Have you noticed I’ve been a little MIA the past two days? I cannot even begin to describe the craziness that the last 36 hours of my life has held. Whew!
It included two nights of little sleep as Silas was up with a bad cold. The cold got worse yesterday and I was really concerned with his breathing so I ended up taking him into Urgent Care. I’m so glad that I did as his oxygen levels were quite low and they gave him a breathing treatment almost immediately. He had signs of RSV, but, gratefully, the tests came back negative.
Silas, Jesse and I were planning to leave early this morning for The Relevant Conference, but with how sick Silas was acting, I didn’t think it was going to be possible — and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do as I was slated to be one of the keynote speakers plus speak on three other panels.
Amazingly, Silas perked up a great deal after the breathing treatment, so the doctor thought it would be completely okay for us to go — provided we brought along a nebulizer and some other medications in case Silas had another episode.
So we went home and hurriedly finished putting everything together in order to leave bright and early this morning. We made it through security and on our flight, with just a few minutes to spare and we’re pretty happy with how things were going after all the events of yesterday.
But then, they had us all get off the plane because there were technical issues.
Uh-oh! Not a good sign!
We all had to trek back down to the ticket desk and get moved to different flights and then go back through security again (which is no small feat when traveling with children!).
They boarded the plan and then we ended up having to sit there for 30 minutes while the pilot filled out paperwork. And then we had to sit there some more because they forgot to fuel the plane.
We finally got off the ground and things were going pretty well, but on our way down, Silas had a dirty diaper which leaked on him and me and we had to stand and wait and wait and wait to get off the plane because of some miscommunication issue between our plane and the guys on the ground. All the while the plane continued to wreak more and more of dirty diaper smells!
Once we finally were allowed to exit the plane, I headed straight for the bathrooms to clean up Silas and myself. It ended up being worse than I thought and I had to wash my jacket in the bathroom sink with soap and water (I had brought a change of clothes for Silas but not for me! I thought we were past the days of diaper blowouts!)
When I came back out of the bathroom to find Jesse, he met me with the news that our flight to Harrisburg was full and they soonest they could get us on a flight was 7 p.m.
There was only one slight problem with that… I was supposed to be giving a keynote talk at 6:30 p.m. at Relevant.
I just prayed and asked the Lord to please work out the details and then we walked what seemed like a few miles to the customer service desk. I was overjoyed and relieved when they told us that the initial information was incorrect and they did have us scheduled for the afternoon flight — which would put us into Harrisburg right before the opening dinner at Relevant. God is good!
And now we’re hanging out at the Chicago airport, waiting for our flight to leave. Since we have a few hours to kill, I’ll be posting a bunch of updates on my blog — unless another unexpected catastrophe strikes! 🙂
By the way, I’m so thankful that Silas has done exceptionally well in the midst of all of this craziness and he seems to be feeling a lot better today! I’m so thankful as it is so hard for me to see my babies struggling.
I completely feel for you. My daughter was horribly sick on our way home form a cruise a couple of years ago. The other travelers in the Orlando airport were WONDERFUL about helping me clean up her mess on the carpet in the middle of terminal as well as the gentleman who shared our seat and put to put up with more episodes of the upset stomach. Traveling with sick children is not fun but having compassionate travel mates certainly makes it a little easier. I’m glad that you were able to get on your flight.
I hope you have/are having a great time at Relevant – I’m sure you’ll provide a ton of value to attendees.
And let me tell you, there’s a special place in heaven for you for remaining calm during all this travel stress! 🙂
My son always poops when we are landing too- and last time I flew by myself with both boys he totally leaked on me and everyone was holding their noses while we waited to get off the plane…Not my favorite motherhood moment. Glad you got there safely though. God bless you guys!!!!
I’m guessing you’re at midway (if you’re flying SW), but if you ever have a layover at O’Hare, they have a fabulous children’s play area.
I hope you get there in time.
Oh, and I ALWAYS bring an extra outfit on board. You never know when your 5yo will puke on you mid flight either!
Man you did have an eventful day but glad everything worked out.
Wish I would have read this yesterday then I could have made a run out to the airport to meet you! 🙂
Hi there!
I live between Harrisburg & Hershey, and work in Harrisburg. I didn’t even know this was going on or I would have made plans to be there!
