In keeping with our tradition of one ER visit per year, Caleb had visit #4 a few days ago. (We've been in Legazpi 4 years and taken Caleb to the ER 4 times!) This time, it was a toe injury that resulted in emergency surgery.
Here's what happened.....
On Monday evening, April 16th, the kids were playing outside. Now, one of Caleb’s favorite things to do in our yard is to catch toads. (See previous post "A Day in the Life of Caleb" March 2007.) In the back, we have a large concrete drainage area that has become one of his favorite “fishing holes” for his toads. However, this drainage area has a large concrete cover – which weighs somewhere between 40 – 50 lbs. Well, on this particular night, it wasn’t a toad he was chasing, it was a mouse!
Our dog was barking like crazy because a mouse was caught under this cover, and so Caleb decided if he lifted the cover, the mouse would be free. However, when he lifted it, the mouse squeaked, Caleb jumped and dropped the cover on his big toe!
I’ll spare you all the details, but needless to say, if it weren’t for his toenail, he probably would’ve cut off his big toe! We immediately rushed him to the ER and saw a surgeon, who proceeded to do surgery on his toe. After some stitches, 9 or 10 shots and a round of anti-biotic, he’s much better now. However, the surgeon thinks Caleb may have totally destroyed his cuticle and may not be able to grow a toenail ever again. Only time will tell. Please pray with us for everything to heal properly. He’s been a good sport about the whole thing and has really “bounced back” quickly.
For the first couple of days after the surgery, he had to wear this bandage. Getting around was quite a challenge because it was very painful.
School must go on!! Here, Caleb is working on his math while his foot is propped up on a pillow. What a good sport!
This is Bat Monkey, one of Caleb's favs. (Bat Monkey was the result of a trip to "Build-a-Bear" in Little Rock with the Bowmans and originally had a Batman outfit...hence the name Bat Monkey!) He accompanied us to the ER and stayed close-by for several days. 
Here's the drainage cover that caused all the excitement. It is solid concrete and very heavy. I can barely lift it myself. I don't know how he did it!
In the days following the injury, our pediatrician told us to keep Caleb inside - to protect the toe. You can imagine how hard it has been for a 6 year old boy to be kept inside! So the other day on our lunch break, Carly prepared a picnic and she and Caleb ate lunch in the yard. He couldn't run and play, but at least he was out of the house!
