Circus Pony Ride That Went Wrong

A fun family trip to the Moolah Shrine Circus this past Saturday ended in a trip to the Pediatric ER.

The seemingly harmless pony ride at the circus turned out to be the most terrifying ride of our lives. It was set up like a carousel except with real ponies. The kids were very excited about getting to ride on ponies.

We made our way to the pony ride area after over 2 hours of spectacular performances by the circus dancers, tigers, elephants, motorcycle daredevils, monkeys, dogs, magicians, clowns, and acrobats.

Matthew was overflowing with joy watching the show, expressing his excitement with lots of hugs, flashing him his biggest smiles, and applauding with the crowd. Elizabeth was in awe of the elephants and applauding when applause was due too.

Before riding on the ponies, Matthew, his cousin, and friends wanted to get on the inflatable slide first. So we did that and they had a blast! Matthew went down the slide on his bottom twice and then decided he wanted to slide down head first the rest of the 3 minutes.

Then it was pony ride time. Bill walked next to Matthew and his pony. I walked next to Elizabeth's. We were right behind Bill and Matthew. One or two rounds into it, Elizabeth's walking pony suddenly turned into a bucking pony.

I remember seeing Elizabeth starting to tip the other way so I reached out to grab her. But before I could get a firm hold of her, the pony kicked me right above the knee. I think I was still trying to get to Elizabeth then I got kicked in the right lower jaw, stunning me and sending me to my bottom. Bill scooped up a very frightened, very upset Elizabeth right after the pony's hoof came into contact with her right arm.

My crying, but conscious, baby girl was then brought to a very shaken, shocked me. The arena floor or event manager(?) was trying to do his job to keep everyone else from panicking although Bill and I didn't care at all for how he was downplaying what had just happened.

I'm told that it all happened in maybe a quick 3 seconds, from when Elizabeth fell off the pony to when Bill got to her. It felt like an eternity, like it was all going in slow motion and I wasn't fast enough to catch Elizabeth.

I heard someone explaining that they saw Bill trip over a piece of carpeting that was not laying flat like it should have, and the pony Elizabeth was riding tripped over the same patch of carpet. That's when it started freaking out and bucking. I was still so shaken and in severe stress at that point. My hands were cold and clammy.

An on-site paramedic was talking to me and examining Elizabeth on my lap. I pointed out the bruise on Elizabeth's right arm and her two swollen fingers on her right hand. They checked if Elizabeth could move her arm up and down without severe pain. She could. They didn't even know about the huge lump on the back of her head until Bill pointed it out to them. At that point, I didn't trust that the on-site paramedic could do a decent job. I got out my phone and asked my sister-in-law to help me get a hold of Elizabeth's pediatrician. Elizabeth was starting to calm down.

We filled out an accident report at the Family Arena (circus venue) and drove to a Pediatric ER. The ER doctor also spoke to Elizabeth's pediatrician on the phone while we were there.

The report: The lump on the back of her head was due to the fall, not from the pony kicking. If it was from the pony, it would be the size of its hoof. Her arm is not broken. The hoof must have just grazed it enough to bruise as it came down on her arm. A hand x-ray showed that she had no broken bones in her right hand but her fingers had deep bruising, hence the purplish swelling. No severe injuries to her internal organs, except for a little bruise on her back. She has a thumb-size bruise on her left thigh. Keep an eye on her for vomitting episodes, which would be a sign of a concussion.

No vomitting overnight.

Two days have passed and Elizabeth is playing like her usual self. My arm and back are less sore but my knee is still bruised. I shudder everytime I think of what had happened. The pony nightmares will continue for a long time.

We am very thankful that we escaped with a few bumps and bruises and a scarred memory. I am thankful my 15-week pregnant belly wasn't kicked. It could've been so much worse.

No pony rides for us in the near future. When we asked Elizabeth about ponies after the incident, she says, "I cry." Bill is right though. We can't let her (or myself) have a fear of ponies or horses because of this incident. We'll gradually introduce ponies again in the future, starting in a more controlled setting.

Locked Out By 3-Year Old

Add me to the list of moms who answer "YES!" to the question: Has your child ever locked you out of the house?

I told Matthew I'd be right back and went to get the mail, not closing the door all the way. It took less than a minute, especially in 30°F weather when I ran to the mailbox and ran back to the house. As I reached the front door, I heard the door close all the way, then I heard a *CLICK*!!