Hopefully Silas is doing better, I remember what it was like when my DS had breathing issues, NOT FUN at all!
While you are here, make sure to take your little one over to Chocolate World or Hersheypark. Tonight they open at 4 for HP in the Dark. They offer trick or treating in the park(no costume required) and plenty of fun rides for you and the little one.
Enjoy central PA while you are here!
Travelling w/ kids can be difficult! Now I know to prepare even for what seems highly unlikely- we recently took our kids, ages 7, 5 and 1 on a trip- and it wasn’t the youngest 2 that needed changes of clothes! It was the 7 year old who spilled her drink on the first flight and then accidentally pooped in her pants during the layover!! Thankfully I had brought extra! 🙂
I am so glad to hear Silas is feeling better!! Both of my boys had allergies to dust and viral induced asthma and had trouble breathing. I spent many a night in the emergency room feeling helpless! It was very difficult to get a 2 and 4 yr old to use the albuterol puffers and the nebulizer treatments would only last few hours. A few things their allergist suggested where remove carpet from their rooms, special covers around their mattress, and have our duct work cleaned out professionally. It was the best money ever spent because within 3 months they were completely off daily medication!! They would still need nebulizer when they caught a cold but that was it!! Your trip sounds very trying and you should commend yourself on handling so calmly!! My mother has always told me that God only hands each person what they can handle and it is always for a reason! When I have those days I think that God just does it to remind me of my faith and to trust in him things will be ok!! I hope the rest of the trip goes without any more challenges and is peaceful and fulfilling!!
PS- make sure you let us know how the conference was!!
Wow, Crystal! I had no idea you went through so much just to get here today! But I’m so glad you came…yay! It was great to meet you, and thank you so much for speaking the truth in love tonight. We (I!) needed to hear what you had to say.
So good to meet you, Susan!
So glad the Lord gave you the strength to make it and that Silas is doing better. I had wanted to attend the conference (we live 30 minutes away; what could be better?). However, I’m glad the Lord’s ways are better than ours. My two daughters and I got sick today and there’s no way I could have attended. Enjoy the weekend!
What is “the relevant conference”?
Click on the link in the post or visit TheRelevantConference.com for more info. 🙂
I live in Harrisburg. It’s cold and windy today. Please make sure you dress warm!!
Amy
I’m so glad things finally seem to be going smoothly. I hope God really blesses your next few days with lots of fulfilling work, family fun–and PEACE! And I’m so happy to hear that your little one is much better. My daughter has had respiratory problems since infancy, so I know how exhausting and terrifying it can be to deal with those kinds of illnesses. I’ll pray for you what our friends pray for my family: easy breathing for Silas, and strength and peace for you!
I just wanted you to know that you are such an inspiration to me. I so admire how you turn to God in times of struggle instead of taking on the stress alone. I hope to one day be calm enough in catastrophies to do this too. Your faith is incredible!!
Hope the rest of your trip is calm and peaceful!!
Blessings,
Melanie
Oh bless your heart!
I always know when either of my children have gotten into wheat the blowouts are just atrocious. I cant imagine being on a plane during one though.
Praying for an uneventful but delightful trip. LOL!
Whew – what an experience! It can only get better from here! Good luck and have a great trip! Glad Silas is feeling better – it is hard on everyone when the little ones are sick.
The first time I flew with both of my kids (2 yo & 2 month old), my daughter got sick the night before our flight home. Terribly sick. We called the airline & they said we couldn’t change flights without paying a huge fee (like as much as we paid for our ticket!!). So we took a chance. She’d stopped throwing up during the night. Stupidly I gave her OJ to drink as we took off. She lost it all a few minutes later. All over me and the lady behind me’s purse!!! I also had brought change of clothes for both kids but none for me! So I sat the rest of the flight covered/soaked in puke 🙁 Not a fun flight!
Oh..what a bummer. At least Jesse is there so you don’t have to do it all on your own.
Wow, I am glad to hear the your little boy is feeling better, that sounded scary and crazy.
Take care
I’m glad you and your boys are safe, but please please please file a complaint with the airline. It is just unbelievable and unacceptable that they are continually having all these delays and cancellations and service issues, while charging you more and more tickets, your bags and food. They are treating passengers as if they have no choice and they have you backed in a corner (which sometimes they do) but really, you should either get some credit back or a discount for a future flight…SOMETHING to hold them accountable. They used to be a SERVICE industry, now it just seems they are a GIMME industry!!
