Ginny, Logan, and I normally traverse the greater southeastern US each December, traveling to visit alternating parents on Christmas Eve, returning to Knoxville to enjoy Christmas morning at home, and then sometimes looping back to see the other set of parents later on Christmas afternoon. Needless to say, it’s quite a trek, and we usually end up exhausted. So, this year, we decided to plan a low-key Christmas celebration at home. Somehow, we even convinced the in-laws to come to us for a change.
We took the entire week of Christmas off work to prepare. Ginny was excited, because she loves to cook and hates to leave the house unnecessarily. I, on the other hand, can get cabin fever during a long afternoon at home, so I was happy to run little errands and piddle around the garage. Logan was thrilled to queue up the non-stop Pixar movie marathon (he’s really connected with Ratatouille and the Christmas short, Prep & Landing, lately) in preparation for Santa.
After some initial weather-related drama, my wife’s folks arrived Sunday afternoon to spend a couple of days with us. Logan had a great time with his Grandma and Papa. We shared an early Christmas celebration, Logan enjoyed opening his first round of gifts, and Ginny made sure we all stayed well fed. Big, country breakfasts twice in one week…I told her I felt like a newlywed again. 
My parents (or Nan and Pap, as Logan calls them) arrived last night. After dinner, and amid much speculation regarding the whereabouts of Santa, we got Logan off to bed. However, our night was just getting started. About 2 AM, he woke up howling with a low-grade fever. Logan’s typically a pretty sound sleeper, but toddlers get stomach bugs all the time, so we quieted him and got him back to sleep. He started moaning at 5 AM, but again we calmed him down, gave him a little Tylenol, and got him off to sleep again. But when the rest of the family got up at 7 AM ready for Christmas morning festivities and Logan was still sleeping, we knew something was amiss. He normally wakes up the roosters each morning.
We finally managed to rouse him around 9 AM, but I could tell he wasn’t quite himself. He moaned when I changed his morning diaper, and he clung to me all the way downstairs. I’ve never seen a two-year-old less enthusiastic about opening gifts, and he seemed to ache when his feet touched the floor. Finally, we decided to gather him up with his brand new Buzz Lightyear action figure and take them both to the local ED. On Christmas morning. Oy.
Twelve hours and a battery of tests later, I’m sitting in my son’s room at Children’s Hospital, minus one toddler-sized, infected appendix. Aside from the three tiny scars he’s “earned” (it’s a guy thing) from his laparoscopic surgery, he’s probably too young to remember this Christmas in a few years, but it’ll stay with me for eternity. Next year, I think I’ll try celebrating Kwanza instead.
– Greg
gregsedwards 
I do hope he gets well soon. They are so resiliant though (recover much more quickly than we would under the same circumstances) I too have been visiting my son in hospital, although of course there is a 25 year age difference. Merry Christmas Greg and sorry that your ‘stay at home’ Christmas plans turned out to be not quite as you had planned.
LikeLike
Well, one thing’s for sure, his problem was speedily diagnosed and treated and he’ll be fine now. Sorry to know you’ve all been through this, Greg. What a couple of days, huh? Hope Logan’s feeling more sprightly today, and the rest of you all feel better.I’d keep an eye on the weather news. Reading it from my side of the Pond, it all looks rather dreadful. Have your family got far to travel? We’re supposed to be getting some more ourselves. Poor old Scotland is getting a hammering at the moment. Phew. Real winters again!
LikeLike
C’mon with the updates, is everything better now? Can’t halp a caring nag!
LikeLike
Hope Logan feels better soon Greg! You and Ginny will likely need more time than him to de-stress from this holiday!
LikeLike
Oh poor guy! That’s the youngest I’ve heard of anyone having that out. Wow. Well, you know what they say, an appendix is like a woman… LOL! (Did I say that?)
LikeLike
Well, it turns out Logan’s appendix ruptured before the surgery, which makes his recovery a bit slower and more difficult. There’s also the risk of abcess. He’s been having a hard time and a lot of discomfort. It’s hard to see a little one in such pain. Please keep us in your thoughts. Thanks.
LikeLike
You know what I’ll be doing, Greg. Ta for update. Stay strong and keep in touch.
LikeLike
Hoping for a speedy reovery. The young usually heeal fast.
LikeLike
Wishing he gets better soon. Take care. xx
LikeLike
Keeping Logan in our thoughts today. Big hugs to the little guy from the other side of Tennessee. :)
LikeLike
How is he, Greg?
LikeLike
Much better, thanks Jen (and all). I had to return to work this week, so Ginny is staying with him during the day, I’ve been visiting after work, and my parents are taking the overnight shift. We’ve barely had time to turn around. Logan’s NG tube was removed yesterday, and he’s on liquids (Sprite, popsicles, Jell-o, and chicken broth). He’s been able to get out of bed and visit the Hospital playroom. I’m so glad to see he’s improving. We don’t yet know when he’ll be discharged, but I’d expect by the weekend. Thanks again to all my WL pals for your well wishes.
LikeLike
Greg, I’m so happy Logan is getting better. I was worried about the poor little guy. Thank you for the update. X
LikeLike
I saw you gave updates on Facebook and got a bit jealous so had to nag ya! Very glad, Greg. Very glad:-) May he continue to get stronger.
LikeLike