Wednesday, November 29, 2017:  At about 4 o’clock in the morning, Laurel came into our room and told us that she felt like she was going to throw up.  With our kids slowly passing around that year’s stomach-flu virus, Matt and I immediately assumed our battle positions and helped her while she was sick.  Matt went to refresh her bucket while I made a bed for her on our bedroom floor.  She seemed to have no trouble going back to sleep.

At about 5 o’clock, Matt and I heard the tell-tale noises of Laurel getting ready to throw up.  Once again, we assumed our battle stations, Matt helped Laurel sit up and I held the bucket.  Oddly though, Laurel immediately fell back asleep.

Travis’ turn with the stomach flu (2 weeks earlier)

For Rhett and Travis, this wouldn’t be too weird – but Laurel and Jackson are show-boaters when it comes to being sick.  They’re never too sick to complain about being sick.

I googled information about children being sick while asleep.  It seemed to be a pretty common occurrence (and I’ve seen it occasionally with my other kids) so Matt and I went back to sleep.  But I definitely wanted to ask her pediatrician about it in the morning.

By this point, my own migraine had lasted for nearly a week.  Sleep interruptions are an aggravation, so Matt stepped up to help the boys get ready for school so I could rest for a few extra minutes.  I got up to help make lunches and to get breakfast going.  Then Matt drove Rhett and Jackson to school before heading to work.

As Travis started playing in the front room, I went back to lie on the bed so I could watch Laurel sleep.  I wanted to be nearby in case she needed me.

Laurel – 7 Years Old

Around 8:45, I left a message for the school to let them know that Laurel would be missing another day.  Then I called her pediatrician so he’d have a message from me waiting as soon as he got into his office.  Even though he’d seen Laurel just hours before, I wanted to make him aware that she had been up again during the night.  Our doctor is wonderful and has taken care of our family for many years and he has never minded when I had extra concerns or extra questions.  I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing anything.

Then I just laid there and I watched Laurel sleep.  So peaceful.  So beautiful.  So perfect.