I tried the doorknob. I could turn it. Matthew had locked the deadbolt! He had never done this before. I never taught him that but I'm sure he's seen me lock the front door hundreds of times. I couldn't believe it! Obviously this boy has great fine motor skills.

There I was in the cold (luckily I had a jacket and scarf on), wide-eyed, heart pounding, looking in through the glass on the side of the front door. I didn't have the cordless house phone on me or my cellphone or a house key. I wanted to break down the door.

My sweet 3-year old was smiling at me through the glass and twisting the doorknob. He thought this was a game. Of course, he didn't know how to unlock the deadbolt. I could see Elizabeth was still happy in her jumperoo. I rang the doorbell and knocked on the door. That kept Matthew at the door where I could see him. The house was kid-proofed but it just made me feel better if I could see him.

Then I made a quick dash across the snow-patched lawn to our neighbor's. Thank goodness they were home! I used their phone to call my sister-in-law, who had a spare key and I knew she was out and about in our area at this time. No answer on her cellphone. Panic! I called Bill at work. He was 40 minutes away but he could make some calls for me.

I ran back to the house. Matthew was still at the door smiling at me when I knocked and rang the doorbell. Elizabeth was starting to pout in her jumperoo. Uh-oh! Maybe I can just break a window to get in??

One more call, I thought, and ran to the neighbor's and got a hold of my sister-in-law this time. She was 5 minutes away and on her way. Whew! In the meantime, I had asked our neighbor if they could try picking the garage door lock and perhaps I could get in that way. Our neighbor tried and tried but the lock wouldn't give.

Then my sister-in-law arrived. And she had a key to our house!! Whew! Quickly thanking the neighbor, I rushed to the front door with my rescuer. With one turn of the key in the lock, we were in!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Kris!!

I hugged Matthew tight. Elizabeth had just started crying so I got her out of her jumperoo and hugged her tight too.

This scary experience probably took 5 years off my life in the 15 minutes that I was locked out of the house.

Moral of the story:
Always be prepared and have a back-up plan that does not involve relying on other people or breaking down the door or breaking a window.

What if Kris wasn't nearby? What if my next-door neighbors weren't home? What if...

The plan of action:
- Have a house key on me at all times, especially when stepping outside for just a minute to grab the mail. I'm going to get a wrist or arm wallet so I can wear my house key all day.
- Hide a house key somewhere outside.
- Take along a cellphone or the cordless house phone.

Never again!

The Best Big Brother

Growing up, I had always wanted a brother or a sister. That decision wasn't mine to make. "My child will not be an only child," I promised myself.

When Matthew was a baby, I struggled with the thought of wanting a sibling for him. The diagnosis of Down syndrome brought many questions that I couldn't answer at that time. However, I obviously got over my self-doubt. Elizabeth was born 2-1/2 years later.

Questions and Realizations
What were our chances of having another child with Down syndrome? With all the doctor visits, therapies and extra time and effort needed, I didn't know if I could handle another child with Down syndrome.

Newsflash to self: Every child has needs! Every child is unique and special.

Having Down syndrome means that Matthew's development is slower than his typical peers, which is why he gets therapy for certain areas of development and I put more effort into his development.

Having Down syndrome means he may have more health issues that need extra attention, which is why he has many doctor visits. Some kids with Down syndrome see more doctors and specialists than we do, some see less. We take Matthew to a pediatric opthamologist once a year or once every 2 years, his pediatrician every year and a pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT) every 6 months on average.

Matthew is just like his typical peers - all needing varying degrees of time and attention. Down syndrome is just a part of him. It doesn't define who he is.

When I was pregnant with Elizabeth, it didn't matter to me if she was born with Down syndrome or not. I wanted her to be healthy just like I prayed for Matthew to be healthy when I was pregnant with him.

How would he be as an older brother? Early on, I didn't know many families at all who had other kids after having a child with Down syndrome. After writing "Another Baby After Having A Child with Down Syndrome" and reading the many wonderful, supportive comments on it, I found more blogs of families who have had one or more children after having one with Down syndrome. Reading their stories helped me picture how Matthew might be as an older brother.

How will I find time for the things that Matthew needs extra help with? I try to make time. I give up something else to give him and Elizabeth time. I think it's a similar story with every parent who has 2 or more kids. I definitely have less time for Matthew. It's inevitable.

