All in a Day's Work

Don't let this angelic face fool you!

The purpose of this post is to remind myself never to bring my children (Cozette) to Emory University again, even if I am desperate. Kayleigh had girl's camp last week, so I decided to bring Everett and Cozette with me.

How hard could it be with Everett there to help?

Here are the highlights of our two hour wait in the waiting room:

Cozette discovered the coffee maker and Styrofoam cups. She would tip toe across the room while looking back at me. I kept repeating, "Cozette, you need to come back here."  She did not listen one bit. I'm not sure how she discovered the word coffee, but I was mortified when she announced very loudly, "I want some coffee!"


"Cozette, we do not drink coffee," I replied in shock.

"Yes, we do!" She answered with a sly expression.

I dropped it, because I was not going to ignite this little fire by arguing with her.

Cozette was pacified by filling her cup with water from the water fountain and slurping it with a straw. All of this liquid caused us to have plenty of trips to the ladies room. I need to mention that I have been going to Emory for about 20 years, and I have managed to stay away from the bathrooms there. I had to take Cozette about four times. We are in the middle of potty training. I dared to let her go to Emory wearing her big girl panties. She was very proud of herself that she could use the "toy-yet" as she calls it.

Now, I usually do not speak or write about delicate matters. In my mind some things are simply best if they are kept private, so you can imagine my embarrassment when Cozette pranced back into the waiting room and declared very loudly to Everett that she has poo-pooed a little bit in the toilet.

This was not the best part.

"Everett, do you have to go poo-poo?" She innocently asked him.

Some of the elderly people looked up from reading their news papers and chuckled. Thankfully, she was not concerned about my well being, and I was spared such questions.

Next, Cozette decided to stand up on the little chair and sing about chocolate covered raisins. I had picked up a bag from the drug store. She did not eat them, but she sure did enjoy singing about them. 

Then, she decided to pretend that she was swimming on top of the little table. This was followed by her attempt to run away from me. 

Finally, she discovered the hand sanitizer dispenser. She sanitized her hands about 32 times.

These antics lasted for about two hours.

Finally, we were called back. I explained to the resident that I had my children with me. He said it was no problem.

While he was looking at my eyes, Cozette kept repeating over and over, "Mommy, I'm scared." The resident called her "buddy" several times and assured her there was not any reason to be scared.

Then we had to wait a little longer before Dr. Beck arrived.

Cozette had reached her limit at this point. We all had.


Dr. Beck greeted us in his usual cordial way. He did not seem fazed that I had brought two of my children with me. He spoke to them for a moment. As he proceeded to check my eyes, I explained to him that I was concerned that I had pink eye in my right eye. I informed Dr. Beck that I had been using my antibiotic drop. Turns out, I did not have pink eye. The sutures from my surgery were starting to unravel and needed to be removed. Dr. Beck has to cut and remove them with a tiny needle. This does not hurt but it's uncomfortable, and I have to be very still.

Cozette started crying at this point because she discovered the diet Dr. Pepper in my purse. She started screaming that she wanted to drink my Dr. Pepper.  I really did not know what to do. I would not let her drink it. Dr. Beck could never remove sutures with it being so loud. Well, I'm sure he could, but he sensed that I was very tense.

Dr. Beck summoned his residents and told them to keep an eye on my children while he removed my sutures. I was relieved and stunned that these guys had to do such a task. They kindly complied and one of them whipped out his ipod to show Cozette The Aristocats.  

Dr. Beck reported that my eye looked great and that I did not have to come back for four months. I  thanked him for all that he does for me and that I would see him soon.

Then, I added I would not bring my children next time!

He chuckled.

I think about those young doctors helping me with Cozette. I bet they never dreamed that is how they would end their day of residency at Emory University.

I guess it's all in a days work.

Cozette crashed when we reached our van.

She had a rough day at the office too!