Bruiser.

I really am amazed at how completely different two children from the same environment can be.

Mia was such a quiet and cautious toddler (she still is actually). I could go about my daily business knowing that she would not get up to any mischief. Mia would sit with an activity for an age or entertain herself. Aaahhhhh it was bliss.

Ruby on the other hand lives for the thrills in life. I've blogged before about how boisterous she is and how completely without fear she seems to be most of the time.

Last Friday we ended our normally quiet and relaxing day with an ambulance ride and a trip to emergency.  Good Lord I could do with a stiff drink just thinking about it again.

I was finishing off housework and putting away groceries when Ruby said she wanted to sit at the dining table and draw (which she had done a millon times before). As I put away her favourite rice crackers she asked me for one.  I headed over to her with said crackers and as I approached her she got impatient and tried to climb off the chair.  Except in her haste she fell headfirst onto our terracotta tiled floor. Ruby broke the fall with her head.

I was right there and just wasn't able to catch her in time. I vomit in my mouth a little everytime I picture it in my head.

As she clutched her head and screamed I tried to put something cold onto her forhead, but she wouldn't let me. I have never seen such a large protuberance come from someone's head. I panicked a little, as I'm the worst in these types of situations. I raced off in the car with the plan to head to my G.P to see if she thought I should take her into the hospital. However at the end of my street there was a parked ambulance and I stopped and asked them to have a look at her.

The ambulance officers were dressed in protective clothing as they had been called out on a suspected Swine Flu case. They were so very helpful and kind to both Ruby and I and called another ambulance as they were concered for her.  I really wanted them to say, just take her to your G.P.  Ruby was being very quiet and a little lethargic but as soon as we got into the ambulance she was back to her usual thrill seeking antics. Screaming with joy and bossing the ambulance officer around.

We ended up staying for five hours at R.P.A for observations, and Ruby impressed everyone with her enormous 'egg'.  Ruby was so well behaved and charmed everyone with her cheekiness. The staff at R.P.A were so fantastic. I am so thankful our stay was short, and am in awe of parents who have little ones in hospital for more serious situations.  (Kudos to you my lovely Therese)

It tooke me days to get over the fright it gave me. You know she asked to sit at the table to draw the next morning and screeched and carried on when I said no. I will have to bring back the little table and chairs for her, the ones I packed away because she wanted to stage dive from them. I really wish she would get her kicks from drawing all over the table instead. I'm sure she would find a way to get banged up doing that as well though.

Ruby is now sporting two black eyes as well - which took me by surprise:

Comments

[Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella]

Ouch! I didn't realise that it was that bad :o

[Belinda]

I don't think I relayed to Dave on that night just how bad it was. She is a trouper though. If I had an injury like that I know I would be miserable! Hope your husband is doing better Lorraine.

[Anita]

You poor thing(s) Both of you! Hope she recovers quickly!

[Nick and jen]

Surprise Belinda! Guess who?? We found you on Not quite nigella's blog. The kids are adorable! Hope Ruby is feeling better.
We can't wait till next weekend! ;)

[Belinda]

Hey Nick and Jen - small world guys! I can't even tell you how excited I am to spend the weekend wining and dining with you - am counting down the days *yay* xoxox