A Couple of Firsts

We took the kids bowling to celebrate Matt's and Aunt Jennifer's birthdays.  It was Ben's first time bowling.  McKenzie got to try out bowling at cousin Nathan's birthday when she was one.  The kids really had a good time.  McKenzie loved to help Ben with his turns.  She was probably more excited about his turn then her own.

McKenzie cheering as Ben's ball heads for the pins.  

All this helping can be good but sometimes it is just a bit too much.  This was one of those times.  In the middle of the second game there was some wild clapping and cheering perhaps a bit too close to Ben's face and he ended up with a scratch on his cornea.  We could tell he was in some pain but we assumed it would pass as most eye irritations do.  We finished up our game and then attempted to go to dinner but Ben was crying non stop (which isn't like him at all) so we decided to head to the doctor.  It was a Sunday evening and so we ended up at the Emergency Room near our house.  Ben was diagnosed with a Corneal Abrasion and sent away with some eye ointment and some minor pain killer.  He rested up on Monday and was as good as new by Monday night.  When the doctor scratched out a picture of the damage on a paper towel I was reassured we weren't dealing with anything long term.  

Here's my attempt at a picture in the ER.  I did have my good camera with me but made a conscious decision to leave it in the car and not be that crazy Mom taking pictures in the ER.  Kenzie was continuing her big sister duties and helping Ben sit on the hospital bed.  Ben was wanting to check out all the buttons and machines in the room.

The doctor was very patient as Ben asked him what every piece of equipment in the room did and why.  Then Ben demanded to have multiple colors of lights shined in his eyes.  This was our first trip to the Emergency Room for the kids and it was a positive experience despite the circumstances. It's nice to know we have such a good facility so close to home.  Let's hope we don't visit again but at least we know it's there.