Staying Still

Dear Sawyer,

GuhGaw and JieJie, like most kids, hate going to the doctor but you are the opposite. When you fall down or bump your head, you say, "I get hurt. I have to go to the doctor. Can we go to the doctor?" Is it the TV in the waiting room? Or do you like to look at the fish on the receptionist's desk? Maybe you just enjoy taking a car ride with Daddy and Mommy?

On Thursday, I actually did have to take you to the doctor because I noticed that your right ear was leaking yellow pus. It turns out that your ear drum had ruptured because you had an untreated ear infection! I had no idea you'd even had an ear infection because you hadn't complained of any pain, hadn't been rubbing your ear, hadn't had trouble eating or sleeping . . . nothing! Ear infections hurt so you are seriously one tough guy!

The doctor said the rupture will luckily heal on its own; I just need to put ear drops in your ear for 10 days to kill any bacteria. And you have been so great about letting me put the drops in! I have to put 5 drops in twice a day and after I put them in, you have to stay on your side for at least five minutes to allow the drops to fully enter your eardrum. I know that staying still for five minutes is an eternity for most kids (and even some adults!) but you have been so good about doing it every time. Yesterday, you were laying down on the couch and I told you to stay down while I cleaned up the kitchen. Time got away from me and I didn't realize that more than 15 minutes had gone by, but when I went back to the couch to get you, you were still laying down! Such a good boy!

Love,
Mom