Wow! It’s either laugh or cry, right? The Lord must have good plans for what you have to share tonight. Will be praying for you. I only have to chuckle because we just got done traveling with our little Benjamin, about the same age as your Silas; and had a comedy of errors by the time all was said and done. Travelling with little ones is a completely different ballgame!
Welcome to Central PA, Crystal. I live about 25 minutes from Harrisburg. Sample some of the local snacks, while you’re here if you can: Martins, Utz, Turkey Hill, Snyders, Hersheys. A trip to Chocolate World at Hersheypark in Hershey (which is free by the way and you get a free sample at the end) is a fun time. Hope everything works out well from here on out at the conference!
@Wendy, @ Wendy, Where are you located Neighbor? I’m right near Carlisle. I didn’t know anyone else around here followed her as well! So good to know!
I live outside of Dillsburg
Oh my goodness what a day. I hope you make it to your conference in time to speak. My little boy who is around Silas age had something that caused breathing issues just like that a couple of months ago it was so scary. It also included some really nasty diapers it might be the same virus we had.
On a bright note my little boy saw the picture of Silas and kept saying hi baby and blowing him kisses. It was so cute. 🙂
I’ve had those bad travel stories…just hang in there. It is sometimes awful getting from point A to point B!
Raised in Central PA – enjoy the chocolate. Makes me miss home :-{
Praying that you have an amazing time in Central Pennsylvania. I was born and raised in Harrisburg.
I am really sorry that you had to go through such a nightmarish travel situation! What a blessing that Jesse was with you and you didn’t have to go through all of that by yourself! Everyone is right though–it will make for a great story. Your authenticity is what everyone really likes about your blog. Thanks for the honesty!!
OMG! Poor you! I wish you the best of lucks girl! Because you are one of a kind!:) PS: I’ll be watching you tonight.
Oh mercy!
Is this one of those instances where part of you is wishing you had just said “no?” 🙂
I have moments like that, quite often!
Hope the next leg of your journey is far less eventful!
Oh bless your heart! One set of obstacles after another! I’m so glad Silas is doing better now. I have never flown with my babies because to be honest…I’m too scared!
I hope your speech tonight goes well. I personally wish I was in the audience to hear it!
Sounds a little too exciting!!
If you still have time to kill in the Chicago airport check out the playland for your children. It’s fun! It’s an airplane with luggage…they can be the pilot or the passengers, etc. Our children loved it when we were stuck there for nine hours a couple months ago!!!
Praying that the rest of your trip will be safe and less stressful, and that Silas continues to feel better. I’m travelling tomorrow – sure hope mine goes better than yours has!
At least you have a great opening story for the conference!
Just a FYI, there is a kids play area between terminals 2 and 3 near the post office and police substation.
I hope your travels are safe and your conference goes well. The picture of Silas is too cute!! I’m glad he’s feeling better.
Just a tip- if he responded to albuterol (what’s usually in those breathing treatments), he probably has illness induced asthma. You’ll want to keep an inhaler on hand for those middle of the night scares.
So glad your making it through… and you’ve kept yourself calm! Praise Jesus!
So glad to hear that Silas is doing much better, despite the diaper blowout. He is a cutie! Hope the rest of your trip runs more smoothly.
You certainly had a fair share of obstacles to get around. Your faith was the strenght you needed get through them all. I’ve always found it amazing how children have this ability to spring back from their illnesses. I’m not in the least surprised to hear that Silas was able to fare so well during the chaos. You introduce your children to so many different activities outside of the home, and they are very well socialized. Because of that, the many problems you encountered were probably “just another day” to all of them. I’m glad to hear that all is working out well, at this point, and that Silas is recovering. That must be such a great relief, with all you have ahead of you. No doubt your speech will be a great success. Have a blessed trip…and a safe, quiet, and anxiety free return home. 🙂
Crystal,
You never cease to amaze me with your positive nature, will-power and compassion. Had I been in your situation, I honestly would have gone nuts. you truly are an inspiration to a lot of us to stay positive and keep pushing amidst crisis and always be thankful for what God has given us. I pray & wish that the rest of your journey is peaceful and that Silas keeps up a good health!
