Grammy e-mailed me this afternoon to say Hank seemed a little under the weather. He hadn’t eaten much, was restless during his nap, was a little bit fussy, a little bit warm, and he once pointed to his belly and said, “tummy” in a way that might have been a complaint and might have been, you know, a mere statement of fact, as in, “Here’s my…”

The thing about Hank is that he’s such a good natured kid that even when he’s really feeling crummy, he’s still fairly chipper and active and raring to go outside and romp around. It’s only obvious he’s sick when he spikes a fever or when night falls and he’s too uncomfortable to sleep. Otherwise, we’re looking for more subtle cues, like being a little bit cranky, a little bit restless, not as hungry as usual, especially in combination. One of these things alone may be nothing, but a little bit ‘off’ in a few different ways generally means Hank is feeling quite a bit ‘off.’

So, in today’s recounting of blessings, I am so grateful for Grammy, who is able to watch Hank while we are at work and be attuned enough to these subtle signs in order to alert us. I’m sure most daycare placements would never be able to be so alert to such barely-perceptible hints of illness in an uncomplaining toddler. I am grateful that my job is flexible enough (unless I am in the middle of trial) that I can leave early to take care of Hank when he needs it (though he’s in great hands with Grammy when I can’t get away). I am grateful that Hank has such a sunny disposition that, even when he feels crummy, he remains cheerful and affectionate. Finally, I am grateful to infant’s acetaminophen, which will hopefully help him sleep well and wake tomorrow feeling all better.

-C.