Julia recently has had a series of fevers (due to teething) and I find myself very thankful that my husband is there to step in. It’s not that I don’t know what to do, it’s just that — I sort of freak out!
I remember the first time Olivia had a high fever. It shot up to 103 degrees and we were terrified. We had no idea what to do. My quick-thinking husband decided to wrap her in cold towels. Yes, he used common sense, but I couldn’t even think straight, I was so worried and scared. We wrapped her body in a cold, wet towel in an attempt to bring the fever down quickly. She fell asleep snuggled in the towel until we had to wake her up after a few minutes and do it all over again. We must’ve done this at least five times. Each time she fell asleep and each time she cried when we woke her up. My husband was so calm while I practically chewed off my nails. He took her temperature one last time and it was finally back to normal. They each slept soundly that night, but I kept sneaking into her room to make sure she hadn’t gotten another fever.
My husband has a way of staying very calm in high-pressure situations. Such as the time our home caught fire (our downstairs neighbor fell asleep while cooking) and he got everyone out of the house, including the neighbors, without skipping a beat. The crazy thing is that he was supposed to go to work that day. It was a hot day in July, and he decided to stay home and take us to the beach. If he had gone to work, I most likely would’ve gone back to sleep. When I think of what could’ve happened, I doubt I would’ve had the courage to think quickly the way he did. And I’m grateful that he was there. He somehow always manages to stay focused and do what needs to be done. It’s a trait I admire in him and it comes in handy since I am a big worrier. He’s the sensible, calm one.
With two small children who are bound to get sick from time to time and who will no doubt injure themselves (hopefully not too seriously) at some point, it’s great to know that “Doctor Daddy” can step in confidently. He’s taking care of the girls, of course, but he also takes care of one very nervous mother.