I multi-task. I find myself constantly trying to synchronize both kids' schedules whenever possible - naps, meals, playtime. I'm a planner and an organizer so I try to orchestrate things so that they work out just right. At the same time, I have to learn to go with the flow when things aren't "just so." It's a constant struggle and some days I feel like a total failure, even if Bill tells me I'm not. I wouldn't trade this job for anything else though.

Matthew plays independently when I take care of Elizabeth's needs. I try to devote some time for one-on-one play with her everyday. Matthew usually enjoys participating and gives her toys while she's in the bumbo seat.



I try to take advantage of Elizabeth's naps and use them for one-on-one teaching or "play therapy" time with Matthew. When she was little and she was up, I'd put her in her bouncy seat or swing. These days, she can sit independently so I sit her near me and surround her with toys to keep her busy while I spend a few uninterrupted minutes with Matthew.



Having two kids is doubly harder than one but I love the fact that I have two. I love them both - equally and unconditionally. I'm so happy we added on to our family.

The Best Big Brother
So how is Matthew as a big brother? So far, he is wonderful!

He always looks out for Elizabeth. He makes sure she has plenty of toys to play with. He gives her kisses and hugs even when I don't ask him to. He likes to tickle her tummy. They make each other smile. He makes her laugh. They love playing peek-a-boo. He even offers to share some of his toys with her.



I have no first-hand experience with sibling relations but I think Matthew and Elizabeth have a great start to forming a strong bond. It'll be up to us to encourage that as they grow up. They may have their disagreements later on but at the end of the day, my wish is for them to be able to rely on each other and have each other's back.


Related post:
Another Baby After Having A Child with Down Syndrome

Why Us?

Why me? Why us? These questions nagged me when waiting for Matthew's chromosome test results after his birth. "I'm not strong enough to handle this," I recall saying in my distressed emotional state. "You'll find the strength," my oldest sister-in-law gently reassured me. It sounded promising. But how?

Without fully realizing it at the time, my family was my strength during the wait and the first few months that followed. I listened to everything positive and leaned on them because all I had was doubt. God doesn't make mistakes. God has a plan which may not be known at the present time. God will reveal it through time.

Over time, the doubt went away. In it's place was strength, as promised. I found it from loving Matthew and caring for him with every breath and wanting only what was best for him. I found it in Bill. I found it in the encouragement offered from extended family. I found it in supportive old friends. I found it within the large network of families who have kids with Down syndrome. That's how I found strength.

Today, a facebook friend posted inspiring words that ring so true for me. I consider it the answer to my "Why me? Why us?" questions.

‎"God doesn't give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with special needs doesn't TAKE a special family, it MAKES a special family."

Matthew's 3rd Birthday Party Photos

Our little boy turns 3 on October 5. We had a big party today. Many thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us and making it such a fun day!

Thankful for Mom

I miss my mom.

When she arrived in April, 3-1/2 months seemed like a lengthy period of time. When I saw her off at the airport earlier today, it felt like the time was cut short. It was a tearful goodbye. Now, I find myself wishing she could've stayed here longer and didn't have to leave yet.

I am thankful that she made the trip here. I am thankful for her tremendous help around the house and with the kids, especially right before and after Elizabeth was born. I am thankful for the countless hours of play she and Matthew shared. I am thankful for the countless times she took Elizabeth off my hands so I could run errands more easily or spend one-on-one time with Matthew. I am thankful for our conversations and the time we spent together even if we didn't get along 100% of the time. But isn't that how most mother-daughter relationships are?

I am thankful for her and I look forward to the next time she can visit, whenever that may be.














Related post:
An Extra Special Mother's Day

An Extra Special Mother's Day

This Mother's Day is extra special.

For the first time, I am a mom to TWO wonderful kids.

Also, I celebrate Mother's Day this year with my mom. It seems like it's been at least more than 10 years ago that we were in the same country together on Mother's Day. She traveled half way across the world to spend time with us. She has been a huge help, making life more manageable during the weeks leading up to Elizabeth's birth. She will spend the next few months with us, much to Matthew's delight. I'm glad to have her.

Elizabeth

Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes sent our way. After 40 weeks in the making and 13 hours 28 minutes of laboring, here is the newest addition to our family. Proudly introducing - Elizabeth.