Noah goes to the hospital

This afternoon we got the news: All clear. Cue the long-awaited sigh of relief.

Precisely two weeks ago, Jessica took Noah for what she thought would be a routine checkup at the doctor. My parents were in town and it was their last day before flying back to the States, so for a final hurrah I took Sara and my parents to a large indoor swimming complex called Therme (just north of the airport). Sara was pretty much over a cold, so we thought it was safe to take her along. Jessica stayed home with Noah, who had seemingly picked up a biting cough and fever from Sara.

Evidently considered one of the top ten things to do in Bucharest, the Therme complex is great. Palm trees, water slides, pool bars, good food. And high-tech lockers to keep all your stuff like keys and cell phones. Hence the problem: I did not have my phone with me to see that Jessica had called and texted several times to tell me she was calling the doctor to get an appointment asap. By the time I dug my phone out of my jeans pocket in my locker, the doctors had decided Noah's best bet was to stay overnight. I quickly drove Sara and my parents home and ran overnight supplies up to Jessica at the hospital. My parents felt bad about having to catch a plane the next morning.

The virus known as RSV gives you symptoms of the common cold, but babies only a few months old are susceptible due to underdeveloped immune systems and perhaps slower weight gain. Thus Noah, at four months old, was an easy target. Thursday turned into Friday, turned into Saturday, etc. Noah (and Jessica) did not leave the hospital until Wednesday afternoon.

Six days in a hospital room is rough, especially when you're never sure if you'll leave the next day or not. Jessica liked all the doctors and nurses that came and went, judging them to be quite friendly and helpful. This was, after all, a private pediatric hospital. Praise God that our IMB insurance allows us access to private clinics/hospitals, since we've heard lots of stories of the unsanitary and bribery-ridden public ones.

I think the hardest part for me was leaving the hospital each evening alone. I could deal with the silly white robes they made me wear and the plastic bags over my shoes, but leaving my wife and child was heartbreaking. Several times I walked past reception with tears on my face. Then I'd drive to pick up Sara. Being only 2 1/2, Sara was not allowed up to visit Jessica and Noah. This meant that I'd have to drop her off so that friends could watch her for a few hours. Thank you Ryan, Melinda, Andrei, Diana, and Katerina for your kindness.

Today, two weeks after the appointment that turned into six days, we returned to the hospital to see if the virus was gone from Noah's lungs. We are clear. Noah is healthy. God is good.

Sara having fun with Andrei 

Noah getting an IV in his hand

All smiles. All better.