girl.

Across the hallway, mommy was not doing quite so well. When the physician finally came in to see me, I was barely conscious. She asked me some questions (I think) and pushed around on my stomach and ordered the same pill that Lyla received. It did not work. I was then moved to a private room and put on an IV. It took the nurse 3 tries to insert the IV because I was so severely dehydrated. They tried another type of anti-nausea medication. It did not work. I was terribly thirsty and bitterly cold. That hospital bed was extremely uncomfortable and I was afraid that I might be spending the night there. However, I was given a third and stronger type of medication that finally did the trick. So, 5 1/2 hours later, I was discharged with no answer as to what had been wrong with me, but I did have a prescription for drugs that took the nausea away. Praise Jesus!

On our drive home, we heard that Lyla was fine ever since she received her dose of medication. Cody was having really bad diarrhea, but otherwise acting like his usual happy self. I couldn't help but feel so guilty that his party had been ruined by my sickness. I know that he will never remember what happened, but I was so depressed that his special day was spoiled. My sweet son deserves a wonderful birthday celebration, and he had to settle for Lyla and my parents singing "happy birthday" to him in the parking lot of the ER.

To add to the nightmare, Travis and my mom also contracted this vicious somach flu virus the next day. It pained me to see Travis and my mom going through it as well. At least I could sympathize.

It has been 3 days since Cody's birthday, and we are just starting to tentatively get back into our normal life routine again. I still haven't eaten anything besides crackers, jello, and plain pasta...or gone to work yet. Birthday decorations are still up and party trays are still out. We had to give away/throw away a ton of delicious party food. Such a shame. We have been debating whether or not to try the party again or just cancel altogether. I think we will try again in January...have it exactly one month later and celebrate his 13 months of life...his "baker's dozen" birthday. So I am not posting photos of the decorations because I will reuse them next month. My prayer is that it goes more smoothly next time and I will be posting about what a success his party turned out to be!