Always wear a helmet!

We made our very first trip to the ER today.  Jared fell off his bike and gashed his head open when he fell into this little ledge by our back door.  I didn't quite see the fall, but I heard the bonk and turned around to see him grab his bleeding head and start crying.  One look at the gaping hole and I knew we needed to head to the ER.  I grabbed a washcloth and had him hold that on while we drove there.  He only cried for a moment when it first happened.  I had to keep asking him if he was okay, because he was so calm and silent (much more calm than I was).  Once there, he went back to one room to get it checked out.  It had stopped bleeding, but they put a bandage over it.  Then we went to another room and he laid down and they put some numbing stuff on it.  And we waited.  Meanwhile, I had called Alex and he headed over there (on his bike).  I was relieved when Alex got there to help out with Weston and Owen.  They were pretty good, but I was having a hard time entertaining them while comforting Jared.  Jared was SO calm - I am amazed at how brave he was while waiting for the doctor to come "fix his head" and the getting the stitches.  When it was time to get stitches, they wrapped him up to keep him from moving and the nurse held his head while the doctor stitched him up.  It was hard to watch, but I did take a peek.  Jared did great.  They had covered his eyes so he couldn't see what was going on (or see us), but he knows we were there, because later he talked about da-da rubbing his leg.  Anyway, he got all stitched up and that was that.  He has to go in and get them out in about 5-6 days.  I feel guilty for not being aware that he wasn't wearing his helmet.  Jared got his training wheels taken off not long ago and he's still not very good at riding a bike.  I should have noticed he didn't put his helmet on.  I was glad for the little things that made it easier for us today - it was 12:00 and we had already eaten lunch.  We were all dressed and even had shoes on already.  Weston was awake and in between naps.  The cell phone was charged up and I knew where Jared's insurance card was (minor details, but helpful).  So we were able to get out the door very quickly, which is particularly hard with 3 kids.  Also, I didn't hyperventilate :) and stayed as calm as a mom can.  I also was amazed at the goodness of my kids.  Owen climbed up next to Jared and rubbed his leg, Jared wanted to share his stickers with his brothers (especially saved one for Nathan who was at school), and Nathan was genuinely remorseful that Jared had gotten hurt (the "mourn with those that mourn" scripture had much greater meaning today).  Nathan said, "Oh, Jared!  I'm REALLY sorry you had to do that.  That must have really hurt."  Touched my heart to see their compassion for each other.

We were thinking today that we're pretty lucky that in 7 years, this is our 1st trip to the ER - unfortunately, I bet it won't be the last (with 4 boys...).  But we're thankful that it wasn't too bad.  Anyway, moms take note to be vigilant in helmet wearing, and have your kids watch this little video and point out what happens when you don't wear a helmet.