We’re in Chicago! Hope your airport experience has been good here and praying for you all to leave on time and in good spirits. Thanks for letting us all know so that we can lift you guys up!
Oh my goodness! That is just insane! Hope that things calm down and Silas feels better soon.
I hope all goes well! Thankfully, the Harrisburg airport is small, so no more multi-mile airport treks 😉 Have a wonderful time at the conference!
As my mom, who is a writer, always says: “it’s all about the story.” Sure your travel hasn’t been the smoothest, but you have a great story to tell. Sorry about the diaper blowout. Those are never fun!
Here’s hoping your remaining travel is smooth sailing.
My first thought…it’s going to be a conference that God uses you because Satan is working overtime. I’ll pray for you.
oh no! i’m glad everything has calmed down and that silas is okay. hope the conference is great!! 🙂
Oh, I hope the trip goes more smoothly from here on out! You must be exhausted.
So glad that Silas is feeling better! I completely understand how stressed you were feeling. My son was very sick for the past three weeks with what the doctor thought was a virus but turned out to be Lyme disease from a tick bite. Now that he is on antibiotics, he is doing great – but whew, there is nothing harder as a mom than seeing your child suffer.
Hope the rest of your trip is fun and relaxing 🙂
@Courtney,
Courtney…are you by any chance from the Northeast region? I’ve heard that Lyme Disease is more common in that area, and I’m wondering if that’s true. Also, I seem to have read somewhere that it is not cureable, only treatable. Since your son was recently diagnosed, I am wondering if that is true. I have a friend from the Northeast area, and he contracted Lyme Disease several years ago (more than 10). He has never completely gotten rid of it, and it has taken a dramatic toll on his overall health. It’s possible that it could be and individual situation, since people can have the same disease, but each react differently to it. I don’t know much about Lyme Disease, and pray that your son doesn’t suffer any long term ill effects from this. Seems like everything I read or hear of it, is a little scary. I suffered through “tick fever” when I was a child, from a bite in the bend of my knee, and was so, so sick for two weeks…very high fevers and I couldn’t stand or walk. But, that is totally different from Lyme. I will certainly appreciate it if you could set me straight on this. Thanks!
@Lyla, Thanks so much for your prayers! I am from the midwest and Lyme disease is very prevalent here. I know that it is also rampant in the northeast. My understanding is that if antibiotic treatment is started shortly after exposure, the cure rate is very high.
@Courtney,
Courtney…thanks so much for your help, and the link. I will go there and see if I can get educated. By the way…I’m from Missouri, and had no idea we had such a problem with Lyme in our area. I’d best be learning, considering my activities have me in many wooded areas, and you know what our deer population is like around these parts. Duh for me. I should have been able to put two and two together with that knowledge alone. 🙂 Hope those antibiotics work for your little one. I can’t imagine how frantic and worried you must have been with the diagnosis. The best we can do is educate ourselves. It helps some to relieve our fears. I used to feel so helpless when mine came down with the common cold. A little like Crystal has been feeling about Silas. Thanks again for your help.
@Courtney,
Oh for Pete’s sake! I need to slow down a little. I was in a hurry, trying to read my e-mail before leaving for a while, and mistook a link in my auto generated mail, from Crystal, to be from you. Sorry about that. I’ll try to better the next time. 🙂
You poor dear! I hope everything goes well from here on out and that your cutie pa-tutie is feeling all better. Prayers for you and yours…
Someday this will be a good story to laugh at. Till then we are praying for a smoother trip and healing for the little one.
Praying for you today!
You’re in Chicago! Wave as you take off — you might go right over my house!
So glad you were only traveling with one little and that your husband was there to help! We seem to have diaper blowouts almost every flight and I am traveling alone with all 3 of mine next summer to visit my family, should be exciting!
Wow, that sounds crazy! I’m glad that your husband was there with you to help you handle everything. My son had RSV when he was 5 months old, and it was so stressful watching him not respond to oxygen treatments at the beginning and struggle with breathing. I’m glad that Silas doesn’t have that, and hope he feels better soon!
Never a dull moment!! I sure do hope everything goes smoothly from here on out!!!
OMG! Hope everything is settling down for you now. But just think, it will be a great story to share at family dinners later!
Wave to my home town for me!
Best of luck on this next leg of your journey!