Hudson and His Angry Eyes

If you read our blog regularly, you know Hudson has had breathing problems since he was born. We've tried several ways of treating it, and he's seen two specialists. Until yesterday, no one had a clear idea of what could be wrong- which, you know, worries a parent a bit- but we finally have an answer.

Dr. Burgess only needed to hear a few of the symptoms and he knew what it was right away. He listed off about six other symptoms and Hudson has every single one. The name of it is long, I have no idea how to spell it. Basically, Hudson has an unusually large epiglottis- the flap of cartilidge that covers your windpipe when you swallow to keep food from going in to your lungs. A pretty important thing to have, obviously, and Hudson's is a little too big. This was causing him difficulty breathing when he was in certain positions, etc. The answer to our problem is time- usually over time the flap will strengthen and it begins to work without problem. With the possibility of asthma, or even tumors suggested to us by other doctors- we're thrilled it's just a big epiglottis we have to deal with!

To be certain that this was the problem, Dr. Burgess wanted to look into his throat and confirm it. This meant using a long tube, which is placed up my little boy's nose and down his throat. I know, pleasant and comfortable- what more could HJ ask for? They placed some numbing drops in his nose and I held him in my arms (with much assistance from the resident). The whole process took about 30 seconds, but H wasn't havin' it. He cried while the tube was in, but once it was out he stopped right away. This is the funny part. He wasn't sad, scared, or in any kind of pain, but he was MAD. I'd been holding him in a goofy position, so he couldn't see my face. As soon as that thing came out, he swung his head left and right, searching for me. He had the angriest face I have ever seen on a baby. He found my face, locked eyes with me, and made the maddest, angriest scowl he could muster. This little man was FIGHTIN' MAD. Then he buried his face in my chest and refused to look at me for several minutes. I know I should have felt bad for him, but it was just too cute and funny. I was also grateful- because I'm certain if Hudson hadn't lacked the gross motor skills, that doctor would have a black eye.

Our body's design is just incredible. We take for granted daily the thousand little things and functions that make up our body and how it works. Jim and I left the appointment relieved that it was over, and that the little guy is fine.